#United States #Bentonville #Mass Timber #HFA Architecture #Andrew Mack

Mass-Timber Design and Construction: A U.S. Perspective

The potential for mass-timber design and construction to transform the U.S. built environment is being increasingly recognized within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors. According to Andrew Mack, a prominent architect at HFA Architecture + Engineering, the innovative mass-timber techniques being utilized abroad, especially in Europe, could greatly enrich American architectural practices.

Mack's observations stem from a comprehensive exploration of mass-timber buildings in countries like Sweden and Austria, where timber constructions not only emphasize sustainability but also showcase a unique warmth and craftsmanship. He notes that in such locales, cross-laminated timber (CLT) enables the rapid assembly of entire floors in mere days—a stark contrast to the more regulatory-heavy approach seen in the U.S., where such installations are frequently regarded as a tedious process aimed primarily at meeting carbon reduction goals rather than spurring creativity and excitement in design.

In a recent commentary for Construction Business Owner (CBO), Mack aligns with industry stakeholders advocating for a shift in mindset regarding mass-timber. He articulates that the U.S. must not only adopt innovations seen in Europe but also adapt them collaboratively across local contexts. To this end, it is essential that the U.S. AEC sector focus on three areas of development:

1. Embrace Hybrid Construction Techniques

Mack's research underscores the advantages of hybrid structures, which blend mass timber with other materials like glass, steel, concrete, and aluminum. This multimaterial approach addresses inherent challenges associated with pure CLT skyscrapers, such as wood compressing under weight in certain configurations. By integrating vertical CLT walls with heavier materials, the structural integrity can be enhanced, thereby alleviating issues like swaying that can occur in tall wooden buildings. Mack succinctly compares this to historical water towers that provide stability through their design, suggesting that architects can learn from these legacy structures.

2. Push for a Domestic CLT Network

Mack emphasizes the necessity for a thriving homegrown mass-timber industry in the United States, which can enhance creativity in wood design and construction. Drawing from successful models in Europe, he notes the collaborative efforts among producers, academic institutions, and government agencies that foster timber innovation. For instance, in Austria, industry players are seen working hand-in-hand to revolutionize timber production and application. Mack advocates for a similar landscape in the U.S., where local wood sourcing can not only beautify structures but also make meaningful contributions by supporting local economies and addressing the housing crisis through sustainable forestry management. It’s an opportunity to channel previously underutilized resources into an architectural renaissance grounded in mass timber.

3. Advance Technological Integration

The potential for advanced technology in mass-timber prefabrication is tremendous. By leveraging intelligent design tools and advanced manufacturing processes, American firms can explore a wider array of architectural possibilities. Referring to the Swedish approach at Sara Kulturhus, where entire hotel rooms are prefabricated and assembled on-site like modular units, Mack argues that the U.S. should be imitating and enhancing these processes. Companies like California's Fabric Mass Timber (FMT) are pioneering building information modeling (BIM) tools that foster closer collaboration between fabricators and designers, allowing for bespoke mass-timber solutions that can inspire a new wave of creative design.

In conclusion, Mack believes that mass timber is an ancient technique whose potential is still unfolding today. The challenge is not about whether we can utilize timber but how ambitiously we can push the boundaries of its application within architecture and construction. By focusing on these three critical areas—embracing hybrid designs, building a domestic lumber network, and advancing technology—we have the opportunity to redefine the built environment through mass timber in the U.S.

To dive deeper into Andrew Mack's insights and the evolving landscape of mass-timber architecture, the full article can be found at Construction Business Owner.