Have you heard of Mass Timber? It’s been the darling in architectural circles for several years now and is being used to build impressive, modern structures like this library in Scarborough, Ontario:
Photo credit: Stephane Groleau
Mass timber is both old and new. Glulam columns and beams have been around in the construction industry for about 100 years, but the newest innovation in structural wood only came to market in North America in 2010, when Nordic Structures first produced cross-laminated timbers (CLTs).
For an introduction to glulams and CLTs and how they complement each other read our article here.
Since 2017, Cornerstone Timberframes has been promoting mass timber to our clients who are looking for longer spans, contemporary styling, and more efficient use of wood. We’ve supplied, cut and installed mass timber structures for high-rise residential, commercial, industrial and civic projects. But our very first mass timber job didn’t fit into any of these categories. Our first foray into mass timber was a lakefront cottage.
The client and their architect didn’t want vaulted spaces or elaborate trusses, often considered the heart of traditional timber framing. They wanted to see wood but preferred a more minimalist, modern look.
Cornerstone Timberframes has decades of traditional joinery know-how. But when the architect asked if we’d work with glulams and CLT panels, we were excited about the opportunity. At our core, we’re a structural wood design and solutions company and mass timber offers great solutions!
CLT roof panels easily span the 12’ distance between beams to create a relaxed, open feeling throughout the living areas.
CLT roofs allow for big overhangs while maintaining the thinnest possible profiles.
In addition to long spans and impressive cantilevers, the precise fit of mass timber allows for uncompromising window arrangements.
In residential uses, there’s an option to celebrate wood in every space or to cover some… or all of it (gulp). It’s a client-designer choice.
And whether covered or not, mass timber walls provide unlimited attachment opportunities. Whatever you need to support, you’ll never wonder if your fastener or mounting bracket will find a stud!
The most compelling feedback we hear from clients is that using mass timber not only looks good but also feels wonderful. Medical studies back this up – having natural materials visible in the places we inhabit provides benefits to our mental and physical health.
Wood helps to create peaceful, comforting spaces that boost feelings of well-being.
If you’d like to consider how to best use mass timber in your next home project, talk to Cornerstone Timberframes, your residential mass timber expert. We are committed to helping you realize beautiful and inspiring spaces!
