This session will examine the various economic and environmental benefits of using Cross-laminated Timber (CLT) from the perspectives of William McDonough + Partners (WM+P), HITT Contracting, and Simpson, Gumpertz, and Heger, who came together to create the vison for Co|Lab. The building was designed to encourage collaboration within the AEC community and is Virginia’s first CLT structure and the first commercial Mass Timber building in the D.C. metro area.

Beyond reducing the building’s negative impact, WM+P conceived Co|Lab as an embodiment of positive Cradle to Cradle Design for the Circular Economy™ principles by designing for disassembly and next use. By assembling the building using only mechanical fasteners, the high-value Mass Timber elements can be disassembled and then reused or recycled to be endlessly recirculated in a safe, then circular, economy.

The team decided on a CLT frame because of its environmental impact and potential for circularity. Life Cycle Assessment studies show that wood construction outperforms both steel and concrete in terms of embodied carbon, air pollution and water pollution. Speakers will explain the collaborative process as well as provide lessons learned for future cross-laminated timber structures and contractors creating their own safe and circular buildings.


Learning Objectives: After attending this presentation, participants will be able to: Estimate immediate savings from incorporating Cross-laminated Timber; Explain the benefits of designing for future disassembly with CLT; Identify the costs and benefits of timber buildings for human health, well-being and productivity; and describe how innovative materials and products for the circular economy can reduce cost and risk while achieving beneficial outcomes.


Speakers:
Eric Ross, AIA - Director, William McDonough + Partners
Eric R. Ober - Associate Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
David Stone - Director, Virtual Construction, HITT Contracting


Credits: 1.5 HSW|LUs