• Mass Timber Market Updates - Mar 2025 - Week Ten
    Mar 9 2025

    The future of sustainable construction is unfolding right before our eyes as groundbreaking mass timber projects transform skylines across the globe. From university campuses to international airports, innovative architects and forward-thinking organizations are embracing wood as their material of choice.

    Boston University leads the charge with an impressive 70,000 square foot timber building designed by celebrated architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro. This interdisciplinary hub will focus on sustainable futures while transforming a former parking lot into a vibrant campus center. Meanwhile, the Canadian government demonstrates serious commitment to green building with a $4.5 million investment supporting multiple timber construction projects throughout Ontario.

    Global construction giant Skanska continues to cement its position at the forefront of sustainable building, securing three major contracts worth a combined $139 million. Their projects span continents and sectors – from a nine-story office in Sweden to a school in Norway and a healthcare facility in California. Equally impressive is BIG's design for the new Galafoo International Airport in Bataan, which showcases stunning glulam timber structures set against subtropical forests and mountain ranges. Not to be outdone, New Zealand contributes to the timber revolution with a new Christchurch office building featuring 114 eight-meter timber columns that prove wood isn't just sustainable – it's structurally superior, with almost double the strength-to-weight ratio of steel.

    Want to be part of this exciting movement? The Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon is approaching quickly. With over 200 exhibitors and numerous expert speakers (including past podcast guests), it's the premier event for anyone passionate about the future of sustainable construction. Subscribe to our podcast for weekly updates on the most significant developments in mass timber worldwide, and join us in building a more sustainable future – one timber structure at a time.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Feb 2025 - Week Nine
    Mar 2 2025

    Dive into a fascinating exploration of mass timber's potential to reshape our built environment as we discuss the intersection of sustainability and innovation in construction. Our latest episode highlights groundbreaking projects, including the first mass timber hospital in North America, and investigates how timber is combatting the housing crisis by offering low-carbon solutions. We also introduce the pioneering Carbon Smart CLT, crafted entirely from salvaged materials, setting a new standard for sustainable building practices.

    Listeners will discover the UK's strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing timber utilization, showcasing how this process not only addresses urgent housing demands but also fosters a circular economy. Training the next generation of builders is paramount; we explore new educational resources designed to equip workers with essential mass timber skills.

    With insights from industry experts and a focus on real-world applications, this episode not only informs but also inspires action towards a greener future in construction. We encourage you to engage with us—share your thoughts, subscribe for more exciting content, and help spread the word about the sustainable revolution in timber building!

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    12 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Feb 2025 - Week Eight
    Feb 23 2025

    Ready to revolutionize your understanding of mass timber construction? Discover the future of sustainable architecture with our latest episode of the Mass Timber Construction Podcast. Host Paul Kremer takes you on an exhilarating journey through groundbreaking projects from around the globe. From the award-winning, eco-friendly Maths Hub at Barker College designed by Architectus to the biophilic marvel of the RecWell facility in Connecticut, we promise you insights into how these structures are not just built to last, but to harmonize with their environments.

    Our worldwide expedition also highlights Gensler's stunning stadium design for Egypt's Al-Ahly Football Club, featuring a unique sunken pitch for passive cooling. Across the ocean in Australia, Rubner Engineering's multi-story timber building at the University of Newcastle exemplifies the pinnacle of sustainable educational spaces. And let's not forget the magnificent glulam roof structure crowning Sydney's new fish markets—proof that mass timber is reshaping modern architecture. Tune in as we celebrate these marvels of ingenuity, and get ready to view mass timber construction through a whole new lens.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Feb 2025 - Week Seven
    Feb 16 2025

    Could mass timber be the future of sustainable construction? Join us as we uncover the transformative projects reshaping the architectural landscape with this eco-friendly material. From the groundbreaking North Academic Complex at Central Washington University to the awe-inspiring Gothenburg Grand Central in Sweden, our latest episode takes you on a journey through some of the most ambitious mass timber projects globally. We'll explore how these developments are not just architectural marvels but also pioneers in sustainability, utilizing innovative combinations of materials like recycled brick and climate-improved concrete to redefine the boundaries of modern construction.

    Our conversation doesn't stop there. We dive into the world of biophilic design with a spotlight on the new headquarters of the Advertising Agency Thesis in Portland, illustrating the profound impact of natural materials on workplace well-being. Stay updated on the U.S. mass timber movement with insights into the latest International Building Code adoption across 39 states, and celebrate a stunning architectural feat as Danish architect Group Big unveils its winning design for an opera and ballet theater in Kosovo. This episode promises to leave you inspired and informed about the future of sustainable architecture.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • Special Guest - Nate Bergen - From Brock Commons to BCIT Mass Timber Construction and Education
    Feb 12 2025

    Prepare to be inspired by Nate, a leading expert in the mass timber industry, as he takes us on a journey through his fascinating career path. From his humble beginnings at a sawmill to contributing to the groundbreaking Brock Commons project, Nate's story is one of innovation and collaboration. He offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the mass timber construction world, emphasizing the crucial role of early collaboration with architects and engineers and the revolutionary use of a unified 3D model.

