Celebrating a major milestone this week as we hit 30,000 followers on LinkedIn! From our humble beginnings in 2018 to becoming a global voice in sustainable construction, we're grateful for every member of our community dedicated to understanding mass timber construction worldwide.

The innovation landscape is buzzing with groundbreaking developments. Sterling Structural has unveiled a game-changing modular mass timber shaft wall system for multi-level construction projects—prefabricated CLT panels with integrated shaft walls that simplify elevator installation while maintaining sustainability credentials. Meanwhile, Rotterdam showcases its architectural evolution with the completion of its first mass timber residential building, featuring 82 reasonably priced apartments across two staggered wings rising 10 and 14 stories high. The exposed CLT soffits and beam systems create a striking visual testament to timber's structural and aesthetic potential.

New York City is making bold moves with plans for its largest mass timber residential project on Staten Island, a 500-unit development with 25% designated as affordable housing. California State University celebrates the completion of its first mass timber building at Chico State—a $14.5 million facility where engineered wood creates both structural integrity and biophilic warmth. Most intriguing perhaps is the emergence of "Super Wood" from startup Inventwood—a material claiming 50% more tensile strength than steel with 90% lower carbon emissions, potentially heralding the next evolution in sustainable construction materials. With Simon Fraser University breaking ground on an eight-story mass timber student residence, it's clear that engineered wood is transforming how we build across all sectors.

Join us weekly as we continue tracking the revolution reshaping construction worldwide. Whether you're an architect, engineer, developer, or simply fascinated by sustainable building, there's never been a more exciting time to explore the possibilities of mass timber.

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The sustainable building revolution is gathering unstoppable momentum as mass timber construction projects continue to emerge worldwide. This week's update brings you the cutting edge of timber innovation, showcasing how this remarkable material is transforming architecture and construction practices across continents.

Finland's Honka has unveiled their groundbreaking Fusion Plus CLT system—the culmination of 22 years of dedicated research. This non-settling solution enables ambitious ecological wood construction with enhanced environmental credentials and technical efficiency. Meanwhile, the prestigious RIBA Awards have recognized two outstanding mass timber projects: the magnificent Spencer Building at Worth School with its generous windows and beautiful timber interior, and the Greenhill building at Harrow Arts Centre, which has already transformed community engagement through thoughtful design.

Across the Atlantic, Yellowknife is breaking ground on a forward-thinking 50-unit public housing development that leverages mass timber for rapid assembly and incorporates biomass heating for maximum sustainability. Scotland's Mass Timber Centre for Excellence celebrates a decade of challenging misconceptions and developing UK-grown timber solutions that rival European imports. And in a significant milestone for American adoption, the University of Pennsylvania has completed Philadelphia's first mass timber building—a sleek new facility for their data science and AI programs. Each of these developments signals a broader shift toward sustainable construction methods that prioritize both environmental responsibility and design excellence.

Want to stay at the forefront of the mass timber revolution? Subscribe to our podcast, explore our academic journal, and join our community of forward-thinking building professionals who are reshaping the future of construction one timber project at a time.

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Ready for a whirlwind tour of mass timber innovation happening across the globe? From robotic fabrication in Barcelona to award-winning coastal homes in Cornwall, we're covering the most exciting developments in sustainable construction.

The timber revolution continues gaining momentum with Fife College setting new standards in sustainable education buildings. Their new campus has shattered carbon targets, achieving just 560kg CO2/m² by replacing traditional concrete with cross-laminated timber and using 95% recycled steel in their delta beams. This showcase of collaborative design between architects, engineers, and sustainability experts demonstrates how public buildings can lead the way in carbon reduction.

Meanwhile, architectural excellence in timber construction is receiving well-deserved recognition, with a stunning two-family home in Cornwall winning the prestigious 2025 RIBA West, South and Wessex Award. This "Hollywood on the sea" property masterfully integrates mass timber elements with breathtaking coastal views. At the Venice Architecture Biennale, the US pavilion is making a statement with a zigzagging mass timber canopy exploring "An Architecture of Generosity," while TU Graz's innovative "HOT" (Holz on Top) system offers modular timber solutions for urban building extensions.

