Commercial Archives - Mid-Atlantic Timberframes https://matfllc.com/category/commercial/ Mid-Atlantic Timberframes Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:48:05 +0000 en hourly 1 https://matfllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-MATF-favicon-512x512-1-32x32.png Commercial Archives - Mid-Atlantic Timberframes https://matfllc.com/category/commercial/ 32 32 Why Timber Is the Smart Choice for Commercial Building Projects https://matfllc.com/commercial/why-timber-is-the-smart-choice-for-commercial-building-projects/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/why-timber-is-the-smart-choice-for-commercial-building-projects/#respond Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:00:23 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=5220 The benefits of building with heavy timber and mass timber (such as cross-laminated timber or glued laminated timber) for residential purposes are well-known, from biophilic advantages to sustainability and durability....

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The benefits of building with heavy timber and mass timber (such as cross-laminated timber or glued laminated timber) for residential purposes are well-known, from biophilic advantages to sustainability and durability. These benefits are also present in commercial builds that use timber, but there are even more that might not be evident at first glance.

Let’s explore the ways timber frame commercial structures offer speed, savings, and innovation, making it an ideal choice for projects from retail to restaurants, offices to apartment buildings, and beyond.

  1. Faster Construction & Quicker ROI In many cases, timber structures can be erected 20–30% faster than their traditional counterparts.1 This is true of both mass and heavy timber and produces a domino effect of other savings in reduced labor and on-site time. And, because timber elements are most often prefabbed off-site, shorter build times and minimized weather delays mean occupancy can happen sooner — and give a quicker return on investment.
  2. Cost Savings & Financial Incentives In addition to faster build times, timber can reduce construction costs due to its lighter weight in comparison to other materials. This results in fewer trips to the job site and less fuel consumed. Foundations can be less robust because of the lighter weight they will be required to support. Crew sizes can be curtailed as well, lowering labor costs. And in many regions, using mass timber unlocks green building incentives or tax credits. Over the full project life cycle, these savings can make mass timber competitive with, or even more affordable than, steel and concrete.
  3. Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility – Unsurprisingly, timber has a much smaller carbon footprint than steel or concrete. In fact, timber sequesters carbon during its growth as a tree, then continues to hold that carbon throughout its time as a structural element. At a time when up to 28% of the earth’s greenhouse gas emissions come from building materials and building operations, these savings make a difference.2

  4. Aesthetic & Market Appeal The atmosphere of timber frame structures appeals to shoppers, visitors, and employees alike — and there are real benefits to working in these environments too. Studies show that productivity improves in a timber setting, as do feelings of well-being, a property known as biophilia. Air quality is also improved, and overall health is better supported whenever someone spends time surrounded by exposed timber.3

  5. Performance, Durability & Safety Mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) are engineered for strength, fire resistance, and longevity. The construction of CLT panels, for instance, with wood members running in perpendicular layers, gives them incredible strength and durability when used vertically or horizontally. Used as wall panels, ceiling elements, and flooring, these materials must meet stringent safety standards.
  6. Regulatory Support & Futureproofing – Since 2021, new construction types for timber have allowed for taller structures — up to 18 stories — expanding commercial opportunities dramatically.4 Mass timber has since become a go-to material for future-focused construction.

Timber: Smarter, Faster, Greener
As architects and engineers continue to embrace how they can build smarter, faster, and greener, mass and heavy timber are gaining widespread acceptance in the commercial construction landscape. Contact Mid-Atlantic Timberframes to explore how timber can elevate your commercial building project from the merely practical to the exceptional.

 

Sources

  1. “A Guide to Mass Timber Construction: The Future of Sustainable Architecture and the Role of Forestry,” Rayonier, accessed June 26, 2025.
  2. “Timber: The Future of Commercial Development?” Janover Commercial Real Estate Loans, accessed June 26, 2025.
  3. “Mass Timber Office Development: Case Study,” AIA Orange County, accessed June 26, 2025.
  4. “Expanding the Capabilities of Wood Construction Through Mass Timber,” Construction Business Owner, accessed June 26, 2025.

