Groundbreaking mass timber hotel projects are transforming skylines across three continents, showcasing the remarkable versatility and sustainability of engineered wood construction at unprecedented scales.

Vancouver is stepping boldly into the future with plans for North America's tallest mass timber hotel—an 18-story structure strategically positioned between Granville Island and Broadway. This pioneering development will transform a long-vacant contaminated rail site into a sustainable architectural landmark, demonstrating how urban renewal and environmental responsibility can beautifully intersect.

Meanwhile, Adelaide's ambitious 35-story mass timber hotel project has been revitalized with expanded plans now featuring 324 rooms and luxury double penthouses. This vertical extension of the heritage-listed MLC building in Victoria Square represents an innovative approach to urban densification while honoring historical architecture. With construction by Multiplex scheduled to begin later this year, this Cox Architecture-designed marvel is set to welcome guests by early 2027.

Perhaps most revolutionary is Barcelona's Room Community development, where mass timber construction supports a radical vision for collective urban living. Beyond its cross-laminated timber structure and impressive environmental credentials (including 60% landscaped space and net-zero standards), this 51-unit complex reimagines social architecture through gender-inclusive design, communal spaces that foster connection, and thoughtful features supporting caregiving and shared responsibility. Wide south-facing walkways double as social platforms while rooftop gardens provide climate refuges, creating a template for community-centered sustainable living.

These projects exemplify how mass timber isn't just changing how we build—it's transforming how we live. Subscribe to the Mass Timber Construction Podcast for weekly updates on innovative projects worldwide, and consider submitting your research to our International Mass Timber Journal through the MTCJ portal at masstimberconstruction.com.

Send us a text

Support the show

The timber revolution is building momentum across the globe. This week, we journey through five remarkable projects that showcase how mass timber is transforming our built environment and challenging conventional construction methods.

Toronto steps boldly into affordable housing innovation with Collective Marquee Developments' ambitious Danforth Avenue project. This eight-storey mid-rise building will deliver 64 purpose-built rental suites using factory-built mass timber methods, with 10% of units secured as affordable for an unprecedented 99 years. Located near transit hubs and designed with sustainability at its core, this development represents a crucial milestone in addressing the "missing middle" housing gap through eco-conscious construction.

We then explore Cullinan Studios' thoughtful timber expansion of Maggie's Newcastle, where architectural harmony meets practical innovation. By switching from concrete to a mass timber frame, the designers created a lighter structure requiring less intensive foundations—proving that sustainability and cost-effectiveness can go hand-in-hand without compromising design integrity.

The Adelaide Aquatic Centre stands as a testament to global collaboration, featuring massive 37-meter glulam beams and CLT components shipped from Europe to Australia. This logistical marvel demonstrates how international supply chains can effectively deliver mass timber solutions across continents. Meanwhile, in Germany, Trumpf's striking 40,000-square-foot education center showcases how corporations are embracing mass timber to create distinctive, brand-aligned architectural statements with their radial roof structure becoming a campus centerpiece.

Perhaps most intriguing is the emergence of "Super Bungalows" in Los Angeles, where mass timber meets resilience in fire-prone California. This hybrid system of mass timber and light timber framing pioneers a construction approach that could revolutionize multifamily housing throughout Southern California.

Join us as we celebrate these groundbreaking projects and continue our mission of documenting the global mass timber movement. Don't forget to connect with us on LinkedIn, share your thoughts, or submit your research to the Mass Timber Construction Journal. Together, we're building a more sustainable future—one timber beam at a time.

Send us a text

Support the show

The world of mass timber construction continues to evolve at breathtaking speed, with groundbreaking projects reshaping our built environment. This week, we journey across North America and the UK to spotlight remarkable structures that showcase the versatility, sustainability, and sheer beauty of engineered wood.

Vancouver's stunning 10-story Hive office building stands as a testament to mass timber's artistic potential, with Dialog's design featuring intricate connection systems that blend form and function seamlessly. The structure exemplifies how commercial buildings can become architectural showcases while meeting rigorous performance standards. Meanwhile, sustainability champion Kevin McLeod of Grand Designs UK brings his expertise to the Built by Nature Prize 2025, elevating recognition for excellence in sustainable construction.

We challenge conventional thinking with insights from TYLin Justin, who argues that retrofitting existing structures often trumps new mass timber construction from a sustainability perspective. His concept of "hybrid, optimized buildings" offers a thoughtful middle path that embraces circular economy principles. Across the pond, Aberdeen's £29 million River Bank School demonstrates mass timber's ability to serve complex institutional needs while slashing carbon emissions by an impressive 2,510 tons compared to conventional methods.

