High Rise Wood

Looking for opportunities for large

scale wood construction in Nashville

Concept for affordable

housing above WeGo’s
E. Duff Transit Center
 High Rise Wood

This publication was designed and written by

Remington Lynch, Landscape Planning Associate for the Civic Design Center

The mission of the Civic Design Center is to advocate for civic design visions and actionable change in communities to
improve quality of life for all.

Founded in 2001, the work began with a large-scale community engagement project that culminated in a comprehensive
vision for the city: The Plan of Nashville. Thanks to university partnerships and community voices, the Design Center has
continued to expand upon the Plan’s innovative ideas through blogs, publications, and educational events. As Nashville
grows in influence, we will continue to lead change so that our city may help set an example for civic design around the
world. For more information on Civic Design Center and its projects, please visit www.civicdesigncenter.org

October 2023

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 Civic design center

MISSION STATEMENT
Advocate for civic design visions and actionable change in communities to improve quality of life for all

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 Highlighted principles
The Guiding Principles are a contemporary, universal adaptation of our original 10 Principles of The Plan of
Nashville that arose from a wide-scale community engagement effort of over 800 people in neighborhoods
throughout Nashville. Rooted in community ideas, the Principles and their underlying goals represent key
factors that our organization believes should be prioritized in planning, design, and development.

pillar: Pillar: Pillar:

Representation preservation expansion

Identity Sustainability Housing

Strengthen the unique Prioritize design that Supply housing options for
identities of neighborhoods alleviates impact on the diverse incomes and
that reflects their people, environment’s natural lifestyles that complement
history, and culture. resources. the neighborhood.

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table of contents
Foreword
Explore the concept of mass timber from Yugon Kim

What is Mass Timber?

Learn about what makes mass timber a viable option

Environmental Impacts
See how this building type effects the environment

Construction Impacts
What can mass timber offer on the worksite

Mass Timber Building Types

Check out the styles of mass timber construction

Around the World

Look forward to exploring these buildings

Student Work
Check out what students have done in their design studios

Local Projects
See what Nashville has to offer

Closing
What to look forward to

References
Look here to find more resources

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 Foreword featuring
Yugon Kim
Partner | Director of TSKP x ikd
When we began our mass timber journey nearly 12
years ago, we would exclaim that cross laminated
timber (CLT) would be the building material of the
future. We passionately extolled the virtues of Mother
Nature’s greatest gift—to architecture and perhaps the
world—of a building material that is more fire
resistant, lighter, and easier to work with than steel
and concrete, that creates spaces with biophilic
(connections to the natural environment) qualities that
improve the well-being of is occupants, that
regenerates for free by the power of the sun, and could
create carbon negative buildings in a world troubled
by climate change and rising carbon levels. Knowing
that our words might fall upon deaf ears or that our
efforts could stall in the face of the status quo within a
building industry that has remained largely unchanged
for decades, we dreamt of a timber renaissance that
would bring bio-based buildings back to a country
that was in fact founded and once flourished because 01
of its abundance of trees.
As evidenced by the projects documented not only in this publication but worldwide, we can say with certainty
that CLT and other mass timber assemblies are not only the building material of the future but the building material
of today. There has been unbelievable exponential growth in the use of CLT, with an incredibly diverse range of
building types and scales, already constructed and in planning, in every region of the United States. With a
growing contingent of North American manufacturers of CLT, rural economies are being stimulated and forests are
becoming healthier. Real, impactful changes in the building code are now being enacted, permitting the use of CLT
at both federal and local levels. Public perception has finally reached a tipping point, and timber structures are now
seen as safe and a boon to both the planet and the health of human beings.

While many are now eager to build with wood, we must also now ensure that we take special care in thinking
about how to sustainably manage a timber-driven building industry. Trees, while plentiful and able to regenerate,
take time to grow, and wildlife is inevitably impacted by large scale harvesting. As building with mass timber
becomes mainstream, best practices for sustainable harvesting as well as low-waste fabrication must be at the

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forefront of our mindset so that there is no weak link in the material supply chain. We are certain that in the very
near future, timber buildings will no longer be considered specialty projects and will simply become a familiar part
of our urban landscape, changing how we think of cities.

