Timber Construction Projects

Summary

The Ascent building in Milwaukee is a groundbreaking project in the U.S., utilizing mass timber, a material that is surprisingly fire-resistant and sustainable. With 19 of its 25 floors constructed from massive timber beams, it will be the world's tallest timber structure. While mass timber offers environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions compared to steel and concrete, concerns about deforestation and sustainability remain. Despite these challenges, the project represents a significant innovation in architecture and construction, attracting global interest and setting a precedent for future developments.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The Ascent building is a unique project in the United States, being the tallest structure of its kind built mostly out of wood.
• 🔥 Mass timber is a new technology that is surprisingly fire-resistant, allowing for the construction of larger and taller wood buildings.
• 🏗️ The first six floors of the Ascent building are built from traditional steel and concrete, while the 19 upper floors are constructed from mass timber.
• 💡 The idea to build the Ascent out of timber was driven by the aesthetic and environmental benefits of exposed wood in buildings.
• 🌍 Mass timber is gaining popularity in the United States, with 576 mass timber buildings built or under construction as of the script's date.
• 🌳 The sustainability aspect of mass timber is appealing, as it can lower a building's global warming potential compared to concrete and steel.
• 🚫 However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of increased demand for wood and the potential loss of forests as carbon sinks.
• 🏢 The Ascent building had to undergo extensive fire testing and meet strict building codes, proving its safety as a tall mass timber structure.
• 📏 Pre-construction work for mass timber buildings is extensive, requiring precise digital modeling and manufacturing to tight tolerances.
• 💰 The construction process using mass timber is faster and requires fewer workers, leading to potential savings on construction costs.
• 🏢 The Ascent building is already seeing significant interest, with nearly 10 percent of the units rented before the usual leasing period.

Q & A

What makes the construction of the Ascent building unique in the United States?

The Ascent building is unique because it is being constructed mostly out of wood, using a new technology called mass timber, which is a significant departure from the traditional use of steel and concrete in high-rise construction.

Why was there a need for innovation in the Ascent project?

Innovation was necessary in the Ascent project due to the use of mass timber, which required new approaches in fire testing, design, engineering, and approval processes, as it had not been done on such a scale before in the United States.

What is mass timber and how does it differ from traditional wood construction?

Mass timber is a construction material made from large panels or beams of wood that are layered and glued together. It is more fire-resistant than traditional wood and can be used to construct larger and taller buildings than conventional wood framing.

Why did Tim Gaukman choose to build the Ascent with timber?

Tim Gaukman chose to build with timber because of the aesthetic and environmental benefits. Exposed wood in buildings is visually appealing and provides a pleasant atmosphere. Additionally, mass timber is a sustainable building material.

How does mass timber compare to steel and concrete in terms of strength and load-bearing capacity?

Mass timber is strong and can carry massive loads, but it is not quite as strong as steel and concrete on an inch-for-inch basis. This means it may not be suitable for wide open floor plans without supporting columns.

What are some of the environmental benefits of using mass timber in construction?

Mass timber is considered more environmentally friendly because it can help reduce embodied carbon emissions associated with steel and concrete production. Trees, used in mass timber, act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.

What concerns do environmental groups have regarding the increased use of mass timber?

Environmental groups are concerned that an increased demand for wood could lead to deforestation, loss of wildlife habitats, and reduced natural carbon sinks. They worry about the sustainability of mass timber if it leads to over-logging.

What challenges did architect Jason Korb face in designing the Ascent building?

Jason Korb faced challenges such as learning about mass timber construction, getting the city of Milwaukee to approve his plans, and proving the safety of the 25-story mass timber building, especially in terms of fire resistance.

How did the Ascent team address concerns about fire safety in a mass timber building?

The Ascent team conducted extensive fire testing in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. They discovered that mass timber chars rather than burns, with the charring layer acting as insulation to protect the rest of the wood.

What is the current state of mass timber construction in the United States compared to Europe?

Mass timber construction is more common in Europe, especially in Scandinavia, where there are taller buildings, including an 18-story tower in Norway. In the U.S., the tallest mass timber buildings are between 7 and 10 stories, partly due to slower adoption of building codes.

What are some of the construction benefits of using mass timber compared to traditional materials?

Mass timber construction offers benefits such as faster assembly, less labor requirement, and a cleaner, less strenuous work environment. It also allows for more precise pre-fabrication and can lead to cost savings in construction.