Quebec celebrates a milestone with La Pache Town Hall becoming the province's first Passive House Certified institutional building, showcasing how mass timber elements like glulam, CLT, and western red cedar create biophilic spaces that harness natural light and solar gain. And in Toronto, an innovative 78-unit affordable housing development will rise in just 6-8 weeks using CLT—dramatically faster than the 6-7 months required for traditional concrete construction, proving that mass timber can simultaneously address housing needs and climate concerns.

Join our growing community of mass timber enthusiasts by liking, sharing and subscribing to the podcast. Your support helps us continue bringing you the latest developments in this revolutionary construction approach that's reshaping our world, one wooden building at a time.

Send us a text

Support the show

Celebrating a major milestone this week as we hit 30,000 followers on LinkedIn! From our humble beginnings in 2018 to becoming a global voice in sustainable construction, we're grateful for every member of our community dedicated to understanding mass timber construction worldwide.

The innovation landscape is buzzing with groundbreaking developments. Sterling Structural has unveiled a game-changing modular mass timber shaft wall system for multi-level construction projects—prefabricated CLT panels with integrated shaft walls that simplify elevator installation while maintaining sustainability credentials. Meanwhile, Rotterdam showcases its architectural evolution with the completion of its first mass timber residential building, featuring 82 reasonably priced apartments across two staggered wings rising 10 and 14 stories high. The exposed CLT soffits and beam systems create a striking visual testament to timber's structural and aesthetic potential.

New York City is making bold moves with plans for its largest mass timber residential project on Staten Island, a 500-unit development with 25% designated as affordable housing. California State University celebrates the completion of its first mass timber building at Chico State—a $14.5 million facility where engineered wood creates both structural integrity and biophilic warmth. Most intriguing perhaps is the emergence of "Super Wood" from startup Inventwood—a material claiming 50% more tensile strength than steel with 90% lower carbon emissions, potentially heralding the next evolution in sustainable construction materials. With Simon Fraser University breaking ground on an eight-story mass timber student residence, it's clear that engineered wood is transforming how we build across all sectors.

Join us weekly as we continue tracking the revolution reshaping construction worldwide. Whether you're an architect, engineer, developer, or simply fascinated by sustainable building, there's never been a more exciting time to explore the possibilities of mass timber.

Send us a text

Support the show

The sustainable building revolution is gathering unstoppable momentum as mass timber construction projects continue to emerge worldwide. This week's update brings you the cutting edge of timber innovation, showcasing how this remarkable material is transforming architecture and construction practices across continents.

Finland's Honka has unveiled their groundbreaking Fusion Plus CLT system—the culmination of 22 years of dedicated research. This non-settling solution enables ambitious ecological wood construction with enhanced environmental credentials and technical efficiency. Meanwhile, the prestigious RIBA Awards have recognized two outstanding mass timber projects: the magnificent Spencer Building at Worth School with its generous windows and beautiful timber interior, and the Greenhill building at Harrow Arts Centre, which has already transformed community engagement through thoughtful design.

Across the Atlantic, Yellowknife is breaking ground on a forward-thinking 50-unit public housing development that leverages mass timber for rapid assembly and incorporates biomass heating for maximum sustainability. Scotland's Mass Timber Centre for Excellence celebrates a decade of challenging misconceptions and developing UK-grown timber solutions that rival European imports. And in a significant milestone for American adoption, the University of Pennsylvania has completed Philadelphia's first mass timber building—a sleek new facility for their data science and AI programs. Each of these developments signals a broader shift toward sustainable construction methods that prioritize both environmental responsibility and design excellence.

Want to stay at the forefront of the mass timber revolution? Subscribe to our podcast, explore our academic journal, and join our community of forward-thinking building professionals who are reshaping the future of construction one timber project at a time.

Send us a text

Support the show

Ready for a whirlwind tour of mass timber innovation happening across the globe? From robotic fabrication in Barcelona to award-winning coastal homes in Cornwall, we're covering the most exciting developments in sustainable construction.

The timber revolution continues gaining momentum with Fife College setting new standards in sustainable education buildings. Their new campus has shattered carbon targets, achieving just 560kg CO2/m² by replacing traditional concrete with cross-laminated timber and using 95% recycled steel in their delta beams. This showcase of collaborative design between architects, engineers, and sustainability experts demonstrates how public buildings can lead the way in carbon reduction.

Meanwhile, architectural excellence in timber construction is receiving well-deserved recognition, with a stunning two-family home in Cornwall winning the prestigious 2025 RIBA West, South and Wessex Award. This "Hollywood on the sea" property masterfully integrates mass timber elements with breathtaking coastal views. At the Venice Architecture Biennale, the US pavilion is making a statement with a zigzagging mass timber canopy exploring "An Architecture of Generosity," while TU Graz's innovative "HOT" (Holz on Top) system offers modular timber solutions for urban building extensions.

