SLCE Architects’ Post

🌆 The Secret to Taller Timber Buildings Starts with Fire Design 📈The US and Canada are rapidly increasing the number of mid-rise and high-rise timber buildings thanks to key changes in the International Building Code. City officials in major urban centres are establishing mass timber studios to drive adoption in dense neighbourhoods. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Policy Impact: Changes to fire design standards in the International Building Code have facilitated the rise of taller timber buildings. These updates ensure safety while allowing for more extensive use of mass timber in urban construction. 2️⃣ Industry Collaboration: Kevin Naranjo, National Program Manager for Mass Timber at the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Program, highlights the growing interest in mass timber in cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. Mr Naranjo will share his insights at the upcoming TimberConstruct conference in Melbourne, Australia. 3️⃣ Case Study: New York City’s Mass Timber Studio incubator is pioneering mass timber adoption by providing technical support and fostering collaboration among developers, architects, and city agencies. This nine-month program aims to scale mass timber construction and includes projects ranging from public libraries to affordable housing. 💬 Join the conversation on the impact of fire design standards on the adoption of mass timber buildings. Share your insights and perspectives on how these changes can revolutionise urban construction and enable taller timber buildings. 🔗 Learn more about the advancements in timber construction: https://lnkd.in/gAxVjADh 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How do you think changes in fire design standards will impact the future of mass timber construction in urban areas? What are the key challenges and opportunities in promoting taller timber buildings? Share your thoughts and join the discussion! #timber #firedesign #masstimber #glulam #woodcentral #buildingcode #greenbuildings #urbandevelopment #industry #woodcentralau1 #codes #standards #crosslaminatedtimber #glulam #masstimberconstruction #construction #architecture #wood #usa #newyork #newyorkcity #midrise #timberconstruct #greenbuildings

Deteriorating high-rise towers, a lack of community space and a growing concern over fires sparked the transformation of Gascoigne Estate by Be First Regeneration Limited, the regeneration arm of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Farrimond House is the first net-zero carbon in operation scheme to be delivered as part of the estate’s transformation. Working with Pitman Tozer Architects, we developed a part precast and part in-situ concrete design that balances carbon efficiency and buildability. This hybrid approach, a refinement from the original fully precast design, reduced embodied carbon by 5-10%, without compromising on durability or fire resilience. Associate Nathan Fieldsend adds, “If you think of the construction industry as having a carbon budget, then I would argue that buildings like this are exactly where you should be spending it – using concrete to create long-lasting, affordable and fire-resilient housing.” Read our interview with The Concrete Centre to see why Farrimond House might provide a template for estate regeneration: https://hubs.la/Q02-vrNX0

🇨🇦 31-Storey Mass Timber High-Rise to Ease Toronto’s Housing Squeeze? 🚦 Set to be one of the world's tallest, a new 31-storey mass timber project is set to be greenlit, set to tower over downtown Toronto’s busiest street! 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Poised to be Canada's tallest hybrid timber building, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainable urban development and positions Toronto as a leader in green construction. 2️⃣ Affordable Housing: With 80% of its 490 units designated as affordable housing for 40 years, the development addresses critical urban housing needs while promoting sustainability. 3️⃣ Regulatory Progress: The proposal aligns with Ontario's updated Building Code, which permits encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, reflecting a green shift towards #netzero building practices. 🪵 This development represents a leap in architectural innovation and showcases the potential of mass timber to provide solutions to urban housing challenges and carbon reduction goals. 🔗 Discover more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for Toronto’s urban landscape: https://lnkd.in/g9fJTghZ 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As cities worldwide face similar housing and environmental challenges, what other building technology and materials innovations could redefine urban living? Share your ideas! WoodSolutions International Mass Timber Conference Craig Rawlings WoodWorks #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #timber #sustainabledevelopment #toronto #architecture #urbanplanning #greenbuilding #housing #housingcrisis #innovation #engineering #construction #timberengineering #timberconstruction #woodcentral #canada #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #housingshortage #quickbuilds #climatechange #climateaction

