Mass Timber in NYC

I have been reading a lot about the NYC mass timber related building code. There are a couple of issues that I think will really limit the feasibility of mass timber in the city based on the current code. It will take some time for the forest to take over the concrete jungle!

Code Adoption Cycle - The current building code went into effect November 7, 2022, and it was adopted without the new tall mass timber provisions due to a combination of timing (the code adoption process began before the IBC 2021 provisions were adopted) and hesitance around fire safety. Due to the long code adoption cycles, the new IBC 2021 code won't even be considered for implementation into the NYC Building Code for years.

Building Type - The only building types that the city is expected to approve mass timber under is Type III and Type IV. These types have tradeoffs like height and area allowances, but more critically either limit the use of mass timber in exterior walls (Type III) or don't allow ANY concealed spaces (Type IV), virtually impossible in any modern, multistory building.

I am sure there are other limiting factors, including some unclear language leaving some code interpretation up to the individual reviewers, which may result in inconsistent rulings (I am looking at you interior face of exterior CLT wall encapsulation requirements!). A big shout out to those in Brooklyn leading the way, with a handful of mass timber buildings already completed. I would love to hear more from those with direct experience trying to get approvals on mass timber buildings in NYC under the new code!

#masstimber #nycconstruction #sustainabledesign #sustainablearchitecture #masstimberconstruction #buildingcodes #crosslaminatedtimber