Research Goals
This report contains information and analysis of nearly thirty examples of mass timber housing projects. Most are market rate with some specifically labeled as “affordable.” The intent of this research is to observe and learn from an incredible array of AEC professionals who have designed and built housing using this relatively new technology and to objectively evaluate them for their successful approaches as well as lessons learned. This Phase 1 of the Mass Timber Affordable Housing project will help inform Phase 2, which will take these strategies and lessons learned and apply them towards Mass Timber Affordable Housing Prototypes at various sizes and scales.
In both the precedents research and the housing prototypes to follow, we aim for “Affordable” not as inferior to “Market rate” but as an equal with much of the basic principles of good housing that should be available to all, regardless of income status. As some municipalities have such requirements and we also believe it to be a professional obligation, good housing design strategies and structural efficiencies should be a norm in all housing.
Organization of Precedents
Our research revealed a vast array of design strategies and implementation of various mass timber as well as hybrid solutions across all scales from small, medium to large housing projects. What became clear was that there is no one stop universal magic solution to housing. The right solution depends on a myriad of factors including budget and schedule, site conditions, municipality and community relation, client’s program parameters and preferences, and the collaboration of the design and construction teams.
Our goal was to identify conceptual strategies, key design and construction details for each of the precedents, rather than an exhaustive prescriptive analysis, such that the contents of this booklet will be a helpful resource for design teams exploring mass timber affordable housing projects with their clients.
Each precedent was analyzed and categorized through key comparative metrics
– Unit to Building (or Net to Gross) space efficiency
– Corridor circulation type
– Structural Type
– Construction Method
– Construction Type
– Building Height
– Number of Units
– Sustainability Certification
In addition, strategies towards community vs. individual spaces and differentiation between ground level vs. upper floors were noted where applicable. The report also includes publicly available project information and drawings as well as analysis diagrams created by the LWA research team to document program, panel layout and structure.
This Phase 1 of Mass Timber Affordable Housing Study is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as part of the Advancing Markets for Producers project under agreement number NR233A750004G017. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
We would like to thank the New England Forestry Foundation for their leadership as prime consultant on the AMP grant as well as Spiritos Properties and WoodWorks who along with us make up the wood commodities research team.
Sample pages below,
Full Report Coming Soon