🇨🇦 31-Storey Mass Timber High-Rise to Ease Toronto’s Housing Squeeze? 🚦 Set to be one of the world's tallest, a new 31-storey mass timber project is set to be greenlit, set to tower over downtown Toronto’s busiest street! 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Poised to be Canada's tallest hybrid timber building, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainable urban development and positions Toronto as a leader in green construction. 2️⃣ Affordable Housing: With 80% of its 490 units designated as affordable housing for 40 years, the development addresses critical urban housing needs while promoting sustainability. 3️⃣ Regulatory Progress: The proposal aligns with Ontario's updated Building Code, which permits encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, reflecting a green shift towards #netzero building practices. 🪵 This development represents a leap in architectural innovation and showcases the potential of mass timber to provide solutions to urban housing challenges and carbon reduction goals. 🔗 Discover more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for Toronto’s urban landscape: https://lnkd.in/g6m-tqsH 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As cities worldwide face similar housing and environmental challenges, what other building technology and materials innovations could redefine urban living? Share your ideas! WoodSolutions International Mass Timber Conference Craig Rawlings WoodWorks #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #timber #sustainabledevelopment #toronto #architecture #urbanplanning #greenbuilding #housing #housingcrisis #innovation #engineering #construction #timberengineering #timberconstruction #woodcentral #canada #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #housingshortage #quickbuilds #climatechange #climateaction

🌆 The Secret to Taller Timber Buildings Starts with Fire Design 📈The US and Canada are rapidly increasing the number of mid-rise and high-rise timber buildings thanks to key changes in the International Building Code. City officials in major urban centres are establishing mass timber studios to drive adoption in dense neighbourhoods. 🔍 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Policy Impact: Changes to fire design standards in the International Building Code have facilitated the rise of taller timber buildings. These updates ensure safety while allowing for more extensive use of mass timber in urban construction. 2️⃣ Industry Collaboration: Kevin Naranjo, National Program Manager for Mass Timber at the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Program, highlights the growing interest in mass timber in cities like Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. Mr Naranjo will share his insights at the upcoming TimberConstruct conference in Melbourne, Australia. 3️⃣ Case Study: New York City’s Mass Timber Studio incubator is pioneering mass timber adoption by providing technical support and fostering collaboration among developers, architects, and city agencies. This nine-month program aims to scale mass timber construction and includes projects ranging from public libraries to affordable housing. 💬 Join the conversation on the impact of fire design standards on the adoption of mass timber buildings. Share your insights and perspectives on how these changes can revolutionise urban construction and enable taller timber buildings. 🔗 Learn more about the advancements in timber construction: https://lnkd.in/gAxVjADh 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How do you think changes in fire design standards will impact the future of mass timber construction in urban areas? What are the key challenges and opportunities in promoting taller timber buildings? Share your thoughts and join the discussion! Craig Rawlings Mass Timber Focus Group International Mass Timber Conference International Mass Timber Report WoodWorks WoodSolutions #timber #firedesign #masstimber #glulam #woodcentral #buildingcode #greenbuildings #urbandevelopment #industry #woodcentralau1 #codes #standards #crosslaminatedtimber #glulam #masstimberconstruction #construction #architecture #wood #usa #newyork #newyorkcity #midrise #timberconstruct #greenbuildings

Problem solving at Cannan Lane ⬇️ Today, we're throwing it back to our work transforming the site of former public conveniences in the Morningside area of Edinburgh into a new five storey residential building, with a natural sandstone facade. The site's location and our choice of construction materials were both key considerations that required careful thought and planning to make this regeneration project a success. Take a closer look at how we tackled these challenges below... 📍 Project: Canaan Lane 🤝 Client: Rennick Property (Andrew Rennick) 🤔 Issue: Derelict public toilets on site of potential new homes in highly populated area of Edinburgh. Challenging site with a tenement on one side and new build house on the other - access was a key issue. Challenges of working with timber is the initial shrinkage and the design team had to carefully consider the detailing prior to the build. 💡 Solution: Demolishing toilets. Creating a five-storey apartment block which (unusually) was constructed from a timber frame. Detailed planning had to be taken to manage site access issues and potential disruption. Carefully considered detailing prior to the build. #engineering #solutions #construction #realisewhatspossible