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Timber, Technology & Tomorrow: 7 Innovations Driving Heavy Timber Construction https://matfllc.com/commercial/7-innovations-driving-heavy-timber-construction/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/7-innovations-driving-heavy-timber-construction/#respond Tue, 14 May 2024 18:58:12 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=4512 Wooden beams and posts have been used as a framework for structures since ancient times, even before the widespread use of nails and other fasteners. After more than a thousand...

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Wooden beams and posts have been used as a framework for structures since ancient times, even before the widespread use of nails and other fasteners. After more than a thousand years, timber structures are standing today that used intricate joinery in their construction instead.

In the New World, timber use continued for houses, farm buildings, and other structures. But with the Industrial Revolution came increased needs for wood — for ships, rail ties, fuel, and more. Forests were heavily cut, and large timbers became scarce while machine-made nails became cheap; lumber material became thinner, and fewer workers were needed as craftsmen.

Steel, brick, and cement took over as favored building materials by the mid-20th century. Over the last few decades, however, architects and builders have been returning to timber construction, even embracing age-old joinery practices.

Timber Meets Tech

But incorporating this “older” method of building isn’t regressing. On the contrary, several advanced technological factors are driving a surge in timber building:

  1. Engineered Wood Products: Innovations like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam) have revolutionized heavy timber construction. These engineered wood products offer superior strength, dimensional stability, and versatility in design.
  2. Prefabrication & Modular Construction: Prefabrication techniques allow for the off-site manufacturing of timber components, such as panels and modules, which can then be assembled on-site. This approach reduces construction time, waste, and labor costs while ensuring high-quality construction.
  3. Hybrid Construction: Combining timber with materials like steel and concrete in hybrid construction systems offers enhanced structural performance and design flexibility. Hybrid structures leverage the benefits of each material, optimizing the overall building’s efficiency and sustainability.
  4. CAD & BIM: The use of computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) allows architects and engineers to create detailed 3D models of timber structures. This technology streamlines the design process, facilitates collaboration, and improves project visualization and coordination.
  5. Fire-Resistant Timber Treatments: Advances in fire-resistant treatments for timber, such as intumescent coatings and encapsulated fire retardants, enhance the fire performance of heavy timber structures. These treatments increase safety without compromising the natural aesthetic and sustainability of timber.
  6. Smart Timber Buildings: With the integration of smart technologies and sensor systems into timber buildings, real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, energy usage, and structural health is possible. Smart timber buildings optimize performance, improve occupant comfort, and support sustainable building operations.
  7. Circular Economy Practices: Embracing circular economy principles in heavy timber construction involves using sustainable forestry practices, recycling timber waste into new products, and designing buildings for disassembly and reuse. These practices promote resource efficiency while also reducing environmental impact and supporting long-term sustainability

An Ancient Art for a Modern World

The ancient art of timber framing, now married with advanced tech and computer assistance, has given a new focus to sustainable, smart building. Indeed, several countries have or will soon implement laws that require a percentage of new state-funded construction to be made of timber and other natural materials.

Additional factors boosting heavy timber’s resurgence include:

  • The aesthetic of exposed beams
  • Increased interest in biophilia, the way exposed wood makes us feel closer to nature
  • Timber’s natural advantages in both sound dampening and heat insulation
  • Wood’s ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere — both while growing and while acting as part of a structure
  • The rise of environmental sustainability practices and responsible forestry management

As we move toward a greener, more sustainable world, timber is again playing a hugely significant role in building — and Mid-Atlantic Timberframes is proud to be at its forefront. Interested in the very modern advantages of heavy timber construction? Contact us today.

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Trends in Off-Site Construction https://matfllc.com/commercial/trends-in-off-site-construction/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/trends-in-off-site-construction/#respond Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:23:49 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=3983 Off-site construction isn’t new, but its popularity has been growing. This growth, combined with today’s technology and economic conditions, is driving industry trends and changing the way we work. Here...

