With the majestic Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, timber frame structures have always been perfectly at home in the West. The timber recalls mountain settlers building sturdy homes and ranches, tales of strength and survival, and rough-and-ready cowboys intent on taming the rugged lands. Timber structures are part of the lore and cultural identity of the frontier, and their continued popularity is testament to their part in the legendary romance of life in these mountains. But beyond the tradition of using timber as a building material, whether in the form of heavy timber beams or mass timber ..read more

No sport honors its tradition and heritage quite like golf, particularly when it comes to celebrating its old courses and clubhouses. As golf’s popularity began to rise in the late 1800s and early 1900s, clubs were established across the United States, and their associated clubhouses were typically built to embody the timeless charm of old-world structures. Stone and heavy timber were often the materials of choice — today, that tradition continues. Modern clubhouses recall the character of these classic buildings while adding 21st century touches, from tech accessibility and large commercial-g ..read more

Any and all efficiencies are welcomed on a project, and timber frame builds are naturally no exception. But where can those advantages be found? Shortcuts in material quality is a non-starter; expert manpower isn’t cheap; time savings are rare; and mother nature plays a huge role in meeting any deadline. There is one aspect, however, that can bring a host of efficiencies: engaging an in-house fabricator to produce all the timber frame components. With a dedicated in-house fabricator, projects may realize several benefits: Tailored Design & Customization – In-house fabricators can collabor ..read more

Embracing timber as a primary construction material brings forth a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond aesthetic appeal. The innate qualities of timber, marked by its versatility, sustainability, and weight-to-strength ratio, have positioned it as a favorable choice in contemporary construction. However, heavy timber stands out not only for these impressive features, but also for a remarkable and perhaps surprising quality – fire resistance. As we delve into the science behind heavy timber’s fire resistant properties, we’ll also shed light on additional measures that can enhance and c ..read more

As with any new build or renovation, building codes and regulations affect the design and construction of a project, from the concept stage to its final details. With growing interest and popularity in timber construction, the International Code Council (ICC) is regularly reviewing, revising, and expanding codes and clearances for all types of mass timber and timber frame builds. Learn more about mass timber classification types in MATF’s previous blog post. After years of rigorous study, testing, and peer review, the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) saw many revisions and updates to mas ..read more

As with any new build or renovation, building codes and regulations affect the design and construction of a project, from the concept stage to its final details. With growing interest and popularity in timber construction, the International Code Council (ICC) is regularly reviewing, revising, and expanding codes and clearances for all types of mass timber and timber frame builds. Learn more about mass timber classification types in MATF’s previous blog post. After years of rigorous study, testing, and peer review, the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) saw many revisions and updates to mas ..read more

Heavy and mass timber construction is on the rise. How does fire safety factor into the public’s desire for sustainable, natural construction elements, and what should architects be aware of when designing with beautiful, durable, and efficient timber material? Up to Code Due to the expanding market for mass timber structures, in 2021 the International Building Code (IBC) added subtypes to their Type IV classification, which encompasses timber construction. The type is now divided into three categories of fire resistance, with varying fire suppression systems required for each: Type IV-A is f ..read more

Finding efficiencies in the building process is at the top of everyone’s ROI priorities. Improvements in construction technology in recent years have led to an increase in modular and off-site builds, and they’re both used to save time and money. But, aren’t these construction types the same? Let’s take a deeper look to sort out the differences. Understanding Off-Site Construction We can define the broader picture this way: Remember learning the premise that all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares? The same holds true for modular and off-site construction. All modular bu ..read more

There’s no question that heavy and mass timber construction is (literally) on the rise. The public’s desire for sustainable, natural construction elements is as strong as it’s ever been, as is the passion for architects to build with beautiful, durable, and efficient timber material. In anticipation of the demand for more and taller timber buildings, the International Code Council (ICC) updated its building and code requirements in 2021 to ensure the fire protection safety of occupants and first responders as well as the overall performance of these structures. Construction Codes   From i ..read more

Three of the most common materials in construction are heavy timber, steel, and dimensional lumber. Each one comes with advantages and disadvantages, but heavy timber offers some impressive benefits that set it apart. Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics of heavy timber and see how steel and dimensional lumber compare. 1. Visual Appeal & Biophilia Because of their natural beauty and warm aesthetic, heavy timber beams are often left exposed in buildings. This creates a very distinctive look, but also has positive effects on people’s mood, stress levels, and productivity. This is ..read more