We should all consider ourselves extremely fortunate to bear witness to this once-in-a-lifetime shift that
reconsiders better approaches to building our constructed world. We look forward to continuing to see the
collaboration among the diverse mix of stakeholders, including architects, builders, civic leaders, forestry and
industry professionals, environmentalists, developers, and everyday citizens, innovating to actualize a better world
not only for ourselves but for future generations to come through the conscious stewardship of this most
remarkable natural resource.

03 04

Timber City Display Conversation Plinth, Columbus IN

02
05 06
Timber City Display
National Building Museum, Washington D.C. Timber City Display Outside-in Bench, Sandwich MA

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 what is mass timber?
Mass Timber construction is a style of construction where wood is their main building material. Some would ask how
do builders make wood viable to use as a main structural material? The special type of wood used in these buildings
is actually engineered wood that is incredibly strong so it can be used as the main support system for buildings.
These engineered pieces are typically built off site, then transported to the site, and assembled in a very specific way,
like a puzzle. Imagine it as a building set you’d get as a child but built at a massive scale. With this system, the
building is designed from the ground up with mass timber as its building method. Having the mindset to start with
mass timber leads to many more benefits throughout the design phase, the building phase and into the actual use of
the building.

The use of wood isn’t a new idea when it comes to construction. Wood has always been a major part of the building
world throughout history, but when it comes to high rise buildings, wood hasn’t been at the forefront. Steel, concrete
and glass have been the primary building materials for high rises. However, with new construction practices and
specialized materials, wood is making an impactful mark on the high rise market. Wood can be the main material for
structure and stability, so Mass Timber is proving that it belongs in the conversation for designers when they are
starting new projects. On top of being a viable choice for structure, Mass Timber is also making major improvements
in other aspects of the building's lifespan, like mitigating construction waste, CO₂ emissions, project time, number of
on site workers, mental health and more.

Throughout this publication, we will dive more into the benefits of Mass Timber Construction, explore precedents
from around the world, look into local students’ work on the subject, and explore the exciting projects that Nashville
itself has to offer in this building field.

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 world examples

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Mjøstårnet, Brumunddal Norway Central Credit Union Arena, Univ. of Idaho Calgary Central Library, Calgary Canada

12 13

Peavy Hall, Oregon State University Botanical Garden, Taiyuan China

14 15

Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, Alberta Canada Sara Cultural Centre, Skellefteå Sweden

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 environmental impacts
Materiality makes a massive impact when it comes to building sustainably. That’s why wood is a great option to look
into for structures. It’s a natural, renewable, and versatile material. Using Mass Timber also helps reduce waste on the
construction site since you must know exactly what materials are needed in the design phase.

When it comes to sustainability in construction, one of the biggest factors is carbon (CO2) footprint. Mass Timber
avoids large amounts of emissions compared to steel and concrete (manufacturing and transportation energy
consumption), and one of wood’s most interesting aspects is its ability to sequester carbon. This means wood can
take C02 out of the atmosphere and use it in the photosynthesis process. The act of storing C02 can be a bit compli-
cated, but think of the wood as a sponge; it takes in that carbon and holds onto it until it is “squeezed” or, in terms of
the wood, rots or decomposes. Timber used in the construction is unlikely to decompose, however, if the building is
properly cared for, it should last for a long time. If it has to be replaced, there is always the opportunity to reuse the
wood in other ways (interior use, furniture, flooring, etc). Going along with the sequestration of carbon, the overall
practice of sustainable forestry also helps with absorbing carbon. Carbon is stored in the trees as well as the soil, so
the ecosystem itself is taking in large amounts of carbon, while at the same time providing building materials.

