Due to its abundance and regional adaptability timber has been used in construction for centuries. New developments in timber products and CNC milling allow timber to be used on scales never before imagined. Inspired by a growing body of research suggesting the carbon sequestration capabilities of mass timber architecture as a remedy for carbon emissions, the TIA establishes a midwest hub for the innovation of timber across all scales.
The Timber Innovation Alliance
Responding to the external forces of nature. The purity of timber architectural forms provide a medium to exhibit natures delicate precision.
Limited southern exposure required creative solutions to provide adequate solar exposure for day lighting.
Greater demand for timber architectural elements could quickly strain the forests that provide them. Essential to the success of Mass Timber is sustainable process of forest management. Instead of maximizing the site footprint it was important to reserve as much of the site as possible for an urban forest that could link the community to the natural world in hope of instilling a sense of pride and ownership.
The urban forest is a living ecosystem reflecting the structure of Missouri forests. The abundance of vegetation and water provide a sanctuary for wildlife and walking trails give people a chance to experience the urban wilderness.
The opportunity to capitalize on the evolution of timber architecture was seized by separating programmatic elements into two distinct volumes. By stacking the operational and office spaces program efficiencies are realized and the footprint of the building is drastically reduced. The south facade of the tower is fully glazed in a double skin to provide ample daylight to the office spaces while reducing thermal transmition. The 2021 IBC establishes type 4-B construction which allows for partially exposed timber towers of 180’. Slender proportions make the 180’ tower feel even taller while the exposed timber columns, beams and spandrel panels are illuminated from the interior and visible form the street below.
The fabrication volume contains the R&D space, the auditorium, and a small gallery. To maximize footprint efficiency and daylight penetration an innovative monomaterial timber system is used. Developed by the ICD at the University of Stuttgart for a micro housing prototype they system allows for incredible precision, speedy construction times and uses timber joinery rather than fasteners. The TIA expands the prototype to a large scale commercial project.
Throughout the site exist various timber folly locations that allow for public exhibition of timber constructions.
East and west tower facade study. The east and west faces use fixed IGU’s to increase glazing U values while allow daylight to penetrate the envelope. The south facing windows are operable windows, allowing air and light to penetrate the window room and maintain views.
The fabrication space is a test facility for the research and development of new timber technology. The north facing roof monitors fill the space with diffused light telescoping doors allow material to move in and out easily.
A 150 person lecture hall provides a space for community events, visiting lecturers and professional events to take place. North facing roof monitors allow diffused light to fill the space and ventilate air in the hotter months. The south facing wall is fully glazed with a deep overhang covering a porch and prevent glare.