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Off-site construction isn’t new, but its popularity has been growing. This growth, combined with today’s technology and economic conditions, is driving industry trends and changing the way we work. Here are just a few we’re seeing.

More Contractor-Prefabricator Partnerships
With ongoing skilled labor shortages and an increasing need for effiency on the jobsite, contractors are increasingly partnering with prefabricators. Having a reliable partner helps contractors get the quality components they need, when they need them, to keep projects moving. Off-site construction also produces less waste, which helps contractors save money and meet their (or their clients’) sustainability goals.

Using Technology to Collaborate
Making changes once a project is underway can be costly — in terms of both time and money. To avoid this, prefabricators are using BIM (building information modeling) to collaborate with other stakeholders early on and lay the groundwork for success. BIM allows them to build a detailed model of a project before it begins, helping them to spot and solve potential issues and optimize who will do their part when.

More Standards in More Places
ICC/MBI (International Code Council / Modular Building Institute) standards are helping to create more clarity and consistency in off-site construction. More states are looking at adopting their Standard 1200, which ensures quality components that comply with building code requirements, and Standard 1205, which provides guidance for permitting and inspections. The ICC/MBI is also developing Standard 1210 for release later this year, addressing energy efficiency, water conservation, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing requirements for off-site projects.

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Mass Timber Brings Warmth, Flexibility to Commercial Building https://matfllc.com/commercial/mass-timber-warmth-flexibility-commercial-building/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/mass-timber-warmth-flexibility-commercial-building/#respond Mon, 21 Mar 2022 17:46:06 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=2921 When Japan-based Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects was tasked with designing a Pennsylvania facility for JST, a global maker of small electrical connectors, they needed to accommodate both manufacturing and office spaces....

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When Japan-based Ryuichi Ashizawa Architects was tasked with designing a Pennsylvania facility for JST, a global maker of small electrical connectors, they needed to accommodate both manufacturing and office spaces. The mandatory mission was to design a building that would blend into and complement the surrounding wooded area. And with that demand, they turned to mass timber.

Ashizawa brought in US-based Arcari + Iovino Architects to deliver a facility that pays homage to the geometric beauty found in nature. To address key client needs, the structure had to: include large spaces connecting the manufacturing and office areas without the two feeling disjointed, work well with the surrounding natural environment, and serve as a home for the company that is as unique as their business.

Designing with Mass Timber

Mass timber is nothing new, arriving on the scene in the 1990s. But now it is rising in prominence in the US market thanks to design visionaries incorporating more mass timber into commercial projects. Mass timber is quickly becoming the building material of the future, touted for its (albeit surprising) fire resistance, quicker build/installation timelines that contribute to less waste and lower labor costs, and its ability to withstand seismic events.

The two architecture firms leveraged mass timber to create this unique commercial facility, coming in at 51,563 square feet, with a perimeter that is a half-mile long. The single-level building is an ode to nature — with a nod to the geometric shapes found in many natural elements — and the use of mass timber creates a warm, welcoming, and distinctive vibe.

The structure straddles the line between a sense of ebbing and flowing movement and crisp, sharp lines. It cascades down the property’s subtle grade, yet its angular nature creates interest and provides wayfinding. Featuring over 70 inside and outside corners, the building’s dendritic shape is the object of immediate attention, a study in fractal geometry shaped by the site’s natural conditions.

The sharp-angled configuration is constructed of thousands of uniquely cut and milled timber components that were fabricated and assembled carefully. From small, intricately CNC-carved pieces to 83-foot-long timbers weighing over 17,000 pounds, there are nearly 5,000 individual timber pieces in this project, and no two are alike. The custom design called for a heavy timber fabricator with the expertise and capacity to execute such a demanding project. Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, a PA-based timber framing manufacturer, led the charge and custom fabricated each piece of timber with detail and care.

