Value-Added Benefits

Mass timber materials are not inexpensive. However, mass timber offers several cost competitive advantages and long-term benefits. Columns, beams and panels on average weigh 1/5th the weight of concrete and steel materials, reducing shipping costs and requiring a smaller workforce to install. With prefabricated panels delivered directly to jobsites, construction time can be reduced by approximately 25 percent, saving owners even more time and money. Furthermore, wood structures have a biophilic effect on people, increasing occupants’ overall health and wellness and give long-term value to the design.

YOUR PROJECT. OUR PRIORITY.^® | We'd love to hear from you and look forward to learning more for discovering how to build community by connecting you with integrated commercial construction expertise.

***

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

---

«•»

Mass Timber Project News

«•»

---

Mass timber: the future of construction? | 10.25.2024 FINANCIAL TIMES

(24 October 2024) | Ascent MKE, the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building, was featured in Financial Times' latest video "Mass Timber: The Future of Construction."

The recognition further highlights the global significance of the project and its contribution to sustainable urban development.

Key aspects of Ascent MKE:

1. Innovative Hybrid Design: Combining a six-story concrete base with 19 stories of mass timber, Ascent MKE showcases the versatility and potential of engineered wood.

2. Environmental Impact: The use of mass timber significantly reduces the building's carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals and setting new standards for eco-friendly construction.

3. Fire Ratings: The project proved three fire ratings to qualify for Type I building, including: the horizontal floors and ceilings achieved a two-hour fire rating, the steel connectors achieved a two-hour fire rating, and the structural timber frame (glulam columns) achieved a world-first 3-hour fire resistance rating.

4. Economic Viability: Ascent MKE demonstrates that innovative, sustainable construction can be both environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

5. Rapid Construction: The use of prefabricated mass timber elements allowed for efficient on-site building assembly, reducing overall construction time.

Advancing the Industry

As highlighted in the Financial Times video, mass timber construction is gaining momentum globally. Work on Ascent MKE and other mass timber projects is contributing to a growing body of knowledge about mass timber construction, helping to shape the future of wood as a renewable and sustainable building material.

---

The Rise of Mass Timber: A Sustainable Building Solution For Wisconsin | Spring 2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

C.D. Smith is leading the way in sustainable construction with their involvement in numerous mass timber projects, including Ascent MKE, the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building. These projects demonstrate the company's commitment to an innovative and eco-friendly approach. By embracing mass timber, C.D. Smith is helping to shape a greener future for the construction industry.

---

Milwaukee is the Center of Mass Timber Momentum | FacilitiesNet 09.27.2024

The Ascent, Milwaukee's tallest mass timber building, has redefined urban living. This innovative high-rise apartment complex not only reduces its carbon footprint but also streamlines construction. Milwaukee's commitment to mass timber is evident in its ambitious plans for the future, including multiple proposed mass timber towers and buildings in development. As more developers recognize the advantages of mass timber, Milwaukee's skyline is poised to become a showcase of innovation and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit the full article at https://www.facilitiesnet.com/designconstruction/tip/Milwaukee-is-the-Center....

---

Wisconsin's Wooden Skyscrapers | BELT Magazine 09.26.2024

Wisconsin is at the forefront of a sustainable building revolution. The state's mass timber construction projects, such as Milwaukee's Ascent, showcase the innovation and environmental benefits of this emerging technology. Mass timber offers faster construction, reduced carbon emissions, and improved indoor air quality.

While mass timber faces challenges like fire safety concerns and the need for responsible harvesting, its potential is undeniable. As Wisconsin continues to lead the way in mass timber adoption, it is paving the path for a more sustainable and resilient future. For more information, visit the full article at https://beltmag.com/wisconsins-wooden-skyscrapers/.

---

Building the Future: How Skilled Trades are Adapting to Mass Timber Construction | Spring 2024 BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

Discover innovations in mass timber high-rise construction from the collaboration between ironworkers and carpenters. Learn how skilled trades professionals are working together to build sustainable urban architecture.

---

The tallest mass timber building in the world is in Milwaukee | Wisconsin Public Radio 11.23.2023 

🌎 You'd never know it from the outside, but the 25-story Ascent tower is officially the world's tallest hybrid MASS TIMBER building.

NOT JUST ANY WOOD: The engineered wood for Ascent is far from the stuff you can pick up from your local lumber yard.

Here's what makes it different: 👇

🔨 Mass timber consists of multiple wood panels nailed or glued together, so it's made up of thick and compressed layers of wood.

🔥 Engineered wood has inherent fire-resistant properties; which is why when glue-laminated timber for Ascent was fire tested, outer layer charring protected the inner layers of the columns and they kept their structural integrity.