Another factor that contributes to Mass Timber’s efficiency is the large reduction of building waste that goes into the
project. The amount of materials is pre-set, and the pieces are come to the site built and ready to be assembled. In
traditional construction, there are many situations where materials are being cut, scrapped, and tossed because they
are retrofitting pieces together to create the building. This process results in extra waste.

co2
Restart the Process

New Forest Thinning Stand Management Harvest

CO2 Flow: Trees take CO2 out of the air, store it in the Renewable Source: By using best sustainable forestry
wood, and then contain it in its built form. Once the wood practices for lumber growth, we can ensure that we provide
breaks down, it relseaes the CO2 back into this system . As ourselves with enough building material as well as keeping
long as the building stands it holds in the CO2. our natural forests lush.

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 construction impacts
Traditional construction has poor environmental impact and it impacts the overall project timeline, safety, and number
of workers on site. Mass Timber’s inherent waste reduction on the site has major environmental benefits, but it also
reduces the cost that goes into supplies. By having a better handle on the amount of waste coming off of the site, the
construction team can be much more accurate when estimating costs.

Every construction site has the potential to be dangerous, and a Mass Timber site is no different, but when it comes
to the assembly, the process has a much smoother application than traditional steel construction. Each piece of the
building is labeled and everyone knows exactly where that piece should be going; there is no guessing or
improvising on the site, which drastically reduces the potential for injury on site. In a similar vein, by taking away the
retrofitting guesswork, this can result in speedier construction. Having Mass Timber allows for more time building
rather than waiting on materials to set, like concrete, or piecing things together, like steel. A Mass Timber building can
be built roughly 25% faster than steel or concrete, and it requires a fraction of construction traffic/holding sites
because of the prefabrication process.

Maximize

Prefab Timber

Minimize

Steel

Concrete

Managing Workers: With a smoother construction Reduced Waste: With the use of heavy timber, the
phase, the building crew can have fewer members on site building pieces are prefabricated and ready to go. This helps
and still acomplish the same task. This helps cut down the streamline the materials that enter the site, minimize
potential for accidents and makes the site easier to manage materials used in the build and keep them on the site.

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 building types

NLT Nail Laminated Timber

To create NLT, dimension lumber is placed on edge with individual laminations mechanically fastened
together with nails or screws. The boards are nominal 2x, 3x, and 4x thickness. Width is typically 4-12 inches.
NLT gets its strength and durability from the nails/screws that fasten individual pieces of dimensional lumber
into a single structural element.

NLT’s revival is due in large part to domestic availability. The mass timber product does not require a
dedicated manufacturing facility—compared with other building materials like cross-laminated timber
(CLT)—and it can be fabricated with readily available dimensional lumber. This allows project teams and
manufacturers to use locally sourced materials.

clt Cross Laminated Timber

CLT panels consist of layered lumber boards (usually three, five, or seven) stacked crosswise at 90-degree
angles and glued into place. Finger joints and structural adhesive connect the boards. Board thickness
typically varies between 5/8 inch to 2 inches, with board width ranging from 2.4 to 9.5 inches.The panels can
be manufactured at custom dimensions, though transportation restrictions dictate their length.

Alternating grains improve CLT panels’ dimensional stability. This strength affords designers a host of new
uses for wood, including wide prefabricated floor slabs, single-level walls, and taller floor plate heights. As
with other mass timber products, CLT can be left exposed in building interiors — up to 8 stories in the 2021
IBC, offering additional aesthetic attributes.

Like other mass timber products, CLT can be used in hybrid applications with materials such as concrete and
steel. It can also be used as a prefabricated building component, accelerating construction timelines.

