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I came across this article on Bisnow about the growing popularity of mass timber construction. It highlights how major developers are finding timber buildings lease faster at higher rents while reducing the carbon footprint. Hines mentioned being interested in more mixed-use (office and housing) timber buildings. As an architect, it's exciting to see real estate developers embracing the financial and experiential benefits of #MassTimber! #SustainableArchitecture #GreenBuilding #TexasCRE #RealEstateTrends

Various new policies approved by the Vancouver City Council on Tuesday are intended to catalyze more high-rise building development using mass-timber construction materials and techniques. The City of Vancouver will offer a new rezoning incentive that provides additional height and building floor area if a proposal pursues mass-timber construction instead of conventional techniques using primarily concrete and steel. According to the new policies, buildings in areas that currently allow heights of between eight to 11 storeys can qualify for two additional levels for a mass-timber building up to 13 storeys. As well, buildings in areas that permit 12 or more storeys can qualify for three additional storeys for a mass-timber tower up to 15 storeys. Example areas include the Broadway Plan and Grandview-Woodland Plan areas. According to City staff, such incentives are needed to encourage more developers to pursue taller mass-timber construction, as just eight tall mass-timber projects have been proposed or completed in the last five years in Vancouver. Some of the tallest mass-timber buildings currently under construction include a nine-storey social housing building at 1766 Frances Street, a 10-storey office building at 2105 Keith Drive, and a 17-storey social housing building at 981 Davie Street. https://lnkd.in/g7__xrdT

Navigating the Boom: Why Mixed-Use Developments Continue to Thrive Despite Challenges Despite ongoing construction challenges, mixed-use developments remain a popular choice for developers. These projects offer flexibility, financial stability, and functionality, making them a solid investment. The trend of combining residential, retail, and office spaces not only diversifies income streams but also revitalizes communities with the live-work-play concept. However, developers must navigate rising costs, financing complexities, and lengthy construction timelines. A proactive approach, strategic site selection, and a focus on understanding market demands are essential for success in today’s mixed-use landscape. https://buff.ly/3yl6wLE

"Decades of Building Construction: Changing Trends and Techniques" Read the full article below..

In a significant boost to Toronto's construction sector, building permits in May skyrocketed to $2,419,299,813, up from $1,092,295,757 in April. This remarkable surge reflects key projects like the ScotiaBank Arena renovations and a major multi-structure development in Don Mills. Here are the top five permits issued in May: $500,000,000 – 40 Bay St.: This permit covers extensive work on ScotiaBank Arena, including interior alterations and additions. The project, led by PCL, involves upgrading the 100-level concourse and introducing the new MNP Pass Social Club. $168,000,000 – 1150 Eglinton Ave. E.: The tallest of the five-building One Crosstown Towers and The Crest project, this 39-storey structure is designed by Core Architects for Diamond Corp and Aspen Ridge Homes. While the permit labels it as an apartment building, it will actually be condominiums. $150,000,000 – 611 Sherbourne St.: Concert Properties is behind this 53-storey mixed-use condominium building, designed by IBI Group. $140,000,000 – 1150 Eglinton Ave. E.: Another permit for the One Crosstown Towers/The Crest project, reinforcing the scale and ambition of this development. $132,509,000 – 844 Don Mills Rd.: This permit is for a 29-storey building within the same One Crosstown Towers/The Crest project. These developments are not just numbers but a testament to Toronto's dynamic growth and the city's robust real estate and construction sectors. As these projects come to fruition, they promise to transform the urban landscape and enhance the city's infrastructure. #TorontoConstruction #BuildingPermits #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstate #CityGrowth #ScotiaBankArena #DonMillsDevelopment

🏡 Housing, Flat-Packed: New Timber Systems to Drive Grander Designs! 🚧 The future of home construction is taking a bold turn as builders embrace mass timber and engineered wood products. With the cost of an engineered timber house averaging only 75-85% that of a traditional brick-and-concrete home, the timber industry is advocating for policy changes to expand timber framing networks across the UK rapidly. 🤔 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ Cost-Effective and Efficient: Glen Thomas, an architect and BBC Wales Home of the Year judge, highlights that engineered timber homes save significantly on construction costs and reduce energy bills. The speed of construction is remarkable, with timber-framed houses being quicker to build and less carbon-intensive than traditional materials. 2️⃣ Addressing Housing Shortages: Wales faces a chronic housing crisis, with a projected shortfall of 6,000 dwellings by 2026. The shift towards timber framing is a viable solution to meet the urgent demand for affordable housing while addressing environmental challenges related to carbon reduction and energy efficiency. 3️⃣ Accessibility to Modern Design: Engineered timber systems enable the construction of more spacious, aesthetically pleasing homes at a fraction of the cost of traditional builds. Glen Thomas emphasises that these homes can incorporate high-end features like balconies and roof terraces, making modern architecture accessible to a broader audience rather than just the wealthy. 🔗 For more insights on the potential of engineered timber systems in revolutionising housing in Wales and beyond, read Glen Thomas’s interview with Wales Online: https://lnkd.in/gcxeeZJA 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can we further encourage the adoption of timber framing in residential construction? What role should government policy play in supporting sustainable building practices? #affordablehousing #woodsolutions #housing #sustainabilty #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #woodworks #crosslamintedtimber #construction #architecture #construction #engineering