🌲 The timber for Ascent was sustainably sourced from Austria, from forests using best practices for ensuring future growth and resources.

You can discover more mass timber facts from Milwaukee by reading the Wisconsin Public Radio article, 'The tallest mass timber building in the world is in Milwaukee.'

---

Reaching New Heights | DESIGN DEVELOP CONSTRUCT JOURNAL Fall 2023

The path to mass timber wasn't always simple, but New Land Enterprises' commitment to innovation resulted in a landmark achievement with the completion of Ascent. 

WHAT WE'RE READING: The Fall 2023 Issue of Design, Develop and Construct, DDC Journal features insights from Tim Gokhman, Managing Director at New Land Enterprises, on building the world's tallest hybrid mass timber building.

PAR FOR THE COURSE ON INNOVATION: Gokhman's Milwaukee-based firm is no stranger to innovation, but Ascent MKE was the first to obtain global recognition at this scale. And it was no small feat.

LUCK, SCIENCE, WORK AND RISK: The Ascent MKE project overcame financing and code variance challenges, and the City of Milwaukee needed to understand the science behind mass timber before New Land could move forward. After proving three fire ratings to persuade skeptics, they qualified for a Type I building and obtained planning permission from the City. By fall of 2020 they were driving piles into the ground.

BRINGING IN THE EXPERTS: New Land recruited an all-star team of subject matter experts from Korb + Associates, Thornton Tomasetti, Timberlab, ARUP, Catalyst Construction and C.D. Smith.

STRAIGHT TALK FROM TIM: "Building the world's tallest mass timber structure requires bringing in subject matter experts from all across the world and combining that knowledge with best practices for construction a high-rise tower," Gokhman says. "C.D. Smith's track record in the latter, as well as their team's creative problem solving and perseverance, is exemplary."

MORE MASS TIMBER STORIES: In addition to building Ascent, C.D. Smith is the only contractor in the Mid-West with timber projects exceeding 14 stories. Ascent MKE is 25 stories. Mass timber in Madison, Wisconsin is 14 stories. And at the time this article was published, more mass timber projects were being proposed in Milwaukee and the Midwest.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM LINE: C.D. Smith is proud to have been a key player in the planning and construction of Ascent MKE. Our crews exceeded expectations at every turn and consistently apply lessons learned to other mass timber projects.

You can read the full article from Design Develop Construct DDC Journal by going to page 24 of the Fall 2023 Issue at DDCJOURNAL.COM.

---

 

---

Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL

#CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe

---

Lean Construction: Building the World's Tallest Mass Timber Hybrid | BENEATH THE HARD HAT^®

---

What is Mass Timber and What are the Benefits?

• Mass timber is a sustainable building material with a low carbon footprint. It has fewer embodied carbons and requires less water and energy to produce than concrete or steel. It is also cleaner to construct, which aids in reducing carbon emissions during construction. Mass timber also locks in carbon from the atmosphere, benefiting everyone in the building and community for years to come.

• Mass timber is highly rated for seismic resilience and has vibration-resistant properties to withstand the impacts of explosions, earthquakes and high winds. The predictable way it burns and chars is unique to mass timber and it meets or exceeds burn codes in the event of a fire.

• Mass timber is prefabricated, lending itself to a faster build time. Additionally, materials that are prefabricated offsite require significantly less truck traffic on the construction site. 

---

 

Mass Timber Construction Projects

---

FASTENAL OFFICE BUILDING

Fastenal Company's new corporate office is more than a building. It's a SUSTAINABLY-built MASS TIMBER facility designed to pay homage to its HISTORIC riverfront surroundings. By incorporating mass timber construction as an alternative to the original steel frame concept, SUSTAINABILITY was one of THREE key accomplishments for Fastenal's landmark new building.

The nearly 100,000 square foot, multi-story building was designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects (TKWA) to pay homage to its HISTORIC surroundings. Through the use of locally sourced stone and mixed media materials, they achieved a perceived timelessness in the context of the downtown riverfront area. That was the second accomplishment.

And the third resulted from the goal of creating a workplace environment for attracting new talent and businesses to the riverfront. Fastenal brought 450 employees to downtown Winona to achieve an initial economic boost with hopes for lasting positive impacts for attracting and retaining talent at their company and throughout the city.

Learn more from the project profile!

---

«•»

RIVERHEATH POPLAR HALL - EVENT SPACE

With its modern, two-story contemporary mass timber design, Poplar Hall at RiverHeath is by far the most unique building to date, both in architecture and construction materials, as well as the function of the space itself.

The new, free-standing 8,400 square-foot structure consists of glulam and cross-laminated timber framing to create a new event space for live entertainment, corporate events and a wide array of social, celebratory functions.