Outlines

00:00

🌲 Innovative Wood High-Rise: Ascent Building

The Ascent Building, a project by New Land Enterprises, is a pioneering structure in the United States due to its primary construction material: wood. Unlike traditional steel and concrete buildings, the Ascent utilizes mass timber, a fire-resistant technology that allows for taller wooden structures. Tim Gaukman, the managing director, chose wood for its aesthetic and environmental benefits. The first six floors are of conventional materials, but the upper 19 floors are built with mass timber beams and columns. This method is gaining popularity in the U.S., with 576 mass timber buildings built or under construction. The environmental advantages of mass timber include its sustainability and lower embodied carbon compared to steel and concrete. However, concerns exist about the potential impact on forests and the sustainability of increased wood demand. The Ascent's architect, Jason Korb, ensured the wood was sourced from sustainable forests, addressing some environmental concerns.

05:02

🔨 Challenges and Construction of the Ascent Building

The Ascent Building's construction faced regulatory and technical challenges due to its innovative use of mass timber. American building codes were slow to adapt, with architect Jason Korb investing over two years in proving the safety of the 25-story building, particularly its fire resistance. Extensive fire testing in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service demonstrated mass timber's ability to char and insulate, preventing structural failure. Pre-construction required a detailed digital model for precision cutting, which was then manufactured to tight tolerances. The construction process was faster and required fewer workers compared to traditional methods, leading to cost savings. However, the cost of the wood was initially higher. The building's exposed wood is treated and protected, and the project has already seen significant interest and leasing success, indicating a promising future for mass timber construction in the U.S.

Keywords

💡Mass Timber

Mass timber, also known as 'massive timber,' refers to large structural panels or beams made from wood that are used in construction. It is a key innovation in the field of sustainable building materials. In the video, mass timber is highlighted as the primary construction material for the Ascent building, which is set to be the tallest of its kind, showcasing its strength and fire resistance.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the context of the video pertains to the environmental impact and long-term viability of construction materials and practices. Mass timber is presented as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete, as trees act as carbon sinks, reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. However, concerns are raised about the potential negative effects on forests if mass timber leads to increased logging.

💡Innovation

Innovation in the script is demonstrated through the use of mass timber in construction, which involves new technologies and techniques. The Ascent building is described as 'unprecedented' in terms of approval, fire testing, and design engineering, emphasizing the innovative approach taken to create this high-rise structure.

💡Fire Resistance

Fire resistance is a critical property of building materials, especially in high-rise constructions. The video explains that mass timber is surprisingly fire resistant, with the charring layer acting as insulation to protect the underlying wood. This feature was tested in the Ascent project, proving the safety of mass timber in high-rise buildings.

💡Cross-Laminated Timber

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a type of mass timber where layers of wood are glued together crosswise, enhancing the material's strength. The script likens it to 'plywood on steroids,' indicating its robustness compared to traditional timber. CLT is used in the Ascent building, showcasing its structural capabilities.

💡Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of materials. The script mentions that concrete and steel have high embodied carbon due to the pollution from their manufacturing processes. In contrast, mass timber is positioned as a lower-carbon alternative, contributing to the sustainability of construction projects.

💡Architectural Engineering

Architectural engineering in the video is related to the study and application of engineering principles to architectural design. David Core, a civil engineer, is mentioned as studying the structural properties of mass timber, which is essential for the innovative design of the Ascent building.

💡Building Codes

Building codes are regulations that govern the construction and safety of buildings. The script notes that American building codes have been slow to adapt to mass timber, which has limited the height of mass timber buildings in the U.S. compared to Europe, where taller mass timber structures exist.

💡Pre-Construction Planning

Pre-construction planning involves the detailed preparation and design work done before actual construction begins. The video describes the extensive pre-construction work required for the Ascent building, including creating a precise digital model and laser drilling components to tight tolerances, which is more complex than traditional construction methods.

💡Construction Efficiency

Construction efficiency refers to the speed and cost-effectiveness of building projects. The script highlights that the Ascent building's construction with mass timber is faster and requires fewer workers compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete, leading to potential savings in construction costs.

💡Exposure to Wood

Exposure to wood in the script refers to the aesthetic and sensory experience of being in a space with visible wooden elements. It is mentioned that the Ascent building will have about 50 percent of its wood exposed, contributing to a pleasing and natural environment for occupants.