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dLT Dowell Laminated Timber
DLT is similar to nail-laminated timber (NLT), without the use of screws or nails. To form DLT members,
softwood lumber panels are stacked like NLT and friction-fit together with hardwood dowels. The dowels hold
the boards together, and the friction fit—achieved by the differing moisture content of the softwood panels
and the hardwood dowels—affords additional dimensional stability. Dowels also can be inserted diagonally,
offering additional resistance. Because DLT does not use nails or screws, it is easier and safer to mill and
route. The lack of an adhesive is also attractive for projects looking to maximize the use of wood.

glt Glued-Laminated Timber

To form a glulam (glue laminate) component, wood laminations (dimensional lumber) are positioned according
to their stress-rated performance characteristics. In most cases, the strongest laminations sandwich the beam
to absorb stress proportionally and ensure longevity. The laminations are jointed end to end, allowing for long
spans, and are bonded with a durable, moisture-resistant adhesive. The laminations’ grains run parallel with
the member’s length to improve its strength.

Glulam members come in standard and custom sizes. Depths range from 6 inches to 72 inches, and widths
range from 2.5 inches to 10.75 inches, according to APA. Components are cut to length when ordered and can
surpass 100 feet. Commercial projects often require longer spans and accommodate bigger loads than
residential projects, meaning custom widths and depths are often required. In addition to straight spans,
glulam can also be used for curved and pitched applications.

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 around the world
Mass Timber buildings are gaining popularity around the world due to their lower impact on the environment.
American cities are working to keep up with sustainable design trends, so Mass Timber buildings are growing
in number locally. The statistics outline the global increase in high-rise wood structures, while the following
precedents show American examples that may be feasible sites for local designers to visit for inspiration.

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Tall Mass Timber: Status Tall Mass Timber: Use Tall Mass Timber: Region
minutes for forests to grow back out of 139 buildings out of 84 buildings out of 84 buildings
timber used in Hoho, Vienna

64% of all mass timber are

residential buildings

3x world’s tallest building height

has tripled in past ten years
Completed: 66 Residential: 54 Europe: 60
Proposed: 55 Office: 16 North America: 15
Buildings are 8 stories or taller Construction: 18 Mixed Use: 12 Australia: 8
for all graphics/data Institutional: 2 Asia: 1

Tall Mass Timber: Structure Type Timeline of Mass Timber Completions by Construction Type
out of 84 buildings
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Number of buildings

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘20 ‘21 ‘22 ‘23
All Timber: 38 Year
Concrete Timber Hybrid: 29 All Timber Concrete Timber Concrete Steel Timber Steel Timber
Concrete Steel Timber Hybrid: 10
* stats and infographics info from:
Steel Timber Hybrid: 7 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Mass Timber data

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t3 Minneapolis

t3 West Midtown

the ascent

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 t3 Minneapolis
minneapolis, minnesota

Developer: Hines
Architect: Michael Green Architecture / DLR Group

About:
T3 Minneapolis was the largest modern mass timber building in the USA upon
completion, and the 180,000 sqft timber superstructure was installed in only 9.5
weeks.

With the successful launch of T3 Minneapolis (timber, technology, transportation),

tall wood construction in North America continues to reach new heights. Replacing
traditional structural systems such as concrete and steel, prefabricated solid wood
panels, such as Nail-Laminated Timber panels, create a construction method which
is fast, clean, and sustainable–not to mention aesthetically pleasing.

Designed by Michael Green Architecture and DLR Group, this mass timber building's
seven stories and 220,000 square feet of mixed retail and office space has a strong
draw on local investors and the tech and creative tenants due to the warmth of
wood and the embrace of green construction techniques and materials.

The bottom concrete level is set aside for both retail space and a tenant amenity
centre which includes fitness, social workspace, and bike parking. Above it is six
stories of pure wood office space.