Although the building has a relatively small footprint, this space has a high density of amenities to cater to all its occupants.

These amenities and features include 30’ tall windows to the west for brilliant views of the Fox River, two indoor gas fireplaces, two full-service bars, one full-service kitchen and servery, a decorative timber tread monument stair between floors, a green room and a stage for events and presentations, as well as seating and standing space to accommodate 395 occupants.

FEATURES INCLUDE:
» Two Full-Service Bars
» Full-Service Restaurants
» Two Indoor Fireplaces
» Green Room & Stage for Presentations
» Zamboni Garage + Ice Skating Rink Floor to Ceiling Windows
» Accommodates 395 Guests

Learn more about this award-winning wood design from its project profile.

---

«•»

THE ASCENT PROJECT - MASS TIMBER VS. TRADITIONAL BUILDING

Curious how mass timber construction schedules stack up against traditional concrete structures? Scroll past the image 👇 for a quick comparison sourced from an interview clip with Project Manager Chris Johansen on the Ascent project in Milwaukee.

Per Floor Comparison
(typical concrete building the same size as Ascent)
⌛ Eight to ten days per floor for a concrete building
⏳ Five to six days per floor with timber

Other interesting construction schedule notes and insights from building the world's tallest hybrid mass timber tower include:
🏗 Curtain wall installation can follow more closely up the building (allowing interiors to start sooner than on a concrete structure)
🏗 The ~64 columns per floor could fly up in bundles of three. Once on their designated floor, all 64 could be set in a day.
🏗 Only one or two beams could be picked and flown up at a time. A typical floor has ~75 beams. Once staged on the deck, all 75 could be installed in a day.

The above is a quick snapshot with stats and insights taken from a 48-minute full-length video tour produced by WoodWorks | Wood Products Council behind the scenes at the Ascent project.

Interviews featured in the full-length version include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb and Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

For access to the full-length video, go to https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#woodworks-video. Or tour all of the information on the Ascent Project page, including the latest media news, by jumping to primary topics of interest from the ASCENT PAGE MENU at https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#menu!

«•»

LEAN CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING THE WORLD'S TALLEST HYBRID MASS TIMBER TOWER

When building the world's tallest mass timber hybrid building, Ascent, the project team took an approach similar to 'sharpening the axe.'
"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe" is an iconic quote from Abraham Lincoln that we've all probably heard at some point in our careers.

In our most recent post from Beneath the Hard Hat®, we explore the importance of lean construction practices and planning principles that can be applied to any project, according to the following subtopics:

» PLANNING & EARLY TEAM INVOLVEMENT

» FORESIGHT & PREVENTING ERRORS

» VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS & MANAGEMENT

» CULTURE OF RESPECT & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

» TARGET VALUE DELIVERY

By sharpening our axe, we can effectively and efficiently execute a project, deliver it on time, within budget and minimize waste and rework.

Go to LEAN CONSTRUCTION: BUILDING THE WORLD'S TALLEST MASS TIMBER HYBRID for a deeper dive into the study of lean construction methods for building the world's tallest mass timber hybrid.

---

 

How Tall Can We Build with Timber?

Tomorrow's Build

 

---

 

World's tallest hybrid mass timber building construction: Ascent in Milwaukee

Get a behind-the-scenes look with WoodWorks for a video tour and project team interviews with the mass timber experts working on the Ascent project.

Step behind the scenes with Jennifer Cover, President & CEO of WoodWorks, as she interviews the project team on the Ascent project, currently under construction in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Get an in-depth look at Ascent straight from the experts - in a part video tour and part sit-down Q&A format - as they build their way to the top of the tallest mass timber structure in the world.

Video production courtesy of WoodWorks. Interview features include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb + Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

«»

Beam to column connections and Building Information Modeling (BIM) on the Ascent project in Milwaukee

Visit the Ascent project jobsite with WoodWorks and Project Manager Chris Johansen for insights from the mass timber experts on beam to column connections and the use of BIM.

 

WoodWorks’ President & CEO, Jennifer Cover, P.E. and C.D. Smith Project Manager, Chris Johansen discuss beam to column connections and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on New Land Enterprises’ Ascent project at the project jobsite in Milwaukee.

Video production courtesy of WoodWorks.

*Note: This is a video excerpt from a 48-minute video tour with project team interviews produced by WoodWorks | Wood Products Council. Interviews featured in the full-length version include representation with insights and expertise from C.D. Smith Construction, Korb + Associates Architects, Thornton Tomasetti Engineering, and Ascent owners, New Land Enterprises.

Watch the full-length feature in its entirety to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Ascent project from various perspectives at https://www.cdsmith.com/ascent#woodworks-video.

«»