The reason for this attempt is because concrete and steel both have a very high carbon footprint due to the energy it takes to manufacture. Wood on the other hand, absorbs carbon, trees grow. Mass timber is a system where wood pieces are laminated together to create structural beams and walls and floors.
This new building is going to be 55 stories tall, which is twice the height of the existing mass timber building which also happens to be in downtown Milwaukee. The designer is Michael Green Architects based in Vancouver British Columbia. The building, will house offices, restaurants, and public plazas. When built, this will be the tallest all wood structure in the world. Keep an eye in the future on the term “mass timber” as building constructed in this manner become more prevalent in the United States and Europe.
Photo Credit: MGA | Michael Green Architecture