“Mass timber construction is strong, durable, and energy efficient, helping architects and specifiers create completely custom structures that help them leave their unique design footprint,” said Sam Ebersol, general manager of Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. The structure’s striking geometry presented a fair share of challenges, including:

  • Site Gradation: The soffits and large overhangs are at various angles and pitches to account for both the property’s natural slope and the angle of the sun throughout the seasons. From the front entrance to the rear exit (612 feet) is a 20-foot difference in grade. The front entrance has 10-foot ceilings, and the building rear has 20-foot ceilings — creating a 30-foot roof gradation from one end to the other.
  • Soffit Pitch: The slope made for some tricky problem-solving at exterior corner soffits. The overhangs average between six and eight feet in length from the outside wall. The pitch meant that the Mid-Atlantic Timberframes team had to warp the wood ever so slightly, like a propeller blade. The narrow boards molded to the contour.
  • Long Beam Spans: Some of the long spans required steel reinforcement. To preserve the timber aesthetic, Mid-Atlantic Timberframes split the timber in half, routed it, and then situated a steel I-beam inside.

Mid-Atlantic Timberframes helped the project team navigate these unique design challenges, creating a structure that is both sturdy and environmentally sound. “We are committed to preserving natural resources and combating deforestation by being certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C164575),” said Ebersol. “All of the wood used in our brand’s timber products is sourced from well-managed forests where suppliers plant as many as ten times the number of trees they cut down. In addition, we make sure the timber waste produced in our manufacturing process is recycled.”

A Mass Timber Masterpiece

The resulting design is not only visually stunning, it provides JST with a home that has exceptional dimensional stability and rigidity, a high thermal envelope, and high fire resistance. And thanks to mass timber’s shorter construction timelines and reduced impact to the job site, the project stayed on time and on budget.

To learn more about leveraging mass timber in your next project, visit Mid-Atlantic Timberframes online, reach out to them directly at 717.288.2460, or email Sam Ebersol at samuel.ebersol@midatlantictimberframes.com.

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Heavy Timber in Commercial Construction https://matfllc.com/commercial/heavy-timber-in-commercial-construction/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/heavy-timber-in-commercial-construction/#respond Thu, 24 Feb 2022 18:59:01 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=2892 The good news? We’re in the midst of a commercial construction boom. The bad news? Supply chain issues are still prevalent around the globe, with increased demand and wait times...

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The good news? We’re in the midst of a commercial construction boom. The bad news? Supply chain issues are still prevalent around the globe, with increased demand and wait times for acquiring building supplies, including glulam and CLT for mass timber projects. If you’re feeling the pain too, consider using heavy timber for your commercial building. Heavy timber can be easier to procure right now, and partnered with SIPs (structural insulated panels), it can be the perfect alternative to using glulam and CLT.

Heavy timber construction is one of the oldest known forms of building, dating back to at least the 10th century. Originally, timber construction was mostly used for low-rise residential structures, but it later evolved to include larger multistory buildings used for industrial or storage purposes. Today, heavy timber has found greater use in institutions like schools, churches, and commercial buildings such as restaurants and event venues.

The Benefits of Building with Heavy Timber

Heavy timber and SIPs are a powerful combination. SIPs consist of three to six inches of polyurethane foam insulation sandwiched between a half inch of oriented strand board (OSB) on either side. This creates a very strong, rigid wall panel that acts as an insulating blanket of protection in the walls of a structure. When combined with heavy timber framing, SIPs offer added strength and maximum energy efficiency, as they allow for the flow of air and heat to be more easily controlled.

