THE WOOD INSTITUTE

A blueprint for understanding mass timber

Learn why mass timber buildings require an interdisciplinary approach—and how you can ensure your skills are a fit for the team.

With more than 1,300 projects using mass timber completed or in design in the United States, mass timber has emerged as a compelling construction option for low- and mid-rise buildings of various typologies. In this transitory time when the design and construction industry is still learning how to best use mass timber products and codes to build taller buildings are being adopted around the country, collaboration between different design disciplines is key to creating successful mass timber projects.

Architects will bring forth their experience specifying structural and appearance materials that reduce a building’s carbon footprint and make the building texturally rich and elegant. Structural engineers will share solutions that ensure occupant safety from fire or structural hazards and optimize material efficiency. Throughout the design process, it’s important that every member of the team is up to date on the latest mass timber research and best practices.

The Mass Timber Design Manual is an ideal place to start. First published in 2021 as a collaboration between Wood Institute course providers, Think Wood and WoodWorks, the manual is a comprehensive introduction to the basics of mass timber design. Conceived as a living document that will be continuously updated with new projects, research, and insights, Vol. 2 of the manual was recently published, featuring more than 30 pages of new content, including cutting-edge case studies, expert Q+As, and downloadable resources on construction management, CLT diaphragms, and more.

Of course, the Mass Timber Design Manual is just one step for design professionals on the path to working with mass timber, says Tom S. Chung FAIA, LEED BD+C, principal at Leers Weinzapfel Associates and a member of the WoodWorks Board of Directors.

“And that’s where resources like this Mass Timber Design Manual come in. It represents years of research and collaboration among the WoodWorks staff and its industry collaborators.” Chung states. “It is the blueprint to understanding the basics of mass timber—from product research, engineering and design, system assemblies, code implications, construction, and life cycle evaluation.”

Whether you’re just starting to learn about mass timber design or you’re looking for answers about system assemblies, code implications, or life cycle evaluation, the Mass Timber Design Manual and the Wood Institute’s mass timber continuing education courses provide research-rich resources to support you in your next mass timber project.

Of course, the Mass Timber Design Manual is just one step for design professionals on the path to working with mass timber, says Tom S. Chung FAIA, LEED BD+C, principal at Leers Weinzapfel Associates and a member of the WoodWorks Board of Directors.

“And that’s where resources like this Mass Timber Design Manual come in. It represents years of research and collaboration among the WoodWorks staff and its industry collaborators.” Chung states. “It is the blueprint to understanding the basics of mass timber—from product research, engineering and design, system assemblies, code implications, construction, and life cycle evaluation.”

Whether you’re just starting to learn about mass timber design or you’re looking for answers about system assemblies, code implications, or life cycle evaluation, the Mass Timber Design Manual and the Wood Institute’s mass timber continuing education courses provide research-rich resources to support you in your next mass timber project.