In a report released today, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill discussed the results of the Timber Tower Research Project: an examination of whether a viable 400-ft, 42-story building could be created with timber framing. The prototype created by SOM incolves a combination of mass timber, concrete, and steel and was sponsored by the Softwood Lumber Board. Benchmarked against Chicago's DeWitt Chestnut Apartments—a concrete-framed facility considered revolutionary when SOM designed it in 1965—the Timber Tower represents a carbon-footprint reduction of 65% to 75%.
Tall buildings that embody conventional concrete and steel structural design usually have a higher carbon footprint than low-rise buildings, on a square-foot basis. SOM's experiment explores whether tall wood-framed buildings are feasible, justfying changes in contemporary building codes that generally limit the height of such buildings. "Building tall creates desirable urban density, but this solution helps us achieve this result with a much smaller carbon footprint," says SOM Structural and Civil Engineering Partner William F. Baker, PE, Se, FASCE, FIStructE.
SOM staff predict further developments, including possible building code adjustments, based on the research.
(http://archinect.com/news/article/74511379/som-releases-timber-tower-research-project)
Related Stories
| May 3, 2012
Ground broken for $94 million hospital expansion at Scripps Encinitas
New facility to more than double emergency department size, boost inpatient beds by 43%.
| May 3, 2012
Rudolph and Sletten, Inc. wins CMAA award
Firm recognized for the renovation of Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College’s Student Administrative & Griffin Student Center.
| May 2, 2012
Trimble acquires SketchUp 3D modeling platform
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012.
| May 2, 2012
Building Team completes two additions at UCLA
New student housing buildings are part of UCLA’s Northwest Campus Student Housing In-Fill Project.
| May 2, 2012
Public housing can incorporate sustainable design
Sustainable design achievable without having to add significant cost; owner and residents reap benefits
| May 2, 2012
SMPS Foundation accepting applications for Garikes Scholarship
One outstanding scholar will be selected this year to receive a $1,500 scholarship award, to be used toward academic expenses, such as tuition and fees, books, supplies, and other similar expenses.
| May 2, 2012
Sasaki selected for 2012 National Planning Firm Award
The award recognizes a firm for its body of distinguished work influencing the planning profession.
| May 1, 2012
White paper discusses benefits of diaphragm and piston flushometer valves
The white paper highlights considerations that impact which type of technology is most appropriate for various restroom environments.
