A collaboration between Perkins + Will, Thornton Tomasetti, and the University of Cambridge has produced a conceptual academic and professional design for an 80-story residential timber high-rise.
The high-rise, known as River Beech Tower, is part of a masterplan along the Chicago River, and while it is considered conceptual at the moment, the team says it could be realized by the time of the masterplan’s final phases, ArchDaily reports.
If the building does come to fruition, it would become the largest timber structure in the world. Most timber high-rise proposals reach between 30 to 40 stories with timber structures that are actually being constructed coming in between 10 and 20 stories. While 80 stories seems like a bit of a stretch considering what is currently possible, the River Beech team says a new, innovative system the tower’s construction would employ would allow them to reach new heights.
Currently, most timber buildings use a hybrid system of cross-laminated timber and glulam with a concrete core. Other models use a wooden core and wooden floor slabs with steel beams to provide ductility. But River beech Tower would use an entirely different system.
An exterior diagrid system would be used to take advantage of the natural axial strength of timber. In this system, the vertical and lateral loads are resisted by connecting the outer diagrids with the internal cross bracing that skirts the central atrium. This allows for efficient load distribution across all timber elements.
The building would likely have around 300 residential units along with communal spaces.
Rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will.
Rendering courtesy of Perkins + Will.
Related Stories
Wood | Oct 19, 2018
Design revealed for mass-timber residential tower in Milwaukee
The developer is confident that the city will approve construction, which is scheduled to start next year.
Wood | Oct 10, 2018
A recent seminar in New York City talks up the use of mass timber for taller buildings
The products’ future, though, could hinge on approval of proposed code changes.
Wood | Aug 24, 2018
The largest dowel laminated timber project in North America begins construction in Des Moines
The building will feature a unique “shou sugi ban” charred wood exterior.
Wood | Jul 23, 2018
Mass timber high-rise project on hold in Portland, Ore.
Inflation, escalating construction costs, and fluctuations in tax credit market are to blame for the Framework project being put on hold.
Wood | Jul 2, 2018
Mass timber comes of age: Code consideration, evolving supply chain promise new options for tall wood buildings
Judging by the outcome of a recent International Code Council Action Hearing, it’s likely that we will be seeing more and taller mass timber buildings across the country very soon, writes Patricia Layton, PhD, Professor of Forestry, Clemson University.
Codes and Standards | Jun 19, 2018
Structural engineered wood products exempt from new EPA formaldehyde ruling
Exempt products include structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB).
| May 30, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: T3 mass timber office buildings
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), architect and mass timber design expert Steve Cavanaugh tells the story behind the nation’s newest—and largest—mass timber building: T3 in Minneapolis.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 23, 2018
Mass timber design for multifamily housing
The adaptability of urban development could be revolutionized through the inherent strength of mass timber construction.
Wood | Feb 15, 2018
Japanese company announces plans for the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper
The planned tower would rise 350 meters (1148 feet).
Wood | Feb 5, 2018
The largest timber office building in the U.S. will anchor Newark, N.J. mixed-use development
Michael Green Architecture is designing the building.
