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Georgia Tech ’ s inaugural venture into mass timber construction . The deliberate choice of mass timber for this Living Building stemmed from its remarkable reduction in embodied carbon footprint when compared to conventional concrete and steel systems . The naillaminated wood decking used in the project was panelized off-site before being expertly craned into position . Notably , 25,000 linear feet of two-byfour material was repurposed from Atlanta ’ s Lifecycle Building Center , which sourced the lumber from discarded film sets . What adds a unique dimension to this undertaking is the engagement of apprentices from the local nonprofit organization , Georgia Works !, who assembled the decking , while cultivating trade skills .
It should be noted that the offcuts from the newly sourced lumber were used to create the seat steps that gracefully cascade across the building ’ s atrium tiers . In addition , the project utilized wood salvaged from trees on the campus for crafting countertops and furniture .
Portland International Airport : A Skanska joint venture undertook a substantial initiative overseeing the modernization of Portland International Airport ( PDX ). A defining feature of this project was the strategic on-site assembly of curved 80-foot glulam beams and MPP sheathing . These precision-engineered elements serve as the structural backbone for the airport ’ s expansive nine-acre roof , a feat that stands as a testament to both innovation and craftsmanship . The roof was constructed three quarters of a mile from its permanent location and was moved into position in enormous pieces while the terminal was unoccupied each evening . This strategy saved significant time and money and reduced impacts to the millions of travelers who use the airport each year .
Washington ’ s Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth Expansion : In Vancouver , Washington , Skanska is currently building an academic structure to expand the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth . The building design seamlessly integrates glue-laminated wood for columns and beams , along with a roof structure and floors crafted from threeply cross-laminated ( CLT ) timber . Not only is this system cost competitive when compared to more conventional building methods , but the design capitalizes on biophilic advantages that foster student well-being and enhance learning outcomes . The approach also met the rigors of deaf space design , effectively managing acoustic vibrations to optimize communication within the space .
With each of these projects , Skanska exemplifies its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in construction . Through the integration of mass timber and a commitment to sustainable design , these endeavors positively contribute to the built environment and serve as beacons of inspiration for our building community . ■
https :// usa . skanska . com https :// interactive . usa . skanska . com / skanska / skanska-mass-timber / p / 1
Dean Lewis is director of mass timber and preconstruction , Skanska USA Building , and Steve Clem is senior vice president / regional director of preconstruction , Skanska USA Building . Skanska is one of the largest , most financially sound construction and development companies in the US , serving a broad range of clients including those in transportation , power , industrial , water / wastewater , healthcare , education , sports , data centers , government , aviation and commercial .
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