16 17 18

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 t3 West Midtown
atlanta, georgia

Developer: Hines
Architect: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture / DLR Group

About:
The building style of T3 West Midtown uses DLT panels for the floor and roof system
in addition to a GLT posts beam and substructure with a steel brace frame lateral
system. T3 West Midtown is one of the most environmentally friendly and
sustainable building types in a modern workplace. All the wood is sourced from
managed forests that utilize certified sustainable forestry practices, which helps
reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

Multimodel transportation is becoming a major component to urban areas, and T3

buildings are helping to push that forward. T3 West Midtown’s prominent and
convenient location within Atlantic Station provides a number of options, including a
dedicated MARTA shuttle, bike lanes and easy access to the highway. On site, the
building offers alternative transportation amenities like electronic charging stations
and plenty of bike storage. Overall the building is not only just functioning as an
office building, but also as a node that encourages alternative tranist modes
throughout the city.

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 the ascent
milwaukee, wisCONSIN

Developer: New Land Enterprises

Architect: Korb + Associates Architects

About:
At 86.6 meters (284 feet), it was certified as the world's tallest timber building, as
well as the world's tallest timber-concrete hybrid building, by the Council on Tall
Buildings and Urban Habitat. Ascent, which houses luxury apartments and retail,
beat the previous-tallest timber tower, the 85.4-meter-high Mjøstårnet in Norway, to
the title.

Designed by Korb + Associates Architects (KA), the skyscraper was built in just under
two years after breaking ground in August 2020. The architecture studio's design
for the tower was informed by biophilic design. Biophilic desgin is the concept of
trying to mimic ideas seen in nature and use them in the built word.

Ascent, which is located in downtown Milwaukee, has a six-story podium at its base
that houses retail and amenity spaces, as well as parking and a lobby.

The 19 stories above hold apartments and culminate in a top floor with
floor-to-ceiling glass windows and two sky decks. The cladding for the building is
almost exclusively glass.

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 student work

The Civic Design Center and the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Architecture and
Design (UTK) have enjoyed a fruitful and enduring collaboration that commenced in 2001. This
partnership has facilitated numerous investigations conducted by the Design Center team, enabling
architecture students to delve into prospective "real-world" endeavors situated in Nashville. An
exciting endeavor in 2019 involved LP's co-sponsorship of the Civic Design Center's Urban Design
Studio: Timber Tower for Sustainable Future initiative. In this undertaking, students from UTK had the
opportunity to envision a mass timber high-rise building set within downtown Nashville. This
inventive project showcased the students' talent and creativity, while also reflecting the commitment
of both institutions to promoting sustainable and innovative design solutions.

The projects focus on addressing real-life urban challenges, such as sustainable development,
urban density, and affordable housing. By incorporating wood as a primary material, students
explore the potential to create environmentally-conscious, aesthetically pleasing, and socially
engaging high-rise structures. The outcomes of the studio's projects are exhibited in the following
pages, highlighting the collaborative efforts, innovative designs, and the potential impact of
high-rise wood architecture on cities. This exhibition serves as a platform to engage communities in
conversations about the future of architecture, sustainability, and urban planning.

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UTK Students presenting their work to the jury

00

Vanderbilt Engineer Students with Civic Design Center’s Design Director, Eric Hoke at
LP Building Solutions Corprate Headquarters
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 UTK Project
Student Team: Bolen, Dutch, Poston
Architecture Program

Alternative design strategies that are focused on in this project will lead to shifting perspectives design’s role within
the fabric of the city. In the change seen throughout the growth of such projects as this, comparable metrics will allow
for further development and education in the many fields that concern the healthy growth of the city’s future. Design-
ing in the spectrum of innovation and pursuit for advancement allows the possibilities and vision from a larger context
to be properly expressed outwardly and given the appreciation that only comes with the experience of change within
an environment. Discovery and change is made in the process of connecting areas of influence to ultimately create
sustainable futures with each project we attain.

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 UTK Project
Student Team: Campbell, Ebbert, Sim
Architecture Program

The project is a product of rethinking standards. The result is a CLT structure that contains 276 micro-housing
apartments that rest on a mixed-use base. The primary objective in the design process was to improve upon typical
city living. This meant increasing floor to ceiling heights, adding green spaces in a unique and more accessible way,
and putting a priority on natural day lighting.

