/ THE NETWORK / MARCH/APRIL 2024
BY MICHELLE OLD
Trends in construction have extended lead times and develop slowly as projects take shape and benefits are weighed. Technology evolves and processes change, but many construction principles have remained the same for centuries. This juxtaposition might be why Mass Timber construction is on the rise – it is both an evolving construction system and a proven method utilizing principles and materials that predate modern architecture. According to Woodworks Innovation Network, the online community of the non-profit organization, over 500 Mass Timber projects are completed or in progress across the United States. So, what is Mass Timber, and where is it heading? Mass Timber is a structural system composed of dimensional lumber secured by glue, nails, or dowels. It is a subcategory of engineered wood products such as glued laminated timber, cross-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber. When bonded, Mass Timber components create larger, load-bearing sections as strong as concrete or steel. It also includes a host of sustainable benefits and efficiencies. Still, Mass Timber is a relative novelty in the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Though the International Building Code is current and includes Mass Timber construction types, some local codes may show discrepancies between traditional wood construction and Mass Timber. However, an experienced project team can easily manage gaps in local knowledge or plan for challenges like material availability.
BENEFITS | SEEING THE FOREST AND THE TREES
The benefits of Mass Timber are many and include advantages to the environment, the end user, and developers.
MASS TIMBER: TAKING ROOT AND ON THE RISE
Sustainability is the most apparent advantage and is easy to quantify. Wood is, after all, a renewable resource that can be carefully and constructively managed. Additionally, where concrete manufacturing produces large amounts of C02 emissions, Mass Timber mitigates environmental challenges on several fronts. First, managed forests add trees to the environment, replacing any that are cut and resulting in a net positive for communities. Secondly, manufacturing Mass Timber elements requires significantly less energy than processed materials like steel or concrete. As construction and buildings are major producers of greenhouse gases, it's essential for the design and construction industry to seek responsible
BY JENNA LAIRD
just outside Houston, Texas, yielded six times less carbon produced than reinforced concrete. Kirksey has embarked on a path to promote and grow the Mass Timber movement, developing foundational expertise in Mass Timber design and construction through a growing portfolio of projects and extensive research. The firm has designed 13 Mass Timber projects ranging from 4,000 to 300,000 square feet. Mass Timber also offers a lighter alternative to steel and concrete, resulting in reduced foundations that subsequently result in cost and carbon reductions. Kirksey's findings from recent Mass Timber projects suggest cost reductions from 10% to 30% compared to steel or concrete frames. Additionally, assembling Mass Timber
é San Jacinto College Anderson Ball Building
solutions that benefit the environment and the people the buildings serve. In one example, Kirksey Architecture’s project with San Jacinto College on the Anderson-Ball Classroom Building
is much quicker than traditional construction. The prefabrication process contributes to faster builds and lower labor costs, creating a faster return on investment. The construction process is also quieter, minimizing disturbances to
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