🏗️ New Sydney Mass Timber Tower to Sit Neatly Over Railway Tunnels! 🚨NGI Investments has received approval to build a 13-storey mass timber tower in downtown Sydney. This project is part of a growing trend towards mid-rise and high-rise timber buildings that are transforming the skyline. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Designed by Alec Tzannes, a leading figure in architectural design, the new mixed-use tower at 4-6 York Street will leverage the durability and robustness of timber. Tzannes emphasises that timber, when properly treated, can last for centuries, making it an excellent choice for modern construction. 2️⃣ Sustainability Focus: This project reflects the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and low-carbon spaces. As tenants seek sustainable offices, the shift towards timber construction not only reduces the carbon footprint during building and at end-of-life but also enhances property value, giving commercial landlords a competitive edge. 3️⃣ Future-Ready Design: The tower's design incorporates reusable timber and steel components, allowing for disassembly and reuse in the future. This forward-thinking approach contrasts with previous plans that relied on traditional concrete and aluminum, highlighting a significant advancement in sustainable building practices. 🤔 #questionforgroup: How can the adoption of mass timber construction influence urban development and sustainability in cities around the world? What other innovative materials and practices are emerging in the construction industry? 🔗 To learn more about this exciting initiative and other mass timber projects in Sydney, click here: https://lnkd.in/g8TG8dx9 WoodSolutions Forest & Wood Products Australia Mass Timber Focus Group Clifford (Craig) Rawlings Arnie Didier International Mass Timber Conference #masstimber #sustainableconstruction #sydneycbd #architecture #urbandvelopment #environmentalresponsibility #timberinnovation #lowcarbonbuilding #ngiinvestments #futureofconstruction #midrisetowers #greenbuilding #renewablematerials #commercialrealestate #constructiontrends #sustainablearchitecture #urbanrenewal #buildingforfuture #timberarchitecture

🏗️ New Sydney Mass Timber Tower to Sit Neatly Over Railway Tunnels! 🚨NGI Investments has received approval to build a 13-storey mass timber tower in downtown Sydney. This project is part of a growing trend towards mid-rise and high-rise timber buildings that are transforming the skyline. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Designed by Alec Tzannes, a leading figure in architectural design, the new mixed-use tower at 4-6 York Street will leverage the durability and robustness of timber. Tzannes emphasises that timber, when properly treated, can last for centuries, making it an excellent choice for modern construction. 2️⃣ Sustainability Focus: This project reflects the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and low-carbon spaces. As tenants seek sustainable offices, the shift towards timber construction not only reduces the carbon footprint during building and at end-of-life but also enhances property value, giving commercial landlords a competitive edge. 3️⃣ Future-Ready Design: The tower's design incorporates reusable timber and steel components, allowing for disassembly and reuse in the future. This forward-thinking approach contrasts with previous plans that relied on traditional concrete and aluminum, highlighting a significant advancement in sustainable building practices. 🤔 #questionforgroup: How can the adoption of mass timber construction influence urban development and sustainability in cities around the world? What other innovative materials and practices are emerging in the construction industry? 🔗 To learn more about this exciting initiative and other mass timber projects in Sydney, click here: https://lnkd.in/g8TG8dx9 #masstimber #sustainableconstruction #sydneycbd #architecture #urbandvelopment #environmentalresponsibility #timberinnovation #lowcarbonbuilding #ngiinvestments #futureofconstruction #midrisetowers #greenbuilding #renewablematerials #commercialrealestate #constructiontrends #sustainablearchitecture #urbanrenewal #buildingforfuture #timberarchitecture

Toronto City Council considered and put their stamp of approval on a handful of development proposals last week, and among them was what is poised to be the tallest mass timber building not only in Canada, but in the world. Council considered the proposal and opted to defer it to a later date, however, it has been recommended for approval by Toronto and East York planning staff. Toronto City Council considered and put their stamp of approval on a handful of development proposals last week, and among them was what is poised to be the tallest mass timber building not only in Canada, but in the world. Council considered the proposal and opted to defer it to a later date, however, it has been recommended for approval by Toronto and East York planning staff. The proposal — which first hit the City’s desk in July 2022 — comes from Unix Housing Group and Icon Architects, and seeks to bring a 31-storey mixed-use building to 191, 193, 195, 197, and 199 College Street and 74 and 76 Henry Street. One of the more notable aspects of what’s been proposed is the sizeable affordable housing component: 490 rental units have been proposed in total, and 80% of those would be maintained as affordable housing for a period of 40 years. These details are according to the most recent rendition of the proposal, which was filed at the end of February 2024. However, it was the 2022 version of the plans that dubbed the development “the tallest wood construction building in Canada,” as it would utilize Cross Laminated Timber in lieu of traditional concrete construction. https://lnkd.in/gifjTetk

Great insight into the challenges we will face as an industry as more buildings in central London require full refurbishment all the way back from their structural bones. MGAC is providing #costmanagement and #projectmanagement services, working closely with Civic Engineers to understand the #cost and #carbon impact of the structural updates to the former House of Fraser development #construction #redevelopment #sustainability