MASS TIMBER MARKET QUICKENS

BY BILL PARSONS, WOODWORKS - WOOD PRODUCTS COUNCIL

OVER THE PAST 15 years, we’ve seen the use of wood in structures expand considerably with the new mass timber market category. Wood has gained ground in the multifamily, commercial and institutional segments, and, despite a proliferation of larger and taller light-frame wood projects, the acceleration of mass timber is outpacing the growth of other systems. The urgency surrounding the carbon impact of construction has also amplified interest in wood as a sustainable solution.

Despite supply chain disruptions, rising interest rates and other challenges slowing construction, there are still opportunities for increased wood use—and mass timber is well-positioned as a high-performance/cost-competitive structural solution.

Growth by Market

As an organization that provides education and project support to developers and design/construction teams, WoodWorks has seen firsthand the incredible interest in mass timber buildings. As of March 31, 809 multifamily, commercial or institutional mass timber projects were under construction or built in the U.S., and 944 were in design.

In the multifamily market, the trend toward greater density and urbanization in all major metropolitan areas is leading to an increase in multifamily projects and more design variation. Buildings with five or more stories of light-frame construction have become common, and more designers are exploring mass timber and hybrid solutions—e.g., with mass timber floor and roof systems and light-frame walls.

Initial gains in the commercial and institutional market segments involved buildings similar in design to multifamily projects—e.g., hotels, motels and student housing—but the performance capabilities of mass timber and growing interest in products such as CLT have led to a much more diverse range. Mass timber has also become a significant draw for developers who want to attract quality, long-term tenants and for design teams eager to explore the creative potential.

The education and student housing segments have also shown continued growth, with 31 projects under construction or built. This includes groundbreaking university projects across the country, such as the John W. Olver Design Building at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, Oregon State University Cascades Edward J. Ray Hall, Michigan State University STEM Teaching & Learning Facility, and University of Washington Founders Hall.

Innovative wood products and building technologies are also taking wood to new heights and opening markets that have previously been out of reach for wood solutions. Changes approved for the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) allow wood buildings up to 18 stories, and amendments to the 2024 IBC will expand the allowable percentage of exposed wood ceilings in buildings 12 stories or less. There are currently 11 tall mass timber

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