While mass timber continues to be an optimal choice for constructing taller buildings, heavy timber is ideal for structures of one to three stories. The benefits of heavy timber are comparable to mass timber’s for your commercial structure:

  • Sound Dampening Capacity: The natural acoustic properties of timber frames partnered with SIPs prevent and control excessive echoes and reduce the transmission of sound vibrations through absorption of sound waves, thus providing an acoustically sound commercial building solution.
  • Allows for Open Spaces: Heavy timber can span large distances, so fewer interior walls are needed to support the building itself. This allows for open, flexible design.
  • Better Efficiency on Construction Sites: Timbers can be produced to precise specifications, faster, and with less manual labor thanks to CNC machines and other off-site tools. Heavy timber construction also reduces the amount of on-site work required, like welding and masonry, which leads to faster build times.
  • Uses Fewer Materials: Precision-cut timbers eliminate excess building materials and reduce waste. Although the supports might be larger compared to stick-built buildings, heavy timber structures use fewer logs because they can support more weight with fewer beams.
  • Beauty and Biophilic Benefits: Natural materials like timber have character and charm and can even increase the well-being and productivity of a building’s occupants. In both exteriors and interiors, timber construction delivers beauty and warmth that is hard to achieve with materials such as steel and concrete.

Types of Heavy Timber Commercial Buildings

Heavy timber is ideal for the following types of commercial structures:

Wineries, Breweries & Restaurants

Wedding & Event Venues

Schools, Universities & Community Centers

Golf Courses

Retail Space

Partner with a Heavy Timber Expert

From community gathering spaces to restaurants, breweries, and schools, consider opting for heavy timber. Mid-Atlantic Timberframes has the knowledge and capability to help bring your ideas to life for any kind of timber-framed commercial building. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or builder, partner with us for your next heavy timber construction project. Contact us today to discuss your ideas!

To learn more about using heavy timber in commercial construction, see our piece in Architect Magazine.

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Is Mass Timber the Urban Building Material of the Future? https://matfllc.com/commercial/is-mass-timber-the-urban-building-material-of-the-future/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/is-mass-timber-the-urban-building-material-of-the-future/#respond Mon, 13 Dec 2021 15:32:37 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=2720 Mention the word “urban,” and many people think of “the concrete jungle” — tightly packed cities with tall buildings made of concrete and steel, and the sizzling surfaces of streets...

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Mention the word “urban,” and many people think of “the concrete jungle” — tightly packed cities with tall buildings made of concrete and steel, and the sizzling surfaces of streets and sidewalks instead of cool grass. But that perception is changing. Worldwide, mass timber is bringing the warmth, beauty, and strength of wood to the urban landscape, making it a more desirable place for people to live.

According to the most recent United States Census, over the last decade, the country’s overall population grew at the slowest rate since the 1930s. However, urban areas continued to experience steady growth:

  • Approximately 86% of the US population lives in large metropolitan areas.
  • 8% of the population lives in cities.
  • The most populous cities are New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, and San Jose.

With the world’s population continuing to grow, and more people choosing to live in cities, urban building is on the rise. Many cities don’t have space to build outward — but they can build up. And mass timber is opening exciting new possibilities for high-rise structures and multi-family homes.

What is Mass Timber?

Mass timber is a framing style that uses large solid wood panels — typically engineered into multiple layers — for wall, floor, and roof construction. These panels are extremely strong and rigid and create a surprisingly sustainable and fire-resistant building material. Mass timber is perfect for projects such as office and mixed-use buildings, multi-unit residential structures, public and institutional buildings, hospitality buildings, and schools and universities.

While mass timber is the common catch-all term, it actually refers to a family of different wood products, each with its own unique qualities and best areas of use. Mass timber is divided between cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (glulam).

CLT consists of layers of lumber that are orientated perpendicular to one another and then glued together to form structural panels. These panels provide exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and rigidity, as well as a more organic look when compared to other building materials. CLT is most commonly used to create floors, walls, and roofing in a commercial building or multi-family structure.

Glulam is a structurally engineered wood product composed of individual wood laminations bonded together by durable, moisture-resistant adhesives. Glulam panels have excellent strength and stiffness, making them ideal for applications such as columns and beams. Glulam is generally used to create the skeleton of a commercial structure, specifically beams, columns, and roof trusses.