    We explore the evolving landscape of construction education programs, with Nate sharing his experiences working on high-profile projects like Google MT1. The conversation shifts to his transition into education, where he’s making waves at the British Columbia Institute of Technology by developing a curriculum that bridges the skills gap in the industry. The need for hybrid installers who combine carpentry and ironworking skills is just one of the exciting developments Nate touches on, as well as potential international collaborations with programs in places like Australia.

    In a refreshing change of pace, Nate also opens up about the personal challenges and lessons learned from managing large projects, including a major office building for Google in Silicon Valley. As the episode wraps up, Nate offers some light-hearted insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle amidst the demands of construction life. His personal anecdotes serve as a motivational reminder of the importance of integrating fitness into daily routines, leaving listeners with both practical advice and an inspiring call to action.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Feb 2025 - Week Six
    Feb 8 2025

    Discover the future of sustainable architecture as we uncover the innovative designs pushing the boundaries of mass timber construction. From a visionary 60,000-seat wooden stadium proposal for the Brisbane Olympics by Kirk Studio that aligns with the International Olympic Committee's Sustainability Strategy, to Daimler's $43 million USD venture into timber-powered electric vehicle facilities in Greater Portland, these projects embody the cutting-edge of eco-friendly building design. The episode promises insights into these transformative developments, offering listeners a glimpse of the pioneering spirit shaping the future of architectural excellence.

    Our journey doesn't stop there. We'll explore global projects like Fletcher Priest Architects’ remarkable refurbishment of the former BHS headquarters in the UK, highlighting their use of GLT and CLT materials for sustainable design. We'll also venture to Oregon Polytechnic for a sneak peek at their new mass timber residence hall aimed at enhancing student life, before heading to South Australia to see how Timberlink is revolutionizing construction with CLT panels at Flinders University's Factory of the Future. Each story showcases the limitless potential of mass timber, promising listeners a captivating look at these groundbreaking endeavors.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Jan 2025 - Week Five
    Feb 2 2025

    Unlock the secret to revolutionizing urban landscapes with mass timber as we explore the groundbreaking developments shaping cities worldwide. This episode features New York-based investor Tony Cheng's ambitious project to erect Australia's tallest timber tower in Sydney's bustling CBD, showcasing a harmonious blend of mass timber and hybrid steel design. Join us as we dive into the collaborative research efforts of Built by Nature and BEST in Scotland, aiming to enhance fire safety in mass timber buildings across the UK. With contributions from the University of Edinburgh Fire Research Centre and Timber Development UK, this initiative is set to redefine our understanding of safe and sustainable timber construction.

    Get the inside scoop on industry leaders Arnie, Craig, and Tom's dedication to steering the International Mass Timber Conference, maintaining its status as a pivotal event for professionals across the globe. Discover the latest architectural wonders as Building Design and Construction editors unveil innovative office projects that push the boundaries of sustainable design. Plus, celebrate a milestone in Mexican architecture with PPAA's introduction of the country's first mass timber structure. This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights and inspiration for anyone passionate about the future of construction and sustainable urban development.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • Mass Timber Market Updates - Jan 2025 - Week Four
    Jan 26 2025

    Can mass timber revolutionize the way we build in diverse sectors from retail to military? Explore groundbreaking developments as we unveil the Apple Miami World Center, the first Apple store to heavily incorporate mass timber construction, seamlessly merging iconic Art Deco elements with sustainability. Discover how Swinerton's expansion in Hawaii aims to redefine construction services across aviation, hospitality, and more, ensuring tailored solutions with their new Maui office. Each story in this episode promises to broaden your understanding of how mass timber is reshaping architectural norms and pushing the boundaries of traditional construction methods.

    Join us as we dive deeper into innovative applications of mass timber, from earthquake-resistant military shelters to eco-friendly urban infrastructure. Learn how the US Army is leading the charge in testing cross-laminated timber shelters against seismic challenges, proving its worth as a reliable building material in extreme conditions. We also showcase a remarkable multi-story car park in Germany, designed by Hermann and Bosch Architects, featuring sustainable design elements like a green roof and photovoltaic systems. This episode promises a wealth of insights into how mass timber is carving out new possibilities within the construction landscape, offering sustainable and innovative solutions across the globe.

    Send us a text

    Support the show

    Show more Show less
    9 mins