The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These innovations are making construction smarter and more efficient. Nick Milestone, Vice President of Projects and Construction at Mercer Mass Timber, highlights how mass timber is playing a crucial role in this evolution.
Milestone views mass timber as a major leap forward in construction, likening it to an industrial revolution or evolution. He notes that the technology behind structural steel is adapting to accommodate mass timber, which is gradually becoming more mainstream. His extensive experience, spanning over 39 years, includes a deep understanding of both structural steel and mass timber, having pioneered hybrid models in the UK that blend timber with steel to cut costs and maintain environmental sustainability.
The advent of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) has been a game changer, allowing for full structural steel frames combined with CLT floor decks. This innovation has enabled the development of entire residential complexes with mass timber. According to Milestone, timber and steel systems complement each other well. For instance, a steel frame with CLT floors or shear walls, or a combination of glulam beams and structural steel, offers versatility and precision in construction.
Mercer Mass Timber, based in Vancouver, Canada, is at the forefront of this transformation, although the North American market is still relatively young compared to Europe. Milestone predicts significant growth in the sector, drawing parallels with the European market’s development trajectory. He emphasizes that the U.S. has abundant timber resources, including Southern Yellow Pine, Whitewood Spruce, and Douglas Fir, and what’s needed now is investment in facilities and global technology transfer.
The U.S. International Building Code has also supported this growth by providing a unified set of regulations, unlike Europe’s fragmented system. This standardization has facilitated a smoother rollout of mass timber in construction.
Looking ahead, Mercer Mass Timber is exploring new technologies, such as light gauge steel walls, to complement mass timber and reduce concrete use in buildings. This approach could increase mass timber’s market share from 1% to 2% or 3%. Milestone believes that integrating timber with steel and concrete not only shortens construction schedules by 20-25% but also reduces overall building costs by 10-12%, while lightening the structure and enhancing construction efficiency.
Mercer Mass Timber operates three plants—one in Canada and two in the U.S.—and is the largest domestic supplier of mass timber in North America. They are prepared to scale operations as demand grows and are even considering opening additional facilities if necessary.
Among their notable projects is the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library, which will adhere to the Living Building Challenge standards, and the Moynihan Connector, a timber bridge in New York City. Milestone will also be a keynote speaker at Timber Construct, Australia’s leading timber construction conference, where he will share insights into North America’s advancements in mass timber.
The future of mass timber looks promising, with ongoing innovations and increased acceptance poised to drive further growth in the construction sector.