Mass timber products can also be used in conjunction with other building materials, such as steel, concrete, and/or glass. The resulting structure is called a hybrid timber building. Mixing materials can help to reduce costs, but moreover, the blend of natural timber with “harder” materials can create very striking building designs.

The popularity of CLT and glulam in commercial building has been growing, and these materials are bound to be used in cities and towns across the country more frequently in the coming years. A major code revision in the 2021 International Building Code included new mass timber specifications, paving the way for even more mass timber projects in the future.

History of Mass Timber

Although wood has been used as a building material for thousands of years, turning wood into mass timber is a relatively new and cutting-edge technology.

Mass timber was developed in Europe only about thirty years ago. It was initially used to build smaller structures, but as it became more difficult to source old-growth timber, mass timber started to be used in larger buildings as well. Mass timber’s popularity in the United States has been growing as architects and engineers learn more about its benefits. And as building officials learn more about mass timber, codes continue to change to allow for its use in a wider range of applications, including tall wood buildings.

Benefits of Mass Timber Compared to Other Building Materials

It’s easy to see why architects, builders, and officials have been won over by mass timber. Its benefits include:

  • Aesthetics: There’s no denying the beauty of wood. And with different species, stains, and paints, its design flexibility is unrivaled.
  • Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, timber provides a sustainable and renewable building material that creates fewer carbon emissions when compared to the production of steel and concrete. Timber is the only building material that is a carbon sink — as opposed to releasing carbon into the atmosphere. It is also completely renewable, as new trees are planted to replace those that are cut down. Also, smaller trees, and even diseased or dead trees, can be harvested to engineer CLT and glulam for mass timber projects.
  • Resiliency: If you plan to build in an area that frequently experiences seismic events, mass timber is a safe build option due to its strength-to-weight ratio. Although it weighs between one-third and one-fifth less than concrete, it maintains the same structural capacity. It is also more flexible than other building materials. Consider how a tree moves in a windstorm. It can bend pretty far without breaking. Plus, the types of connections used in a mass timber structure help the building move and sway instead of remaining rigid and breaking.
  • Integrity: Because of timber’s natural tendency to char, mass timber construction maintains its structural integrity well in the event of a fire. Wood is an excellent heat insulator and develops a char layer when exposed to fire. After the heat source is removed, wood extinguishes itself and retains a significant amount of strength.
  • Efficiency: Mass timber is cut to size and often modularized into large components in a manufacturing facility, which can shorten the amount of time a construction team needs to be on the job site. Onsite construction time for mass timber buildings is often shorter than when using other materials, resulting in less impact to job sites and faster return on investments.
  • Higher Income Potential: Mass timber buildings are easily differentiated from others because of their more natural look and feel and also because of the sculptural quality they tend to take on. People are willing to pay premium rents for these upgraded aesthetics.

Current Status of Mass Timber

International Building Code amendments are making it easier to build with heavy and mass timber. For example, the 2021 IBC includes special inspection requirements to address the anchorage and connection of mass timber structural elements. In addition, three new types of construction (Types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C) allow mass timber buildings of taller heights, more stories above grade, and greater allowable areas compared to existing provisions.

As of October 2021, hundreds of multi-family and commercial mass timber structures have been built or are being built worldwide. A few fine examples of the possibilities of mass timber construction include:

The Future of Mass Timber

Proprietary technology and innovation are still being explored in the mass timber realm, so it is safe to say that we can still look forward to new and exciting possibilities. Areas of innovation that we’re keeping an eye on include:

  • Helping builders increase the efficiencies of building with CLT and glulam
  • Increased modularization and pre-building components
  • CNC fabrication to transform commodity products into custom building components
  • BIM modeling for prefabricated elements
  • Decreased costs (as the popularity of mass timber increases, we might see more manufacturing facilities being built, bringing down the cost of CLT and glulam)
  • Optimizing the amount of wood fiber used

Are You Ready to Build with Mass Timber?