Highlights

The Ascent building is being constructed primarily from wood, a unique and unprecedented project in the United States.

Tim Gaukman, managing director of New Land Enterprises, is behind the innovative idea of building with timber.

Mass timber, a new technology, allows for the construction of larger and taller wood buildings due to its fire-resistant properties.

Upon completion, the 25-story Ascent building will be the tallest mass timber structure in the world.

The aesthetic and environmental benefits of exposed wood in buildings were the driving factors for choosing timber.

The first six floors and essential infrastructures are built with traditional steel and concrete.

David Core is studying the structural properties of mass timber, comparing it to traditional timber and plywood.

Cross-laminated timber is stronger due to its layered and glued construction, akin to 'plywood on steroids'.

Mass timber is not ideal for wide open spaces without supporting columns due to its relative strength compared to steel and concrete.

Mass timber construction has grown significantly in the U.S., with 576 buildings built or under construction.

Sustainability is a key attribute of mass timber, as it can lower a building's global warming potential compared to concrete and steel.

Environmental concerns exist regarding increased demand for wood and the potential impact on forests as carbon sinks.

Kieran Kennedy from the Sierra Club expresses concerns about the sustainability of mass timber construction.

Architect Jason Korb faced challenges in designing a mass timber building, including approval from the city of Milwaukee.

Extensive fire testing was conducted with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure the safety of the Ascent building.

Pre-construction work for mass timber buildings is extensive, requiring precise digital models and manufacturing coordination.

Construction with mass timber is quicker and requires fewer workers, leading to potential cost savings.

The cost of mass timber is currently higher than concrete but may decrease as the U.S. supply grows.

Walmart is building its new corporate campus with mass timber, indicating a growing trend in the U.S.

Tim Gauckman predicts that the U.S. will become a leader in mass timber production, assembly, and use.