Perhaps most exciting is the convergence of technology and timber, with CORE transforming a former Barcelona stable into a "cathedral of robotic artisans" where a KUKA six-axis industrial milling robot crafts extraordinary geometric forms from mass timber. These developments, alongside Sterling Solutions' new Terra-Cross CLT bridge system supporting 100 tons, showcase timber's versatility across architecture, infrastructure, and digital fabrication. Don't forget to check out the Rothobus Build the Impossible competition, now accepting entries until September, and subscribe to our channels for more mass timber inspiration!

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Timber is taking over the world, one remarkable structure at a time. From concert halls to skyscrapers, sustainable mass timber construction is revolutionizing architecture across the globe, and we're bringing you the latest innovations.

The UK's Mass Timber Centre for Excellence has unveiled its £1.5 million investment in cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, including an impressive vacuum press system that's changing the game for engineered wood products. We share exclusive images of this technology that few get to see up close. Meanwhile, the iconic wooden roof at Portland's PDX airport has reached new heights of popularity by starring in DJ Avalanche's latest music video – proving that mass timber isn't just sustainable, it's becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Japan's 2025 Expo in Osaka will feature a breathtaking circular CLT pavilion that reimagines the relationship between architecture and visitors, while Holland's ambitious Nice Timber Tower soars 140 metres into the sky with its revolutionary wooden elevator core and concrete-free construction. Perhaps most surprising is Middle Georgia Regional Airport's $13.4 million guitar-shaped terminal, constructed primarily from southern yellow pine – a perfect harmony of regional identity and sustainable building practices.

We're also thrilled to announce the university teams competing in the 2025 Autodesk Challenge Cup, where the next generation of designers will showcase mass timber solutions for "smarter building for a translational way of living." Don't miss our special guest episode featuring Bonier Ofeig and Julie Abington discussing how New Zealand revolutionized social housing through mass timber years before the rest of the world caught on. Subscribe now to stay on the cutting edge of the material that's reshaping our built environment – literally and figuratively.

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The untold story of New Zealand's mass timber revolution unfolds as architectural designer Bernie from RM Designs and structural engineer Julian from ENGCO share their remarkable 10-year journey pioneering sustainable construction methods. What began as a response to the challenges of post-earthquake Christchurch has evolved into over 50 successful projects that demonstrate how thoughtful collaboration can transform an industry.

Their partnership reveals a refreshing counterpoint to the stereotypical architect-engineer rivalry. Instead, they've embraced a "no one of us is as smart as all of us" philosophy that brings contractors, manufacturers, and consultants to the table from day one. This early collaboration has been their secret weapon, allowing them to optimize designs for constructability while solving complex problems around acoustics, fire safety, and structural efficiency in mass timber buildings.

The conversation takes us through their breakthrough project—the Bealey Backpackers—where they reduced foundation costs from 20% to just 7-8% of the budget by leveraging timber's lightweight properties. We hear how their work with Housing New Zealand became a watershed moment, as they meticulously documented mass timber's advantages against traditional construction across more than 20 performance indicators. From three-story walk-ups completed in just 8.5 months to innovative projects like the Pounamu Pathway with its distinctive "America's Cup sail" design, their work spans everyday residential buildings to iconic cultural landmarks.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their honest assessment of challenges facing mass timber adoption. Despite proven successes, every project still requires alternative solution documentation due to building code limitations. They've also evolved from timber purism to embrace hybrid approaches that pragmatically combine materials for optimal performance. Their parting wisdom? Understanding manufacturing capabilities from the outset is crucial—know what can be built before designing it.

Whether you're an architect, engineer, builder, or simply passionate about sustainable construction, this conversation offers invaluable insights from pioneers who've learned through trial and error so you don't have to. Ready to rethink how we design and construct buildings? This episode is your masterclass.

About RM Designs
47 Springfield Rd
(cnr Springfield & Clare Rd)
Christchurch
New Zealand

Phone
Ph: (03) 354 6341

E-mail
info@rmdesigns.co.nz

About ENGCO

ENGCO is a multi-disciplinary national consultancy with expertise delivering large scale projects, worth in excess of $100 million, and at the boutique end of the market, individual solutions for one-off domestic builds. The core of our business is in structural, civil and geotechnical engineering services, and we also have Green Star approved professional accreditation for our involvement with sustainable energy projects.

Our key values: Passion, Principles and People.

Website

https://www.engco.co.nz/

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Dive into the cutting-edge world of sustainable construction with the latest episode of the Mass Timber Construction Podcast! We're breaking down the most exciting developments happening globally in the mass timber space that are revolutionising how we think about building materials.

