Once completed in July, Texas will have its first full mass timber building in the First United Bank building. In addition to being the first full mass timber building in the state, the 8,500 sf building will also be the first retail mass timber structure in the state and the first mass timber structure in the country to use Southern Yellow Pine CLT panels.
Gensler, the project’s architect, decided to use Southern Yellow Pine over the typical Douglas Fir because it is a native species prevalent to Texas and surrounding southern states, which opens the possibilities for using true local natural resources for future projects.
Courtesy Gensler.
See Also: Real-world wellness pays off
The mass timber elements used in the First United Bank in Fredericksburg were completed 60% faster than traditional construction. Southern Yellow Pine glulam beams and columns are being used in the bank’s construction. The glulam beams will be left exposed along with CLT panels in the lobby, community room, office spaces, and exterior overhang.
The project is designed as a net zero structure, producing as much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis.
Courtesy Gensler.
Courtesy Gensler.
Courtesy Gensler.
Related Stories
Wood | Oct 2, 2019
Why mass timber?
In a world where the construction industry is responsible for 40% to 50% of CO2 emissions, renewable materials, such as wood, can help mitigate the rate of global warming.
Office Buildings | Sep 25, 2019
'Catalyst' will be Washington’s first CLT office building
Katerra is the design builder for the project with Michael Green Architecture as the design architect.
Industrial Facilities | Sep 24, 2019
Katerra’s new mass timber factory will produce the largest volume of CLT in North America
The factory recently opened in Spokane Valley, Wash.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2019
Free app calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings
A free app that calculates the maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction has been released.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Wood | Jul 8, 2019
Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’
The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.
Sponsored | Wood | Apr 2, 2019
Natural wood plays wellness-focused role in SHoP Architects' latest project
The National Veterans Resource Center, scheduled to be completed in 2020, will highlight warm natural wood in its construction.
Wood | Mar 20, 2019
3XN to design North America’s tallest timber office building in Toronto
The office will rise in the emerging Bayside community.
Wood | Mar 5, 2019
Sweden’s tallest timber building is open for business
C.F. Møller Architects designed the building.
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.