The benefits of building with wood, inside and out.

 

 

As more and more levels of government advocate for the use of mass timber in building homes, the reasons to consider wood structures in an architectural design are growing. And, for good reason.

 

Wood structural products are a low-carbon alternative to other building materials like steel or concrete. As a natural, renewable resource, wood not only has a positive environmental impact but also provides structurally sound performance. It’s for these reasons, and many more, why sustainable architects like us always consistently prioritize the chance to use mass timber in our projects.

 

Selecting a mass timber-based structural system, as opposed to the alternate concrete construction, significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions for any project. In one of our projects, for example, the mass timber embodied carbon – which means the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole lifecycle of a building – is about 72% of an equivalent steel structure, and only 22% of an equivalent concrete structure.

 

 

The Beauty of Wood

Embracing the natural beauty of wood structures is also aesthetically pleasing. Take our Eugenia Lakehouse Cottage, for instance, where the use of wood enhances its interior charm. By using various species of wood, we not only reduce the embodied carbon in the building but also create a warm and inviting environment flooded with natural light, known to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

 

Moreover, wood’s ability to regulate humidity levels ensures a healthier indoor atmosphere, while its sound-absorbing properties minimize echoes, enhancing acoustic comfort.