Mass Timber: A Sustainable and Versatile Building Material
Mass timber, an engineered wood product, is gaining traction in the construction industry, particularly in New Orleans. This natural building material, which has been around for over a century, is now being embraced by architects like Christopher and Shawna Meyer, co-founders of Atelier Mey. Their move from Miami to New Orleans has sparked their interest in mass timber, a material that is both strong and versatile.
Mass timber is essentially "plywood on steroids," according to the Meyers. It is made by gluing together layers of solid wood to create structural panels that can be up to 60 feet long. These panels can be used to construct beams and wall panels for commercial structures, apartments, and single-family homes. The material is particularly appealing due to its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness.
One of the key advantages of mass timber is its ability to serve as both a structural system and an interior finish. By exposing the structural elements, architects can eliminate the need for additional materials, reducing environmental impact and construction costs. Mass timber is also a biogenic material, meaning it is derived from living organisms, and no toxic chemicals are added during its production. Studies have shown that being surrounded by wood can provide a comforting feeling, and buildings made from mass timber eliminate the need for paint, drywall, and other off-gassing materials.
While mass timber is commonly used in commercial construction, it is less prevalent in residential settings. However, the Meyers aim to change this by highlighting the economic benefits of using mass timber. The material is milled in factories and delivered as pre-cut parts, which can be craned into place in just a few days, saving on labor costs. This speed and efficiency become even more significant when scaling up to larger projects.
The Meyers' interest in mass timber began in 2018 when they moved to Miami and noticed a void in the local academic and curriculum landscape. Wood was often viewed negatively due to changes in building codes after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. They applied for a wood innovation grant to build an education platform and network in Miami and Southern Florida, focusing on mass timber and its emerging mills. Their risk-taking approach paid off, as they were able to test the material by building a structure, leveraging their business and knowledge networks.
Today, mass timber is most widely used in Europe, particularly in single-family homes. In the United States, it is prevalent in the Northwest, with Atlanta emerging as an urban hub for its deployment. In Louisiana, mass timber is being utilized in data centers and a chapel at Loyola University. The Meyers are now planning to build a mixed-use structure in the Irish Channel, New Orleans, which will include a home, studio office, and apartment. They aim to make the project transparent and serve as a prototype to familiarize suppliers and erectors with the material.
Despite concerns about extreme weather and termites, mass timber is considered solid and resistant to penetration during storms. Fastening and hold-downs are as strong as any other material, and mitigation strategies can be employed to manage termite risks. The Meyers' transition from Miami to New Orleans has been positive, praising the city's good people, food, and music, as well as the strong community bonds that make it feel like a family.