Transcripts

usually built out of steel and concrete

but this one it's being built mostly out

of wood how unique is this project here

in the united states oh it's it's it's

unprecedented from an approval

standpoint from a fire testing

standpoint from a design and engineering

standpoint there was so much innovation

in this project tim gaukman is the

managing director of new land

enterprises the development company

behind ascent building it out of timber

was his idea

constructing with wood isn't new we've

been doing it for eons but this uses a

new technology called massive timber or

mass timber for short mass timber which

is surprisingly fire resistant has made

it possible to construct wood buildings

that are larger and taller than ever

before in fact when the 25 floor ascent

building is completed next summer it

will be the tallest structure of its

kind in the world what made you say

i want to build a high-rise out of

timber once you go into a building that

has exposed wood

you understand right away it's beautiful

and you feel great in it it is fast it

is precise it is light it is clean the

first six floors which will house a

parking garage and pool are built from

steel and concrete so are the elevator

shaft stairwell and foundation but the

19 upper floors are constructed from

gigantic mass timber beams columns and

boards this is relatively new especially

in the united states it's more common in

some parts of europe especially

scandinavia david core is a civil

engineer and director of architectural

engineering and design studies at

northwestern university he's currently

studying the structural properties of

mass timber so when we're talking about

mass timber or tall timber what's new

here this would be a two by four this is

sort of a familiar piece of timber if

you tear down the walls of your house

you would find small pieces of wood like

that behind the walls and that's what

carries all the load in your in your

house so this is an example of mass

timber it's important for people to

understand that this is a very small

part of something that would be very

large so there'll be a single layer on

the bottom and then a layer of glue and

then another layer layer of glue it's

like kind of like making a cake

out of wood where the glue is the

frosting this material is called

cross-laminated timber because each

layer is glued crosswise which makes the

material stronger so it's kind of like

plywood on steroids that's exactly right

it's structural scale plywood plywood on

steroids these huge slabs can carry

massive loads but inch for inch timber's

not quite as strong as steel and

concrete core says so it's not great for

wide open floor plans with no supporting

columns and there won't be a wood

skyscraper as tall as the empire state

building anytime soon mass timber was

first pioneered in austria in the 90s

and is gaining popularity in the united

states in 2013 the u.s had 26 mass

timber buildings today there are 576

built or under construction and several

hundred more are in the works there's a

lot of appealing attributes to mass

timber one of them is the sustainability

aspect so

one of the downsides of concrete and

steel is they have a lot of what's known

as embodied carbon meaning production of

steel and cement is very polluting

contributing somewhere around 15 percent

of global carbon dioxide emissions on

the other hand trees are what's known as

a carbon sink they suck in carbon and

lock it in and studies have shown

replacing steel and concrete with timber

can lower a building's global warming

potential but cutting down too many

trees can contribute to global warming

and some environmental groups are wary

of an increased demand for wood there's

still a lot of questions and the jury is

still out on whether or not it can be

achieved sustainably kieran kennedy

directs people in nature policy for the

sierra club she worries that a logging

boom could lead to the loss of a

critical tool for fighting climate

change because once they're cut down

trees stop actively sucking in carbon

and lose a portion of the carbon they

stored the question

that we and other folks are

wondering is is there enough

forested area to both be able to sustain

mass building and protect our forest

or our forests better left intact

as a natural carbon sink she also notes

our forests are important wildlife

habitats and natural buffers against

flooding and erosion so kennedy and some

other environmentalists are hesitant to

embrace mass timber just yet

this is european white spruce so this is

sustainably farmed jason korb is the

architect of the ascent building he says

the team was careful to source their

wood from sustainably managed forests

had you ever designed a timber building

before never once we went big

what was that process like

i think we knew about five percent of

what we needed to know when we started

in march of 2018

and i liken it to going to graduate

school for two years part of what korb

had to figure out was how to get the

city of milwaukee to approve his plans

the tallest mass timber buildings right

now are in europe including the very

tallest an 18-story tower in norway but

the tallest buildings in the u.s are

between 7 and 10 stories in part because

american building codes have been slow

to catch up architect jason korb spent

more than two years proving his 25-story

building would be safe

including answering the question often

on people's minds how will the structure

hold up in a fire the ascent team worked

with the u.s forest service to do

extensive fire testing the first of

their kind ever conducted

nine wood columns were burned in a

furnace for three hours straight at

temperatures reaching more than two

thousand degrees mass timber doesn't

burn it's very different from your

standard 2x4

it chars that charring layer actually

acts as insulation protecting the rest

of the wood the ascent columns charred

and held up the columns were designed a

few inches wider to allow for this

fireproofing layer it was just one of

the many new things architect jason korb

had to do the amount of pre-construction

work that needs to be done in a tall

timber building

is pretty much like nothing we've ever

seen especially in a residential

building that's because in traditional

construction all the holes for things

like plumbing wiring and ductwork are

drilled in the steel or formed in the

concrete as the building is going up but

in timber all of that is cut beforehand

so corbin his team had to create a

precise digital model the building was

modeled down to the last screw those

files are then fed to the manufacturer

and they are laser drilled to a

tolerance of about three millimeters

corp says at the time it cost less to

import the wood from austria than if he

bought from a north american supplier

so the 3 700 precisely cut pieces were

shipped to milwaukee where the

construction team is now putting them

all together and we're currently

installing the columns from level 19 to

20. chris johansen is the project

manager for cd smith the construction

company building ascent heads up heads

up each enormous column is hoisted by a

crane

special glue is pumped into the hole

then the column is carefully put into

place

there's not

one column there's not one beam one

floor panel that is interchangeable so

we have detailed plans

a lot of color coding

and a lot of communication to ensure

that we're installing things in the

right place all the wood is treated with

a waterproof coating and the building's

glass facade will protect the timber

structure inside where about 50 percent

of the wood will remain exposed

any wood outside is protected by

sheeting a water resistant sealant and

insulation

assembling the structure is

comparatively quick at least four months

faster than if this was all steel and

concrete and chris johansson needs less

labor for this part about a quarter of

the workers he says the work is also

much less strenuous and dirty one of the

guys told me that his wife is

questioning if he's going to work

because he's not coming home covered in

concrete

fewer workers and a faster job mean big

savings on construction costs but the

wood itself isn't cheap architect jason

korb estimates it's about 10 percent

more than what you'd pay for concrete in

milwaukee but that price might start

coming down as the supply in the u.s

grows the canada-based company structure

lamb opened its first u.s plant this

summer in arkansas a few hours from

walmart's headquarters that's because

walmart is building its new corporate

campus out of you guessed it mass timber

2.4 million square feet of office space

it's not just my hope but my prediction

is that it's a matter of time until the

united states overtakes the rest of the

world in production in assembly

and in the use of buildings like this

from the avalanche of interest tim

gauckman says he's gotten an ascent he

could be right he's already rented

nearly 10 percent of the units normally

he wouldn't have even started leasing

yet

ascent is slated to open next july