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
| Dec 16, 2011
Goody Clancy-designed Informatics Building dedicated at Northern Kentucky University
The sustainable building solution, built for approximately $255-sf, features innovative materials and intelligent building systems that align with the mission of integration and collaboration.
| Dec 16, 2011
Stalco Construction converts Babylon, N.Y. Town Hall into history museum
The project converted the landmark structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places into the Town of Babylon History Museum at Old Town Hall.
| Dec 14, 2011
Belfer Research Building tops out in New York
Hundreds of construction trades people celebrate reaching the top of concrete structure for facility that will accelerate treatments and cures at world-renowned institution.
| Dec 14, 2011
Tyler Junior College and Sika Sarnafil team up to save energy
Tyler Junior College wanted a roofing system that wouldn’t need any attention for a long time.
| Dec 13, 2011
Lutron’s Commercial Experience Center awarded LEED Gold
LEED certification of the Lutron facility was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community. These features include: optimization of energy performance through the use of lighting power, lighting controls and HVAC, plus the use of daylight.
| Dec 12, 2011
AIA Chicago announces Skidmore, Owings & Merrill as 2011 Firm of the Year
SOM has been a leader in the research and development of specialized technologies, new processes and innovative ideas, many of which have had a palpable and lasting impact on the design profession and the physical environment.
| Dec 12, 2011
Skanska to expand and renovate hospital in Georgia for $103 Million
The expansion includes a four-story, 17,500 square meters clinical services building and a five-story, 15,700 square meters, medical office building. Skanska will also renovate the main hospital.
| Dec 12, 2011
CRSI design awards deadline extended to December 31
The final deadline is extended until December 31st, with judging shortly thereafter at the World of Concrete.
