CONSTRUCTING
_____________________________________________________________
Cover Story _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE
FUTURE
Exploring the advantages of mass timber construction .
By Dean Lewis and Steve Clem
In recent years , the rise of sustainable and innovative building materials has brought about the emergence of mass timber construction as a compelling alternative to traditional steel and concrete methods . Combining environmental consciousness , efficiency and aesthetics , mass timber is transforming the way building design and construction are approached .
What is mass timber construction ?
Mass timber construction uses large , prefabricated timber panels as primary structural elements in buildings . This approach to construction leverages engineered wood products to create robust and versatile structures that can serve a variety of purposes . In contrast to light-frame wood construction , which involves numerous smaller wood members , mass timber is constructed utilizing a range of engineered wood products , frequently consisting of sizable , solid wood panels , columns , or beams . These components are fabricated off-site and can be used in load-bearing structures for walls , floors , and roofs . The collective term for these materials is ‘ mass timber ,’ representing a remarkable advancement in sustainable construction practices .
20
▲ The Kendeda Building