Episode 3: What is Mass Timber's Potential?

Associate Principal Scott Barton-Smith and Studio Manager Sara Rae continue to explore concepts from their podcast, Mass Timber 101. This video corresponds to Episode 5, “Is Mass Timber Affordable? Part 1,” offering a closer look at colonnade framing.

In this video Associate Principal Scott Barton-Smith and Studio Manager Sara Rae break down concepts from their podcast, Mass Timber 101. This clip pairs with Episode 1, “What is Mass Timber?”—helping you visualize different types of mass timber and their roles in building systems.

In the second part of the cost discussion Sara and Scott describe the kinds of projects and design decisions that are a best fit for mass timber; the sweet spot! Then we end with how you can use the supply chain to your advantage in making mass timber affordable.

In this episode we tackle the myth that mass timber buildings are more expensive than conventional buildings. In this fist of two episodes that describe cost factors, Scott and Sara tackle expertise (know how), indirect cost benefits (understanding the tradeoffs), and optimization (don' t buy too much!).

Wood burns, right? Should we be worried about mass timber buildings' fire resistance? Sara and Scott explore the long history of timber in North American fire resistant building design. Understand how that history and modern research have lead to modern building codes that allow mass timber's use in most buildings today.

Why is mass timber such a big deal right now? This episode explains the potential in terms of climate, health and equity.The episode drives deeper into what sustainability means in the context of mass timber and how it canals benefit people and communities.

In this episode Sara and Scott jump into how mass timber is used in construction most of the time and highlight interesting examples of hybridization. They also cover the benefits of lamination and provide a bit of history of mass timber's use in the US.

You may have heard the words "mass timber" but could you distinguish it from other wood products? Scott and Sara clarify the definition, delve into common types, and discuss potential for innovation.

The Mass Timber 101 podcast is a friendly primer on the wonderful, responsible material that is mass timber. Is mass timber right for your project? Have you heard a lot about it, but wish someone would just explain the basics? Featuring Scott Barton-Smith and Sara Rae, this podcast will make you smart in six short episodes covering all things mass timber: what it is, what it’s for, its potential, the fire conundrum, and how we can make it affordable.   Mass Timber 101 is loaded with helpful info for beginners—and just enough detail to interest veterans, too.