Mass timber construction refers to the use of engineered wood products, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated timber (Glulam), to construct large-scale buildings. Unlike traditional light-frame wood construction, mass timber is strong enough to support multi-story structures, offering an alternative to steel and concrete in mid- to high-rise buildings.
Greenhill School – Valdes STEM + Innovation Center | Bohlin Cywinski Jackson | Addison, Texas
From a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering perspective, mass timber construction presents unique opportunities and challenges. One of its primary benefits is the material’s inherent sustainability. Wood is a renewable resource, and mass timber has a lower embodied carbon footprint compared to steel and concrete. This aligns well with the increasing demand for eco-friendly building designs, making it attractive for architects and building owners aiming to reduce the embodied carbon emissions in their projects. Wood sequesters carbon, reducing the overall environmental impact of buildings. It can be sourced from responsibly managed forests, ensuring a continuous supply of raw materials without depleting natural resources.
One Bridgeland Green Office Building | Kirksey Architecture & Lake Flato | Cypress, Texas
In terms of aesthetics, exposed timber surfaces offer a natural, warm appearance that many architects and building owners find appealing. Mass timber can create visually striking interiors that enhance occupant well-being, with biophilic design principles—bringing nature into the built environment—gaining traction in modern architecture. The ability to showcase wood in its natural form, while still meeting structural and safety requirements, is a key aesthetic advantage of mass timber.
James Avery Office | Michael Hsu Office of Architecture | Austin, Texas
Addressing Mass Timber Design Challenges
While mass timber construction is promising, MEP engineers must account for the material’s specific properties, such as its thermal performance, moisture sensitivity, and fire resistance. Here are some design solutions to address these challenges:
Thermal Performance: Wood has excellent natural insulating properties. MEP engineers can optimize HVAC system sizing by properly accounting for the thermal properties of wood.
Moisture Sensitivity: Wood has the ability to hold a great deal of moisture. To mitigate moisture-related issues, proper vapor barriers and water-proofing systems should be integrated into the building’s design. MEP engineers can HVAC systems to control temperature and humidity levels, protecting the wood structure by minimizing expansion and contraction.
Fire Resistance: Timber structures can have great fire-resistance. In addition, fire safety strategies, such as using compartmentalization in HVAC design and integrating fire dampers, can help prevent the spread of fire through MEP systems while maintaining structural integrity. Fire sprinkler systems must be carefully coordinated when designing with mass timber.
Exposed Structure: Many designers working with mass timber take advantage of the natural beauty of the product by leaving structural floor/ceiling framing and decking exposed overhead. The wood decking creates a beautiful ceiling. But what about all the systems that are normally concealed above a dropped ceiling? This presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Exposed ductwork, piping, and conduits can penetrate laminated timber beams. But careful coordination is required before the timber structure is manufactured. Many mass timber buildings feature raised flooring. Piping, power, and communication cabling can be concealed below the floor, leaving the wood deck above clear. Raised floors also allow for great flexibility in temperature control when used for air distribution.
By addressing these challenges through thoughtful MEP design, mass timber construction can provide sustainable, durable, and efficient solutions for modern building projects.
San Jacinto College Anderson-Ball Classroom Building | Kirksey Architecture | Pasadena, Texas
If you have any questions about DBR’s mass timber experience or if you would like to work with us, please reach out to Kevin Pfeiffer or Jeremy Tarpley.
