Architects and developers are attracted to mass timber for many reasons, including the construction speed of mass timber projects, the potential for carbon sequestration, and the aesthetic appeal inherent in mass timber design. However, the use of mass timber introduces certain challenges not encountered by more traditional building systems and enclosure products.
As you embark on a mass timber project, these unique challenges will require your careful attention and additional foresight. This session will outline best practice enclosure design principles for mass timber, including roofs, walls, balconies, and floor/soffit conditions. You’ll learn about the thoughtful design of building enclosure control layers to address the environmental loads on a mass timber structure as well as detailing specific to mass timber enclosures.
You’ll also discover typical wall and roof assembly designs that are appropriate for mass timber enclosures in various climate zones.
What you’ll learn
- Explain why the thoughtful design of a mass timber building enclosure requires consideration of all environmental loads imposed on the enclosure over its expected service life.
- Describe the concept of enclosure control layers when detailing mass timber enclosure assemblies.
- Identify typical wall and roof assembly designs appropriate for mass timber enclosures in various climate zones.
- Explain why higher-performing mass timber enclosure systems often rely on the use of varying levels of prefabrication.
