Mass timber is reshaping the construction landscape across the globe through groundbreaking projects that showcase this sustainable building material's versatility, efficiency, and environmental benefits.
Western Michigan University's new 270,000-square-foot resident hall stands as a powerful example of how mass timber can revolutionize student housing. This innovative project accommodates 1,000 beds while striking the perfect balance between sustainability, affordability, and occupant wellbeing through hybrid construction techniques that combine engineered wood with advanced prefabrication methods.
Meanwhile, in Canada, mass timber is breaking new ground in the industrial sector. Sudbury developers are pioneering the use of engineered wood products for commercial and warehouse facilities, setting themselves apart from conventional construction in the region. This expansion into industrial applications signals an important evolution for mass timber, demonstrating its suitability across increasingly diverse building types.
The podcast also explores Stockholm Wood City, poised to become the world's largest wooden urban development. This ambitious $1.4 billion project spans 250,000 square meters and will include 2,000 residential units, office spaces, retail outlets, and cultural venues by 2027. Construction began in October 2024, with the first phase expected to reach completion by the end of 2025.
Despite these exciting developments, political uncertainties surrounding tariffs have created challenges for sustainable building practices and affordable housing initiatives in North America. The podcast touches on these policy pressures while highlighting technical advancements like the American Wood Council's updated connection calculator that continue to support mass timber's momentum.
Whether you're a construction professional, sustainability advocate, or simply interested in the future of building, this episode offers valuable insights into how mass timber is transforming our built environment. Subscribe to the Mass Timber Construction Podcast for weekly updates on this rapidly evolving industry, and visit our website to learn about submitting research to the Mass Timber Construction Journal.
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
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