Mass timber construction is revolutionizing the building sector, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete. This innovative approach uses engineered wood products, which not only reduce buildings’ environmental footprint but also improve construction efficiency and aesthetic appeal. Leading companies like Timberlab and Seagate Mass Timber Inc. are making significant strides in this space, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with wood-based architecture.

The benefits of mass timber construction

Mass timber construction has surged in popularity due to its unique advantages over traditional building methods. One of its key benefits is environmental sustainability. Unlike steel and concrete, which have high carbon footprints, mass timber is renewable and stores carbon throughout its lifespan. This characteristic lowers the greenhouse gases associated with construction and aligns with global sustainability goals.

Additionally, mass timber construction is known for its efficiency. Prefabricated wooden components can be manufactured off-site and assembled quickly, cutting construction time and labor costs. This approach also results in less waste and fewer disruptions to the surrounding area, making it a more practical choice for urban development.

Another advantage of mass timber is its structural performance. Its high strength-to-weight ratio makes it suitable for large, open spaces and tall buildings while maintaining stability in seismic zones. Beyond its structural benefits, mass timber offers a warm, natural aesthetic that enhances the interior atmosphere, promoting well-being and comfort for occupants.

6 leading mass-timber companies transforming construction

1. Seagate Mass Timber Inc.

Vancouver’s Seagate Mass Timber Inc. specializes in designing, prefabricating, and installing mass-timber and cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures. Since its founding in 2001, Seagate has established a strong reputation for quality and innovation in the mass timber industry, delivering high-quality solutions for projects across North America. Their experience includes projects like the Under Armour headquarters, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, and the BCIT Student House. They’ve managed the full turn-key supply and installation of more than 300,000 sq. ft. of mass in the Under Armour project alone. With mass timber continuing to see a higher adoption rate, Seagate will likely be around for the long haul, delivering more iconic buildings in the future.

2. Nordic Structures

Based out of Quebec, Canada, Nordic Structures specializes in engineered wood products for the construction industry. With over 50 years of experience, they offer sustainable solutions for various projects, including schools, commercial buildings, and residential developments. Their product line includes cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam beams, and I-joists designed to meet diverse construction needs. The company builds with mass timber and emphasizes environmental responsibility by managing nearly 4 million acres of black spruce forests and ensuring sustainable harvesting and manufacturing processes. They also provide comprehensive technical support to architects and engineers, assisting in designing and implementing mass timber structures. Their portfolio includes significant projects like the John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst, the first post-secondary mass timber structure in the U.S.

3. Element5

Element5, founded in 2015, is a Canadian company that designs, fabricates, and assembles modern timber buildings. Based in St. Thomas, Ontario, their product line includes cross-laminated timber (CLT), glulam beams, cross-laminated insulated panels (CLIPs), and nanoCLT, offering options for various construction needs. The company operates out of a highly advanced 137,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, producing up to 50,000 cubic meters of mass-timber products annually. Element5 also provides full-service support to clients, offering cost and design consulting, timber engineering, and on-site assembly assistance. Their project portfolio includes residential, commercial, municipal, educational, and Indigenous community buildings, showcasing the flexibility and potential of timber construction.

4. Timberlab

Timberlab is a leading company in the mass timber industry, known for its expertise in designing, fabricating, and installing engineered wood products. They provide end-to-end services for mass-timber construction, from custom manufacturing to digital modeling and on-site assembly. Recently, Timberlab added glulam manufacturing to its offerings, allowing them greater control over product quality and supply chain efficiency. One of their most significant projects included the Portland Airport renovations, which included a stunning 400,000 square-foot timber roof that paid homage to Oregon’s rich natural beauty. Other notable projects include the Brooks Museum of Art and the Tom Lee Park.  

5. Mercer Mass Timber

Mercer Mass Timber, a division of Mercer International, is a leading producer of mass timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT). Mercer Mass Timber’s Spokane Valley facility, established in August 2021, is equipped with the latest advancements in automation technology and one of the world’s largest CLT presses, positioning it as a premier CLT production site in North America. In June 2023, Mercer Mass Timber acquired Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, adding manufacturing facilities in Conway, Arkansas, and Okanagan Falls, British Columbia. This expansion increased their production capacity and reinforced their leadership in the mass timber industry.

The company sources wood from certified forests in Canada and the U.S., utilizing species such as Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), Douglas Fir-Larch, Southern Yellow Pine, and Alaska Yellow Cedar, ensuring the durability and quality of their products while reducing their carbon footprint. They have several notable projects, like the Google Borregas office building in Sunnyvale, California, and the Microsoft Silicon Valley campus, showcasing the potential of mass timber in modern construction.

6. D.R. Johnson Wood Innovations

D.R. Johnson Wood Innovations, located in Oregon, is a pioneer in the U.S. mass timber industry and was the first company in the country to receive certification for producing structural cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. D.R. Johnson’s CLT panels are engineered with enhanced durability to withstand seismic forces, making them ideal for building in earthquake-prone regions. The company collaborates with universities and industry organizations to advance research on mass timber, specifically focusing on its structural performance in challenging environmental conditions.

Final thoughts

Mass timber construction is transforming the building industry, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional materials. Companies like Timberlab, Nordic Structures, and Element5 are leading the way with innovative solutions highlighting engineered wood’s versatility and benefits. As more builders and architects embrace mass timber, the potential for greener, more sustainable cities is becoming a reality.

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