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 UTK Project
Student Team: Fox, Haun, Mcreynolds
Architecture Program

The ultimate agenda of the tower is to inspire individuals to live more healthy lifestyles, while also improving the
health of the local environment. This will be accomplished through careful selection of program, integrated systems,
and the deployment of specific materials. The high-rise residential tower will utilize a CLT structure that naturally
sequesters carbon from the environment, as well as being a more environmentally friendly manufacturing and
construction process than more typical structural systems. Timber will be celebrated within the building, providing
tenants and occupants with an experience that educates and excites people about sustainability. In thinking about
how to improve health of people and local environment, the built environment plays a huge role in that, especially if
the building is being lived in.

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29
 Vanderbilt Project
Student Team: Donato, Judin, Williams
Engineer Program

The Vanderbilt Engineering Infill Housing project aimed to expand on a development plan for housing above the
central bus station. With the goal of bringing more environmentally sustainable housing to the location, the students
utilized innovative building methods, such as high-rise wood construction. This allowed them to exceed the original
plans and create a more overall units and sustainable living environment.

Throughout the project, the students had the privilege of meeting with dedicated mentors from engineering firms and
wood construction companies. These mentors played a pivotal role in advising on the designs and providing valuable
insights to enhance the students' knowledge in the field. They shared design calculation examples and real-world
wood construction scenarios, allowing the students to gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of
working with wood as a structural material.

By leveraging the expertise of their mentors, the students were able to develop a structurally sound design. They
implemented sustainable and affordable solutions, utilizing mass timber construction techniques. This approach not
only provided a durable and environmentally friendly solution, but also contributed to the affordability and
accessibility of the housing project. The students to push the boundaries of their civil engineering knowledge and
successfully deliver a project that incorporated sustainable practices while meeting the housing needs of the
community.

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 Local Projects

Over the past few years, Nashville has had numerous construction projects popping up
throughout the city. Among those projects have been the proposals for a handful of Mass
Timber buildings.

These completed/ongoing projects are challenging the way the city views new building
projects and encouraging healthier work environments for the people of Nashville. By
promoting Mass Timber construction, the city is able to develop a diverse skyline that not only
adds value through unique designs, but also aids in the city’s efforts to become more
sustainable.

Three pioneering projects in Nashville are grouped together in the southern half of the city
with two in Wedgewood-Houston and the other on Music Row. This could be for a number of
reasons such as the building scale in these neighborhoods, available lands, the character of
the existing context or the functionality of these buildings.

With Nashville’s Climate Change Mitigation Action Plan encouraging more sustainable
projects, the city should look at mass timber construction for future projects. Our CO2
emissions from buildings are roughly half of our greenhouse gas emissions as a city, so
expanding our thoughts on how to build our environment can help mitigate those emissions.

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1030 Music Row Warehouse Company

T3 Wedgewood Houston

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 1030
music row
Developer:
Panattoni Development Company
Architect:
Anecdote
Contractor:
Turner Construction
Address:
1030 Music Row

about
A classy, five-story mass timber office building has come
to Nashville’s Music Row. The project is Panattoni’s third
office building on Music Row. It is designed specifically to
target the creative office market in our post-COVID
environment, with easily accessible floors and modern
HVAC and access systems.
The superstructure uses shop prefabricated spruce DLT
panels on Glulam columns and beams, with a central
structural steel core as the lateral load resisting system.
The first level is partial office (timber) as well as a parkade
(steel) with 4 underground parking levels. The building’s
glass skin shows off the warm timber interiors.
Steel was chosen for the core system of Music Row by
our (StructureCraft) structural engineers to improve
schedule and cost efficiency. With the goal of
minimizing the exposure time of the walls to the
elements, the steel core was sequenced to be erected
first so that the CLT elevator shaft could be dropped in
from the top after the first 4 levels of steel had been
erected. This added some complexity to the detailing
of the connections between the steel and timber and
meant taking a close look at how each piece of the
shaft would be installed.

