Currently, the most common materials used in high-rise construction—steel and concrete—are non-renewable and energy-intensive to produce. In this context, wood represents a more sustainable alternative for tall building structures, offering well-known benefits such as renewability, carbon sequestration, low embodied energy during extraction, and rapid construction times. Moreover, contrary to popular belief, mass timber can perform exceptionally well in terms of fire resistance, as discussed in a previous article.
Although wood has long been used in construction, it is only recently that it has been explored as a structural material for high-rise buildings. While timber structures have not yet reached the heights of steel or concrete, ongoing research, technological advancements, and pioneering designs are pushing the boundaries of mass timber construction, a trend that is set to continue in the coming years.
