The Quiet Revolution in Building Materials

Imagine a future where the towering skyscrapers and expansive commercial buildings we’ve grown accustomed to are not made of cold, unyielding steel and concrete, but warm, living wood. A future where the very structures we work and live in have a connection to the natural world, where the scent of freshly-sawn timber fills the air, and the grain of the wood is a constant, calming presence.

This vision is no longer just a pipe dream. A quiet revolution is sweeping through the commercial construction industry, and the humble tree is leading the charge. Mass timber products – including glue-laminated timber (glulam), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and mass plywood panels (MPP) – are transforming the way we build, ushering in a new era of sustainable, innovative, and aesthetically-pleasing commercial structures.

As someone deeply passionate about the built environment and the incredible potential of wood, I’ve been closely following this trend. And let me tell you, the implications for the timber industry and the future of our cities are nothing short of remarkable.

The Rise of Mass Timber

Mass timber products might sound like a new invention, but the technology has actually been around for decades. The first CLT panels, for example, were developed in the early 1990s in Europe, where they quickly gained popularity as a viable alternative to concrete and steel in low- to mid-rise construction.

It’s only in the last decade or so, however, that mass timber has truly started to capture the imagination of architects, designers, and builders across North America. A major breakthrough came in 2021, when the International Building Code (IBC) was updated to include provisions for the use of mass timber in buildings up to 18 stories tall. This regulatory shift, spearheaded by groups like the Softwood Lumber Board and the American Wood Council, has opened the floodgates for mass timber’s widespread adoption.

The numbers speak for themselves. According to one report, the global CLT market was valued at $664 million in 2018 and is expected to grow by more than 13% annually, reaching $15 billion by 2024. And this is just the tip of the iceberg – as more architects and developers become familiar with the benefits of mass timber, we’re likely to see exponential growth in the years to come.

The Benefits of Mass Timber

So, what’s driving this mass timber revolution? It all comes down to the incredible properties of these engineered wood products.

For starters, mass timber is incredibly strong and durable. The cross-laminated configuration of the panels, with layers of solid wood boards stacked and glued together, gives them a structural performance that rivals even steel and concrete. In fact, according to the report, “Structurally, CLT offers performance comparable to concrete or steel with panels suitable for use as walls, floors, roofs, and other applications.”

But the benefits don’t stop there. Mass timber is also remarkably lightweight, making it much easier to transport and install on-site. This translates to faster construction times and lower labor costs compared to traditional commercial building materials. And let’s not forget the environmental advantages – wood is a renewable, low-carbon resource, and the manufacturing process for mass timber products is far less energy-intensive than the production of steel or concrete.

Perhaps most importantly, though, mass timber brings an undeniable aesthetic appeal to the built environment. The warm, natural tones and organic patterns of the wood create a sense of connection to the natural world that is often lacking in conventional commercial spaces. It’s a quality that can have a profound impact on the well-being and productivity of the people who occupy these buildings.

The New Face of Commercial Construction

The rise of mass timber is already transforming the commercial construction landscape, and the impacts are being felt across North America. One of the most high-profile examples is Google’s announcement to use timber in the construction of a new series of buildings on the Toronto waterfront. This move not only showcases the design flexibility and sustainability of mass timber, but also serves as a powerful statement about the future of commercial architecture.

But Google’s project is just the beginning. As the report notes, Oregon has become the first US state to amend its building code to permit taller buildings made from timber, paving the way for even more ambitious mass timber projects.

And the supply chain is rapidly evolving to meet the growing demand. Companies like Rosboro in Oregon, Freres Lumber in Lyons, and Vaagen Timbers in Washington are all emerging as leaders in the production of engineered wood products. These pioneers are not only helping to drive innovation in the field, but they’re also positioning themselves as crucial players in the future of commercial construction.

The Future is Timber

As I reflect on the exciting changes unfolding in the world of commercial construction, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism and wonder. The shift towards mass timber represents not just a technological advancement, but a fundamental rethinking of the way we design and build our shared spaces.

Imagine a future where the towering office buildings, sleek shopping malls, and bustling transportation hubs of our cities are all constructed with the warm embrace of wood. A future where the very act of entering a commercial space is an immersive, sensory experience that connects us to the natural world. A future where sustainability, innovation, and aesthetics all converge to create truly remarkable built environments.

This future is not as distant as it may seem. The mass timber revolution is already underway, and the timber building and woodworking companies at the forefront of this movement are poised to play a vital role in shaping the commercial spaces of tomorrow. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this industry, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.