🇨🇦 31-Storey Mass Timber High-Rise to Ease Toronto’s Housing Squeeze? 🚦 Set to be one of the world's tallest, a new 31-storey mass timber project is set to be greenlit, set to tower over downtown Toronto’s busiest street! 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Poised to be Canada's tallest hybrid timber building, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainable urban development and positions Toronto as a leader in green construction. 2️⃣ Affordable Housing: With 80% of its 490 units designated as affordable housing for 40 years, the development addresses critical urban housing needs while promoting sustainability. 3️⃣ Regulatory Progress: The proposal aligns with Ontario's updated Building Code, which permits encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, reflecting a green shift towards #netzero building practices. 🪵 This development represents a leap in architectural innovation and showcases the potential of mass timber to provide solutions to urban housing challenges and carbon reduction goals. 🔗 Discover more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for Toronto’s urban landscape: https://lnkd.in/g6m-tqsH 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As cities worldwide face similar housing and environmental challenges, what other building technology and materials innovations could redefine urban living? Share your ideas! WoodSolutions International Mass Timber Conference Craig Rawlings WoodWorks #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #timber #sustainabledevelopment #toronto #architecture #urbanplanning #greenbuilding #housing #housingcrisis #innovation #engineering #construction #timberengineering #timberconstruction #woodcentral #canada #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #housingshortage #quickbuilds #climatechange #climateaction

🇨🇦 31-Storey Mass Timber High-Rise to Ease Toronto’s Housing Squeeze? 🚦 Set to be one of the world's tallest, a new 31-storey mass timber project is set to be greenlit, set to tower over downtown Toronto’s busiest street! 🔍 Why This Matters: 1️⃣ Architectural Innovation: Poised to be Canada's tallest hybrid timber building, this project pushes the boundaries of sustainable urban development and positions Toronto as a leader in green construction. 2️⃣ Affordable Housing: With 80% of its 490 units designated as affordable housing for 40 years, the development addresses critical urban housing needs while promoting sustainability. 3️⃣ Regulatory Progress: The proposal aligns with Ontario's updated Building Code, which permits encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, reflecting a green shift towards #netzero building practices. 🪵 This development represents a leap in architectural innovation and showcases the potential of mass timber to provide solutions to urban housing challenges and carbon reduction goals. 🔗 Discover more about this groundbreaking project and its implications for Toronto’s urban landscape: https://lnkd.in/g9fJTghZ 🗣️ #questionforgroup: As cities worldwide face similar housing and environmental challenges, what other building technology and materials innovations could redefine urban living? Share your ideas! WoodSolutions International Mass Timber Conference Craig Rawlings WoodWorks #masstimber #masstimberconstruction #timber #sustainabledevelopment #toronto #architecture #urbanplanning #greenbuilding #housing #housingcrisis #innovation #engineering #construction #timberengineering #timberconstruction #woodcentral #canada #woodcentralau1 #woodsolutions #housingshortage #quickbuilds #climatechange #climateaction

Toronto City Council considered and put their stamp of approval on a handful of development proposals last week, and among them was what is poised to be the tallest mass timber building not only in Canada, but in the world. Council considered the proposal and opted to defer it to a later date, however, it has been recommended for approval by Toronto and East York planning staff. Toronto City Council considered and put their stamp of approval on a handful of development proposals last week, and among them was what is poised to be the tallest mass timber building not only in Canada, but in the world. Council considered the proposal and opted to defer it to a later date, however, it has been recommended for approval by Toronto and East York planning staff. The proposal — which first hit the City’s desk in July 2022 — comes from Unix Housing Group and Icon Architects, and seeks to bring a 31-storey mixed-use building to 191, 193, 195, 197, and 199 College Street and 74 and 76 Henry Street. One of the more notable aspects of what’s been proposed is the sizeable affordable housing component: 490 rental units have been proposed in total, and 80% of those would be maintained as affordable housing for a period of 40 years. These details are according to the most recent rendition of the proposal, which was filed at the end of February 2024. However, it was the 2022 version of the plans that dubbed the development “the tallest wood construction building in Canada,” as it would utilize Cross Laminated Timber in lieu of traditional concrete construction. https://lnkd.in/gifjTetk

Construction News: Reshaping Modular Construction. Modular homes have seen a lot of innovation, one of the most recent additions being a push to make modular building mainstream via 3D technology. To learn more, see: https://lnkd.in/dDsuwBUb #eastbourne #eastbournelocal #eastsussex #sussex #constructionnews