Freres Lumber was awarded a $250,000 Wood Innovations Grant from the U.S. Forest Service to further develop its new mass plywood panel product.
The new material, which uses U.S.-grown wood, is a substitute for concrete and steel in multi-story projects. The grant will help pay for a computer numeric code (CNC) machine to cut panels to buyers’ specifications.
“MPP is a new-to-the-world product,” said Tyler Freres, Vice President of Sales. “It is a carbon-neutral substitute for concrete and steel in multi-level structures. It is one-sixth the weight of concrete, and will provide a stronger, lighter, smaller, less expensive option than cross-laminated timbers.”
Testing through Oregon State University of Forestry and the Center for Advanced Wood Products has proven that MPP can achieve the same structure attributes of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) while using 20% to 30% less wood, according to Freres news release. “Like CLT, MPP panels can be manufactured up to 24 inches thick, 12 feet wide, and 48 feet long.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2020
Spate of energy code appeals could hamper efficiency progress
Construction and fossil fuel interests oppose portions of latest model energy code.
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2020
Heat pumps are the future for hot water
Sustainability policies will drive trend.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2020
Taller timber buildings approved in National Fire Protection Association code
Ensures compatibility with the International Building Code.
Codes and Standards | Sep 14, 2020
Relocation of neighborhoods, the next step in U.S. flood strategy, is underway
Repeated rebuilding after successive floods now seen as bad policy.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2020
Fannie Mae programs provide incentives for multifamily solar
Affordable housing projects can find PV installations to be cost-effective.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2020
Corporate pledges accelerate net-zero building movement
World Green Building Council drives goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2020
Study will examine elevator airflow amid COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers to investigate risk of airborne transmission.
Codes and Standards | Sep 4, 2020
Updated selection, application guide for plastic glazed skylights, sloped glazing released
Part of suite of skylight documents by Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.
Codes and Standards | Sep 3, 2020
Turner Construction takes strong stand against racism
Shuts down work sites for anti-bias training.
Codes and Standards | Sep 2, 2020
California releases guide for state water policy
Water Resilience Portfolio is roadmap for meeting water needs as climate changes.
