Commercial Low-Rise

Mass timber products are often used in commercial low-rise buildings for their aesthetic, but traditional wood-frame construction can also be a cost-effective option for projects such as restaurants, shopping malls, and big-box stores. Our resources can help you create versatile spaces that are cost-competitive and communicate the values of sustainable building design.

Solution Papers 5-over-2 Podium Design: Part 1 – Path to Code Acceptance
First published in Structure, Part 1 of this two-part article covers design considerations and traditional approaches to 5-over-2 projects.
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5-over-2 Podium Design: Part 2 – Diaphragm and Shear Wall Flexibility Solution Papers
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Biophilic Design LookBook Building Trends
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Classifying Wood-Sheathed Diaphragms as Flexible or Rigid Expert Tips
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Design Example of a Cantilever Wood Diaphragm Design Examples
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Adding Insulation to a Fire-Tested Wall or Floor Assembly Expert Tips
Upcoming Commercial Low-Rise Events
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WoodWorks at the AIA Conference on Architecture 2023 In Person · West · June 7 @ 8:00 am – June 10 @ 5:00 pm PDT
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Optimizing Mass Timber Designs for Application & Efficiency – Current Methods & Future Software Tools Online · National · June 13 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT
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The Business Case for Mass Timber: Completing the Value Proposition Online · National · June 15 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
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Early Design Decisions + Michigan State University STEM Facility Site Tour In Person · Midwest · June 21 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm EDT

Resources for Commercial Low-Rise Projects
Get the practical information you can apply to projects. Learn about the latest advances and code requirements, explore innovative projects, and expand your knowledge of wood design.
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Regulating Off-Site Construction: Ensuring Code Compliance in a Factory-Built Environment Expert Tips
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Concealed Spaces in Light-Frame Wood Construction Expert Tips
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When to Include Biogenic Carbon in an LCA Expert Tips
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Standards and Testing: Ensuring Adhesive Performance in Mass Timber Buildings Expert Tips
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Introduction to Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment: The Basics Expert Tips
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Current EPDs for Wood Products Expert Tips
Tools & Guides for Commercial Low-Rise Projects
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Guides, Manuals & Inventories
Detailed guidance on specific aspects of wood design and construction, plus inventories of fire and acoustically-tested assemblies.
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CAD & Revit Details
Hundreds of searchable details for mass timber and light wood-frame buildings.
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Online Calculators
Calculate height and area options or estimate your project’s wood carbon footprint.
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