Light-Frame
Cost-effective, efficient, and accessible, light-frame wood construction is commonly used in Type III and V buildings up to six stories, and podium projects with up to six stories of wood over another construction type (typically Type I-A concrete). Learn about nuances that contribute to successful projects, and what to consider when designing these buildings.
Case Studies 1430 Q – Light-Frame Maximizes Space and Profitability in a Competitive Market
Evolution of the International Building Code (IBC) leads to an innovative 6-over-2 design for this mixed-use project in Sacramento. The result maximizes density and the owners’ financial return.
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Design Example of a Cantilever Wood Diaphragm Design Examples -
Do wood-frame buildings need to account for thermal movement? Expert Tips -
Floor Vibration Analysis in Light-Frame Projects Expert Tips -
Herrington Recovery Center – Light-Frame Hybrid Design Leads to Healing Environment Case Studies
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Emory Point – Wood-Frame Mixed-Use Development in Atlanta Case Studies
Upcoming Light-Frame Events
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WoodWorks at the AIA Conference 2025 In Person · West · June 4 – June 7
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Wood in Architecture Awards Announcement & Reception In Person · Northeast · June 5 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm EDT
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High-Performance Envelopes in Wood Construction Online · National · June 11 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT
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Key Wood Design Topics: Concealed Spaces and Mixed-Use Building Analysis In Person · West · August 26 @ 10:30 am – 12:45 pm PDT
Resources for Light-Frame 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 light wood-frame design.
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CLT Shear Wall Options in the U.S. Expert Tips -
Design Considerations for Horizontal Penetrations in Glulam Beams Expert Tips -
Fire Design of Gypsum Wall Board Over Mass Timber Expert Tips
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Developing a Functionally Equivalent Design for Comparative WBLCA Expert Tips
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Exterior Walls in Mass Timber Buildings – Part 2: Common Floor-to-Wall Details Expert Tips
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LEED Credits for Use of Wood Products Expert Tips
Tools & Guides for Light-Frame 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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