Sandy Springs, Ga., an Atlanta suburb, amended its building code to prevent buildings taller than three stories and larger than 100,000 sf from being wood-framed.
Supporters of the change cited safety, durability, and longevity as concerns regarding wood-framed construction. Georgia Forestry Association and American Wood Council officials countered that wood is a more sustainable material and said the code change would harm the wood industry.
The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for framing high rises is growing, particularly in Europe, where wood-framed buildings as tall as 80 stories have been proposed. Firefighting professionals around the U.S. have expressed concern about the fire resistance of wood-framed tall buildings.
CLT manufacturers say the material is just as safe as steel and concrete, and can be installed more rapidly.
Related Stories
Wood | Mar 28, 2016
Waugh Thistleton designs one of the tallest timber office buildings in London
The nine-story Development House has vertical open spaces for light and air flow.
Wood | Mar 23, 2016
APA updates Engineered Wood Construction Guide
Provides recommendations on engineered wood construction systems.
Wood | Feb 8, 2016
BEST IN WOOD: WoodWorks announces 2016 design award winners
The Aspen Art Museum, Scott Family Amazeum, and Whitetail Woods Regional Park Camper Cabins are among the projects honored by this year’s awards.
Wood | Feb 3, 2016
American Wood Council releases guide to wood construction in high wind areas
The guide is directed toward ensuring structural integrity to resist wind loads.
Wood | Jan 4, 2016
Concerns over new wood-frame, mid-rise residential building construction in Charlotte
Cheaper construction material may increase risk for firefighters.
Sponsored | Wood | Dec 7, 2015
Compelling conversations about wood: Engineered wood as expressive design
This installment features a wide-ranging discussion that reveals how a mix of engineered wood products lend themselves to expressive design — and what’s blocking today’s designers from fully embracing this aesthetic.
Wood | Nov 24, 2015
2015 Code Conforming Wood Design publication now available
Summarizes provisions in the 2015 International Building Code.
Sponsored | | Nov 20, 2015
Schooling the visitor
Exposed glulam and other engineered wood products help WSU tell its technology story
Architects | Oct 20, 2015
Four building material innovations from the Chicago Architecture Biennial
From lightweight wooden pallets to the largest lengths of CLT-slabs that can be shipped across North America
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2015
Montreal apartment is world’s largest residential cross-laminated timber project
Its 434 condo, townhouse, and rental units in three eight-story buildings are made from sustainably harvested wood turned into panels by Canadian company Nordic Wood Structures together with the Cree Nation in Chibougamau.