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 Andrew Keithly | studioagk.com 28

30 Andrew Keithly | studioagk.com 31

Andrew Keithly | studioagk.com 29 32 33

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 nashville
warehouse
company
Developer:
AJ Capital Partners
Architect:
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
Contractor:
DPR Construction
Address:
1131 4th Ave South

about
Nashville has received its first large-scale mass timber
structure in the form of two office buildings, up to 5 storeys
tall, as part of a larger mixed use development.
A feature of the building is the gable roofs, which create a
beautiful vaulted space that also highlight the warmth of
wood from the exterior.
The floor and roof decks use structural, prefabricated DLT
panels supported by a Glulam post and beam frame. The
mass timber superstructure is anchored back to centrally
located concrete cores which transfer lateral loads down
to the foundations.
35
As with many mass timber buildings, the key early
design conisiderations were size of column grid,
routing od MEP,conisiderations were size of column
grid, routing od MEP, and integration of the
facade/edge support with the timber structure.
We (structureCraft) joined the project team and
provided engineering value propositions for these
items, driving for efficiency while maintaining the
architectural intent.
Given the varying column grid size (up to 24'x30'),
we proposed a purlin framing system to economize
on material and simplify connection while also
providing "chases" for the mechanical ducts.
 34

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 t3 wedgewood
houston
Developer:
Hines
Design Architect | Architect of Record:
HASTINGS | DLR Group
Contractor:
Hoar Construction
Address:
1234 Martin Street

about
Celebrating the spirit of the Wedgewood-Houston familiarity of historic heavy timber buildings while
neighborhood, T3 “The Finery” is part of a new nexus for utilizing modern methods and a forward-looking
creatives, forming a social, artistic, and economic hub knit approach to construction. StructureCraft is honored
into the historic fabric of the neighborhood. It is an to join the project team as engineer-builder for the
innovative 200,000 sqft, 7-storey mass timber structure mass timber superstructure on another T3, adding
providing creative office space with ground-floor retail. Nashville to the growing list of cities with a T3
project, including Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Toronto.
The top 5 floors of the office building will be constructed
with a mass timber post-and-beam structure. The concrete
podium structure includes a 200-space parking garage.
The exposed mass timber recalls the warmth and

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 closing

High-rise wood construction represents a remarkable advancement in sustainable building practices,

offering numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. By challenging traditional notions of
tall building construction and embracing the use of timber as a primary structural material, high-rise
wood buildings demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and a visionary approach to urban
development.

From an environmental perspective, high-rise wood construction significantly reduces carbon emissions
compared to conventional materials such as concrete and steel. Wood is a renewable resource that acts
as a carbon sponge, storing carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle. By using wood in high-rise
construction, we can effectively sequester large amounts of carbon, mitigating climate change and
contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

Furthermore, high-rise wood buildings promote sustainable forest management practices. When
sourced from responsibly managed forests, timber used in construction supports the preservation of
biodiversity, promotes reforestation efforts, and ensures the long-term health of ecosystems. By
choosing high-rise wood construction, we can encourage sustainable forestry practices and protect our
natural resources for future generations.

There are also economic advantages of high-rise wood construction. The use of wood as a primary
building material allows for faster construction timelines due to off-site prefabrication and modular
construction techniques. These methods result in reduced construction costs, improved project
efficiency, and shorter disruptions to urban areas. Moreover, the lightweight nature of wood reduces the
load on foundations, enabling cost-effective designs and increased flexibility in architectural
possibilities. Additionally, the local sourcing of timber supports regional economies and creates job
opportunities in forestry and wood processing industries, contributing to community development.

High-rise wood construction also has positive social impacts. The natural warmth and aesthetic appeal
of wood create a welcoming and biophilic environment that enhances occupant well-being. The use of
wood in tall buildings can foster a connection to nature, providing a sense of calm and reducing stress
levels.

