Offsite Construction and the Rise of Mercer Mass Timber
Hello, I'm Audree Grubesic, the founder of Offsite Dirt. Today, we have an exciting feature with Mercer Mass Timber. This incredible company operates three factories in British Columbia, Arkansas, and Washington. Mercer Mass Timber is known for producing low-carbon, fire-resistant, and acoustically superior building materials that are transforming our communities. I'm thrilled to introduce our guests, Ricardo Brites and Nick Milestone, who will share their backgrounds and insights into the mass timber industry.
Meet the Experts
Ricardo Brites, Director of Engineering and VDC for Mercer Mass Timber, is a structural engineer with a Ph.D. in timber. With 15 years of experience in timber engineering across Europe and North America, Ricardo brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.
Nick Milestone, Vice President of Projects and Construction at Mercer Mass Timber, has nearly four decades of experience in construction and construction manufacturing. His career began in the structural steel world before transitioning to mass timber around 2006. Nick has worked globally and now focuses on advancing mass timber technology in North America.
The Evolution of Mass Timber
Mass timber is not a new concept. It has been around since the early 20th century, with Glulam (glued laminated timber) gaining prominence in the 1950s. The introduction of CLT (cross-laminated timber) in the early 2000s revolutionized the industry, providing a structural panel that can be used as floors or walls. This innovation has shifted the dynamics, allowing mass timber to become a key player in offsite construction.
Photo Credit: Catalyst Benjamin Benschneider
Engineering and Design Advancements
At Mercer Mass Timber, engineering and design are at the forefront of their process. Ricardo explains how the industry has shifted towards pre-engineering and pre-designing offsite. By fully modeling the building virtually before construction, they ensure precision and minimize on-site adjustments. This approach leads to smoother installations and reduced waste, aligning with their commitment to sustainability.
Case Study: Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
One of Mercer Mass Timber's notable projects is the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota. This complex project features a curved roof made of Glulam and CLT components on a steel frame. Working closely with the contractor and installer, Mercer ensures seamless installation through detailed planning and virtual modeling. This project exemplifies the beauty and sustainability of mass timber construction.
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Sustainability Certifications
Mercer Mass Timber is committed to sustainability, holding certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Programmed for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These certifications ensure that the wood used is sourced legally and sustainably, promoting responsible forest management.
The Future of Mass Timber
The mass timber industry is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for sustainable construction solutions. Mercer Mass Timber is at the forefront of this movement, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in offsite construction. Their dedication to innovation, sustainability, and high-performance building materials sets a new standard for the industry.
Conclusion
Mass timber is transforming the construction landscape, offering sustainable, high-performance solutions for modern building projects. Mercer Mass Timber's expertise and commitment to excellence make them a leader in this field. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on Offsite Dirt as we continue to explore the future of offsite construction.
Thank you for joining us on this journey into the world of mass timber and offsite construction. For more information on Mercer Mass Timber and their groundbreaking projects, visit their website and stay connected with Offsite Dirt for the latest industry news.
photo credits:
Catalyst Benjamin Benschneider
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
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