To some, the idea of timber high-rises is still a contentious issue, with much of the debate focused on aspects of fire safety, but that hasn’t stopped Lever Architecture from designing what will become the first timber high-rise in the United States.
Rendering courtesy of Lever Architecture.
Retail and public exhibition space will be combined on the ground floor while the rest of the high-rise will comprise five levels of office space and 60-units of affordable housing. The affordable housing component will accommodate residents earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Meanwhile, the commercial tenants will be B corporations – businesses certified to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Framework has received a $1.4 million award from the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition that will offset the costs of testing and peer review necessary to pursue a performance-based project beyond what is permitted in current building codes.
Rendering courtesy of Lever Architecture.
The project is scheduled to begin construction in late 2017 and be completed by late 2018.
Rendering courtesy of Lever Architecture.
Rendering courtesy of Lever Architecture.
Related Stories
Wood | Jan 13, 2017
Steel and concrete's take on tall wood
The American Institute of Steel Construction contends that the steel industry is a “world leader” in using recycled material and end-of-life recycling, and has made strides to lower greenhouse gas emissions below regulatory requirements.
Game Changers | Jan 12, 2017
Mass timber: From 'What the heck is that?' to 'Wow!'
The idea of using mass timber for tall buildings keeps gaining converts.
Wood | Nov 1, 2016
Oregon lumber provider unveils mass plywood panel for tall wood structures
Designed as an alternative for cross laminated timber (CLT), MPP is a large-scale plywood panel with maximum finished panel dimensions up to 12 feet wide by 48 feet long and up to 24 inches thick.
Wood | Nov 1, 2016
Norway Spruce approved for wall studs, floor and ceiling joists, industrial applications
The species is first new U.S.-grown softwood to be tested for strength values since 1920s.
Sponsored | Wood | Oct 26, 2016
Compelling conversations about wood: East and West Coast regional challenges
Fast-rising designers Ben Kasdan and Blake Jackson offer candid perspectives from both coasts on the merits—and challenges—of designing with wood and compare notes on how architects can change perceptions by dreaming big and pushing boundaries.
Sponsored | Wood | Oct 13, 2016
Engineered wood provides sustainable options, cost savings, and design flexibility
Designers choose engineered wood to deliver strength, stability, and a sustainable solution for complex structural designs
Wood | Oct 13, 2016
Concept from Perkins+Will could become the world’s tallest timber tower
River Beech Tower is said to be a part of a masterplan along the Chicago River.
Wood | Sep 21, 2016
‘The Smile’ showcases the structural potential of CLT
Weight for weight, CLT is stronger than concrete and can be machined to incredibly high tolerances.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Reclaimed wood paneling adds color to retail and hospitality projects
Colorburst panels are available in four stock options—Robin Egg Blue, Viridian Green, Haute Pink, and Cascade White—as well as custom colors.