At Mid-Atlantic Timberframes, we’ve reinvented our old-world craftsmanship for the future of mass timber. Drawing on our heritage of quality custom timber framing using fine wood materials, centuries-old techniques, and the latest CNC technology, we’ve expanded our services to include working with mass timber. To learn more about using mass timber in your next construction project, contact us today!

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Timber-Framed Commercial Buildings https://matfllc.com/commercial/timber-framed-commercial-buildings/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/timber-framed-commercial-buildings/#respond Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:51:40 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=1373 When someone thinks about a commercial construction project, visions of steel and concrete likely dance around in their head. Fewer people think about timber commercial buildings that utilize natural resources...

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When someone thinks about a commercial construction project, visions of steel and concrete likely dance around in their head. Fewer people think about timber commercial buildings that utilize natural resources like timber. But the sophisticated style and energy efficiency that come with timber frames make them the perfect building material for more than just residential construction. Heavy timber frames offer a softer and more flexible aesthetic that you cannot get with concrete and steel.

Benefits of Heavy Timberframe Construction

So why else should you consider a timber frame building with the renewable resource of wood over concrete and steel? Heavy timber wood has a stronger sound-dampening capacity than most commercial building materials. The natural acoustic properties of timber frames prevent and control excessive echoes, reducing the transmission of sound vibrations through absorption of sound waves and thus providing the acoustically sound commercial building solution you’ve been looking for. With that in mind, timber frames make the perfect material for commercial and municipal building projects alike.

In addition, the strength, versatility, and durability of timber allow for more open spaces. Thanks to timber frames’ ability to span large distances, fewer interior walls are needed to support the building itself. Also, timber-frame construction is still built using strong mortise-and-tenon joints, capable of withstanding extreme amounts of pressure. The tried-and-true craft of timber framing marries well with the mass timber building style to elevate any commercial structure to the next level. 

Timber-framed commercial building ideas:

From community gathering spaces to restaurants, breweries, and wineries, more and more commercial builders are opting for heavy-timber commercial construction. We have the capability to help bring your ideas to life for any kind of timber-framed commercial buildings. Whether you’re an architect, engineer, or builder, consider Mid-Atlantic Timberframes for your next heavy-timber construction project and contact us today to discuss your ideas.

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What is Mass Timber, the Newest Trend? https://matfllc.com/commercial/what-is-mass-timber/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/what-is-mass-timber/#respond Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:58:50 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=1367 Mass timber is starting to get the attention it deserves in the United States. Over the past few years, Canada and parts of Europe have been embracing this growing construction...

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Mass timber is starting to get the attention it deserves in the United States. Over the past few years, Canada and parts of Europe have been embracing this growing construction trend, and now the United States is taking its turn and better understanding the benefits of constructing tall wood buildings. 

But you may be asking yourself, what exactly is mass timber? It is a framing style that uses large solid wood panels, typically panelized and engineered, for wall, floor, and roof construction. It uses cross-laminated timber panels (CLT panels), which consist of layers of lumber that are orientated to one another and then glued together to form structural panels. These CLT panels provide exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and rigidity, as well as a more organic look when compared to other building materials. In addition to CLT panels, another material used in mass timber construction is nail-lamented timber (NLT). NLT is made by layers fastened together with nails or screws, and it is commonly used in floors and roofs.

So, how does this timber construction compare to more traditional building materials like steel and concrete? 

  • For starters, if your timber is sourced responsibly, the timber itself provides a sustainable and renewable building material, and you cut down on the carbon emissions created through the production of steel and concrete. 
  • Construction time on mass timber buildings is often shorter than when using other materials, causing less impact on job sites. 
  • If you live in, or plan to build in, an area that frequently experiences seismic events, mass timber would be a safe build option, due to its strength-to-weight ratio. 
  • And, because of timber’s natural tendency to char, mass timber construction is able to hold its structural integrity when it comes in contact with fire. 

