Exploring Mass Timber for Data Center Design

This session examines the emerging application of mass timber in data centers and similar building typologies, with designers at the forefront of this innovation sharing insights about the benefits, challenges, and design opportunities. The discussion will explore how mass timber can offset some of the environmental impact of data centers, and how the biophilic benefits of exposed wood can contribute to a healthier indoor environment for occupants. Engineers will also explain some of the fundamental differences between data centers and other building types, such as high loading and intensive MEPF systems, which are important design considerations at the start of a project.

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:

• Explore code-compliant design of mass timber systems in data centers and understand how construction type selection impacts design.
• Understand the environmental benefits of using mass timber, including a lower embodied carbon impact.
• Discuss the speed of construction benefit of mass timber and hybrid systems and how that contributes to efficiency.
• Identify areas within a data center where mass timber can be exposed and how the biophilic benefits of exposed wood can contribute to a healthy indoor environment for occupants.

Recorded courses are available on The Wood Institute. You must create a free account to take these on-demand courses.