Hybrid & Mixed Media Construction

Arena Stage, Mead Center for American Theater, DC, U.S. Bing Thom Architects. © Nic Lehoux.

The practice of using wood for hybrid and mid-rise construction has long been common in Europe, and is growing throughout North America. As a result, building codes are changing to allow higher wood-frame buildings. Using traditional North American platform framing techniques, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington, amended their building codes over five years ago. And since 2009, Canadian code changes have paved the way for numerous midrise buildings in British Columbia and Quebec.

The newly-designed Arena Stage in Washington blends concrete, glass and wood to meet structural requirements and enhance the audience’s acoustical experience. 

Did you know? 
Wood structures are typically easy to adapt to new uses because the material is so light and easy to work with.

WoodWORKS! BC Case studies on how to build with wood in buildings such as schools, recreational facilities and hospitals.
U.S. WoodWorksCase studies on how to utilize wood in non-residential applications including four storey wood frame over podium slab and a performance art center in DC.
APA – The Engineered Wood Association Case studies on how to utilize engineered wood products in multi-family structures and industrial facilities.
FPInnovations, Forintek Division Case studies ranging from concert halls, churches and schools.
Wood Enterprise Coalition For information on British Columbia's Wood First Initiative.