In conclusion, high-rise wood construction stands as a testament to sustainable urban development.

Through its ecological advantages, economic viability, and positive social effects, high-rise wood
buildings offer a holistic and forward-thinking approach to building design and construction. Embracing
this innovative practice can lead us towards a more sustainable and resilient future, where tall buildings
not only provide functional spaces but also contribute to a harmonious coexistence with nature, fostering
healthier, greener, and more vibrant cities.

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HoHo Wien, Vienna Austria

48 49
HAUT, Amsterdam Netherlands 55 Southbank, Melbourne Australia

50 51

De Karel Doorman, Rotterdam Netherlands Kaj16, Göteborg Sweden

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 References

Works Cited
https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber
https://www.thinkwood.com/sustainable-architecture-design
https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber/cross-laminated-timber-clt
https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber/dowel-laminated-timber-dlt
https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber/nail-laminated-timber-nlt
https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber/glued-laminated-timber-glulam
https://structurecraft.com/
https://www.woodworks.org/learn/mass-timber-clt/
https://www.woodworks.org/resources/introduction-to-whole-building-life-cycle-assessment-the-basics/
https://www.ctbuh.org/mass-timber-data#:~:text=This%20-
data%20study%20represents%20the,%2C%20under%20construction%20or%20proposed*.

Publication Contributers
Thank you to the contributers for providing work and resources for this publication.

LP Building Solutions University of Tennessee, Vanderbilt University TSKP x IKD

Knoxville

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Photo Credits
01 https://tskp.com/studio/profile/firm_leaders/yugon_kim
02 http://i-k-design.com/work/exhibitions-galleries/timber-city-national-building-museum/
03 http://i-k-design.com/work/exhibitions-galleries/timber-city-national-building-museum/
04 http://i-k-design.com/work/cultural-and-public-galleries/conversation-plinth/
05 http://i-k-design.com/work/exhibitions-galleries/timber-city-national-building-museum/
06 http://i-k-design.com/work/cultural-and-public-galleries/outside-in/Architizer-Finalist-Outside-In/
07 https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber
08 https://www.thinkwood.com/mass-timber
09 https://www.architectatwork.no/en/aw-newsletter/n/15286/mjstarnet-the-worlds-tallest-timber-building
10 https://opsisarch.com/project/idaho-central-credit-union-arena/
11 https://www.snohetta.com/projects/calgary-central-library
12 https://mg-architecture.ca/project/osu-college-of-forestry/
13 https://www.dmaa.at/work/taiyuan-botanical-garden
14 https://structurecraft.com/projects/philip-j-currie-dinosaur-museum
15 https://architectureprize.com/winners/winner.php?id=5519
16 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-atlanta
17 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-atlanta
18 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-atlanta
19 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-atlanta
20 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-minneapolis
21 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-minneapolis
22 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-minneapolis
23 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-minneapolis
24 https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/project/ascent
25 https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/project/ascent
26 https://www.thorntontomasetti.com/project/ascent
27 https://www.apartmentfinder.com/Wisconsin/Milwaukee-Apartments/Ascent-Apartments-6d5l3st
28 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
29 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
30 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
31 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
32 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
33 https://structurecraft.com/projects/music-row-office
34 https://www.welcometowedgewood.com/warehouseco
35 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
36 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
37 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
38 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
39 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
40 https://structurecraft.com/projects/nashville-warehouse-company-office
41 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
42 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
43 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
44 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
45 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
46 https://structurecraft.com/projects/t3-wedgewood-houston
47 https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/hoho/18763
48 https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/haut/26753v
49 https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/55-southbank/29306
50 https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/de-karel-doorman/5562
51 https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/kromet/38464

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A publication created by the Civic Design Center who’s mission
is to advocate for civic design visions and actionable change in
communities to improve quality of life for all.

civicdesigncenter.org
civicdesigncenter.org