Perhaps most exciting is the convergence of technology and timber, with CORE transforming a former Barcelona stable into a "cathedral of robotic artisans" where a KUKA six-axis industrial milling robot crafts extraordinary geometric forms from mass timber. These developments, alongside Sterling Solutions' new Terra-Cross CLT bridge system supporting 100 tons, showcase timber's versatility across architecture, infrastructure, and digital fabrication. Don't forget to check out the Rothobus Build the Impossible competition, now accepting entries until September, and subscribe to our channels for more mass timber inspiration!

Send us a text

Support the show

Timber is taking over the world, one remarkable structure at a time. From concert halls to skyscrapers, sustainable mass timber construction is revolutionizing architecture across the globe, and we're bringing you the latest innovations.

The UK's Mass Timber Centre for Excellence has unveiled its £1.5 million investment in cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, including an impressive vacuum press system that's changing the game for engineered wood products. We share exclusive images of this technology that few get to see up close. Meanwhile, the iconic wooden roof at Portland's PDX airport has reached new heights of popularity by starring in DJ Avalanche's latest music video – proving that mass timber isn't just sustainable, it's becoming a cultural phenomenon.

Japan's 2025 Expo in Osaka will feature a breathtaking circular CLT pavilion that reimagines the relationship between architecture and visitors, while Holland's ambitious Nice Timber Tower soars 140 metres into the sky with its revolutionary wooden elevator core and concrete-free construction. Perhaps most surprising is Middle Georgia Regional Airport's $13.4 million guitar-shaped terminal, constructed primarily from southern yellow pine – a perfect harmony of regional identity and sustainable building practices.

We're also thrilled to announce the university teams competing in the 2025 Autodesk Challenge Cup, where the next generation of designers will showcase mass timber solutions for "smarter building for a translational way of living." Don't miss our special guest episode featuring Bonier Ofeig and Julie Abington discussing how New Zealand revolutionized social housing through mass timber years before the rest of the world caught on. Subscribe now to stay on the cutting edge of the material that's reshaping our built environment – literally and figuratively.

Send us a text

Support the show

The untold story of New Zealand's mass timber revolution unfolds as architectural designer Bernie from RM Designs and structural engineer Julian from ENGCO share their remarkable 10-year journey pioneering sustainable construction methods. What began as a response to the challenges of post-earthquake Christchurch has evolved into over 50 successful projects that demonstrate how thoughtful collaboration can transform an industry.

Their partnership reveals a refreshing counterpoint to the stereotypical architect-engineer rivalry. Instead, they've embraced a "no one of us is as smart as all of us" philosophy that brings contractors, manufacturers, and consultants to the table from day one. This early collaboration has been their secret weapon, allowing them to optimize designs for constructability while solving complex problems around acoustics, fire safety, and structural efficiency in mass timber buildings.

The conversation takes us through their breakthrough project—the Bealey Backpackers—where they reduced foundation costs from 20% to just 7-8% of the budget by leveraging timber's lightweight properties. We hear how their work with Housing New Zealand became a watershed moment, as they meticulously documented mass timber's advantages against traditional construction across more than 20 performance indicators. From three-story walk-ups completed in just 8.5 months to innovative projects like the Pounamu Pathway with its distinctive "America's Cup sail" design, their work spans everyday residential buildings to iconic cultural landmarks.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is their honest assessment of challenges facing mass timber adoption. Despite proven successes, every project still requires alternative solution documentation due to building code limitations. They've also evolved from timber purism to embrace hybrid approaches that pragmatically combine materials for optimal performance. Their parting wisdom? Understanding manufacturing capabilities from the outset is crucial—know what can be built before designing it.

Whether you're an architect, engineer, builder, or simply passionate about sustainable construction, this conversation offers invaluable insights from pioneers who've learned through trial and error so you don't have to. Ready to rethink how we design and construct buildings? This episode is your masterclass.

About RM Designs
47 Springfield Rd
(cnr Springfield & Clare Rd)
Christchurch
New Zealand

Phone
Ph: (03) 354 6341

E-mail
info@rmdesigns.co.nz

About ENGCO

ENGCO is a multi-disciplinary national consultancy with expertise delivering large scale projects, worth in excess of $100 million, and at the boutique end of the market, individual solutions for one-off domestic builds. The core of our business is in structural, civil and geotechnical engineering services, and we also have Green Star approved professional accreditation for our involvement with sustainable energy projects.

Our key values: Passion, Principles and People.

Website

https://www.engco.co.nz/

Send us a text

Support the show