If you still aren’t convinced that mass timber can be a viable building material, no need to worry. It can also be used in combination with traditional construction materials such as steel or concrete.

Hopefully you now better understand the benefits of the newest construction trend happening in the United States. The demand for sustainable building practices does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon, so this is just the beginning. If you have a mass timber construction project in mind, reach out to the team at Mid-Atlantic Timberframes to discuss your options. 

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Timber Frame Party Barn: Plan Your Own https://matfllc.com/commercial/timber-frame-party-barn/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/timber-frame-party-barn/#respond Wed, 27 Mar 2019 19:32:35 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=1262 Barns might typically be associated with farmland, but in today’s market, they have functions beyond just housing animals and farm equipment. More specifically, barns are becoming desirable options for wedding...

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Barns might typically be associated with farmland, but in today’s market, they have functions beyond just housing animals and farm equipment. More specifically, barns are becoming desirable options for wedding and event venues. Timber frame “party barns” are trending as one of the top venue choices for wedding ceremonies and receptions thanks to what brides are calling “rustic chic.” These barns have a casual appeal that provides an alternative to formal banquet halls or upscale hotel celebrations. 

The open design and natural materials used in timber frame barns help provide this casual mood, setting a memorable scene for any size event. Using timber frames brings the outdoors inside, and by simply adding barn-style sliding doors, you allow for a transition between interior and exterior entertaining. The timbers and trusses bring an instant focal point to a barn’s design by creating tall and dramatic ceilings. Building your barn out of timber frames also adds longevity to the structure thanks to the durability of the materials and craftsmanship involved in timber frame construction. 

The concept of a timber frame party barn is so versatile that this type of structure works well for more than just weddings. Party barns are also ideal for family reunions, as backyard hangouts, or as an extension of your home to serve as guest quarters or entertainment space.

To achieve the perfect event or living space for you, there are a few questions you should consider before designing a timber frame barn.

  1. What style of barn do I want?
  2. Will I need any special permits in order to build a party barn on my property?
  3. What will the main use of the barn be? Do I need to include a full kitchen? Multiple bathrooms?
  4. I don’t want a timber frame barn kit. Am I willing to be patient for a custom design?

When you’re ready, our talented team of designers has what it takes to make your timber frame barn plans a reality. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a plan in mind, let Mid-Atlantic Timberframes impress you with the perfect design for a timber frame party barn. 

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Residential Architect: Heavy Timber Construction https://matfllc.com/commercial/residential-architect-heavy-timber-construction/ https://matfllc.com/commercial/residential-architect-heavy-timber-construction/#respond Mon, 19 Mar 2018 19:42:49 +0000 https://matfllc.com/?p=941 Heavy Timber Construction Finds Its Place in Commercial Markets. The time-tested material is playing a bigger role in projects throughout the US—here’s why. When someone thinks about a commercial construction...

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Heavy Timber Construction Finds Its Place in Commercial Markets.

The time-tested material is playing a bigger role in projects throughout the US—here’s why.

When someone thinks about a commercial construction project, visions of steel and concrete likely dance around in their head. The concrete jungle—heavy, strong, and built to last. Fewer people think about the possibility of a commercial building utilizing a natural resource like timber. But, look back in history and you’ll see the important role this resource had in construction.

Heavy timber construction is one of the oldest known forms of construction, dating back to the 10th century, when the first timber frame structure was thought to have been constructed. Most timber buildings were originally low-rise residential structures followed by larger multistory structures that were used for industrial or storage purposes. But as the years went on, heavy timber found greater use in institutions like schools and churches.

Over the past 20 years, Europe has no doubt led the way. And a recent report from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat says their leadership position won’t change; bigger, taller timber towers are in the works for France, Austria, and Norway.

 

To read the full article, continue on by clicking here:

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/technology/sustainability/heavy-timber-construction-finds-its-place-in-commercial-markets

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