Narrative Box 8

5 – Coordination is key

We cannot overstate the amount of coordination that is needed between the design team and construction manager during design, and with subcontractors post bid. Close collaboration is critical to achieving the aesthetic goals inherent in the use of mass timber. For the C. Gerald Lucey Building project, we had eight months of weekly calls with the subs to ensure installation met design goals.

6 – Some designs may still require variances

For example, while CLT is more fire resistant than steel, many municipal codes still require protective cladding for wood framing. That said, the codes are evolving as the material becomes more mainstream. This is one of the many reasons that you should engage local authorities having jurisdiction early in the process to brief them on the fact that you are using a wood structural system.