Immersed among wooden models and research documents, Chris Pantelides, professor of engineering at the University of Utah, foresees a future in which wood, humanity's oldest material, becomes the protagonist of the construction of the future, and of all modern constructions.
His research into mass timber, a type of engineered wood, is redrawing the boundaries of architecture (I link it to you here). A material that promises to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and also to revolutionize structural safety, especially in seismic areas.
Wood: yesterday, today and tomorrow
The wood, one of the first resources used by man for construction, has a thousand-year history. From the first primitive dwellings to the sophisticated wooden structures of traditional Japanese architecture, wood has been a fundamental material for humanity. Historic examples such as Horyu-ji Temple in Japan, built in the 7th century and one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, demonstrate the longevity and strength of this material.
With the advent of the modern era, however, there has been a paradigm shift. Materials such as steel and concrete, symbols of industrial progress, have taken over. Steel, with its strength and ability to support tall structures, made possible the construction of skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, completed in 1931. Reinforced concrete, on the other hand, led to the creation of majestic engineering feats such as the Hoover Dam, completed in 1936.
Today, growing awareness of the environmental and economic cost of these materials is pushing engineers to reconsider wood as a sustainable alternative in construction. Steel and cement production are responsible for a large share of global CO2 emissions, while wood, if produced and used sustainably, has a significantly lower environmental impact. The introduction of innovations such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) has expanded the possibilities of wood, allowing the construction of tall, strong buildings, but with a reduced ecological footprint.
Mass timber: the sustainable future
Mass timber is a technology that combines multiple layers of wood, producing a material that is as strong as steel or concrete, but significantly lighter. Pantelides highlights how solid wood in construction can effectively replace traditional materials while also offering unique advantages, including fire resistance and thermal insulation.
However, let's not hide it, one of the biggest advantages of mass timber is its sustainability. Each ton of wood grown absorbs 1,8 tons of carbon dioxide, contributing to the fight against climate change. And sustainable reforestation techniques, says Pantelides, ensure constant renewal of woody resources.
Wood in modern construction
Massive timber buildings are gaining popularity all over the world. In the US, recent changes to building codes have allowed the construction of mass timber buildings up to 18 stories. Examples like the record 25-story building in Wisconsin or the Black & White Building in London are showing ever-increasing interest.
Although wood is less flexible than steel, Pantelides' research focuses on improving its seismic resistance. His work on structures such as the Timber Buckling Restrained Brace (T-BRB) shows how solid wood can be used effectively even in areas with high seismic risk.
Wood, in its innovative form of mass timber, represents a return to the origins in architecture, combining tradition and innovation. The future of construction could once again be dominated by this ancient material, now revamped, offering a sustainable, safe and aesthetically pleasing alternative to modern buildings.