The spotlight this week falls on Rothoblas's Build the Impossible competition, which has opened registration for innovative hybrid structures featuring timber. This prestigious contest welcomes projects at any stage—from conceptual designs to completed buildings—with submissions open until September 15th. The competition has expanded its design criteria to include systems like Al-Umega Radial Ring and TC Fusion Lock, acknowledging that modern construction often requires strategic combinations of materials for optimal performance.

We explore several groundbreaking projects showcasing mass timber's versatility across North America. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has begun construction on their massive 395,000 square foot Philip A. Levy Engineering Centre, which will feature sustainable timber components. Cincinnati Public Radio has unveiled its stunning $32 million headquarters with exposed CLT elements and an impressive atrium. Meanwhile, the city of Bend is developing a $130 million public works campus with CLT ceilings and support beams that will bring together five municipal departments under one sustainably constructed roof.

Looking globally, we share updates about the breathtaking wooden timber ring being constructed for the 2025 Osaka Expo—a structure whose massive scale has to be seen to be believed. As we celebrate Earth Day, these projects represent tangible progress toward more environmentally responsible building practices. Check out our LinkedIn feed for impressive photos of these structures and don't forget to explore our newly released research paper if you're interested in the academic side of mass timber innovation. Like, subscribe, and join us as we continue tracking how timber is transforming the construction industry worldwide!

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Mass timber is reshaping the construction landscape across the globe through groundbreaking projects that showcase this sustainable building material's versatility, efficiency, and environmental benefits.

Western Michigan University's new 270,000-square-foot resident hall stands as a powerful example of how mass timber can revolutionize student housing. This innovative project accommodates 1,000 beds while striking the perfect balance between sustainability, affordability, and occupant wellbeing through hybrid construction techniques that combine engineered wood with advanced prefabrication methods.

Meanwhile, in Canada, mass timber is breaking new ground in the industrial sector. Sudbury developers are pioneering the use of engineered wood products for commercial and warehouse facilities, setting themselves apart from conventional construction in the region. This expansion into industrial applications signals an important evolution for mass timber, demonstrating its suitability across increasingly diverse building types.

The podcast also explores Stockholm Wood City, poised to become the world's largest wooden urban development. This ambitious $1.4 billion project spans 250,000 square meters and will include 2,000 residential units, office spaces, retail outlets, and cultural venues by 2027. Construction began in October 2024, with the first phase expected to reach completion by the end of 2025.

Despite these exciting developments, political uncertainties surrounding tariffs have created challenges for sustainable building practices and affordable housing initiatives in North America. The podcast touches on these policy pressures while highlighting technical advancements like the American Wood Council's updated connection calculator that continue to support mass timber's momentum.

Whether you're a construction professional, sustainability advocate, or simply interested in the future of building, this episode offers valuable insights into how mass timber is transforming our built environment. Subscribe to the Mass Timber Construction Podcast for weekly updates on this rapidly evolving industry, and visit our website to learn about submitting research to the Mass Timber Construction Journal.

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The sustainable construction revolution continues to gather momentum, with mass timber leading the charge toward a greener built environment. Fresh research from Edinburgh Napier University confirms what many in the industry have long championed – mass timber buildings produce 50% less carbon emissions than conventional construction methods, easily exceeding RIBA's 2025 targets for whole-life carbon performance.

Texas architecture firm Corrigan has stepped up with a game-changing sustainability calculator specifically designed for mass timber projects. This innovative tool helps architects accurately estimate biogenic carbon emissions, providing crucial data for environmentally conscious design decisions. Meanwhile, in Toronto, an ambitious new residential tower is set to demonstrate the remarkable efficiency of prefabricated timber construction. The 230 Royal York project will rise approximately 30 metres in a mere 90 days – a testament to how advanced timber engineering is transforming construction timelines.

The creative potential of engineered timber continues to evolve in spectacular ways. We revisit the stunning Shigeru Ban-designed Swatch headquarters with its 4,600 unique glulam elements forming a sinuous, organic structure that defies conventional expectations of timber architecture. Equally impressive is the floating groin vault ceiling created by University of Bath researchers using just four large CLT panels – showcasing how mass timber can achieve complex architectural forms previously considered impossible with wood. Don't forget to check our LinkedIn feed for images of these remarkable projects and stay tuned for next week's announcement about the Build the Impossible Rothoblast competition for 2025!

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