
Wood is a high-performance building material
Durable and strong, wood buildings are built to last. They’re resilient in the face of earthquakes, wind and fire. From light-frame and mass timber to new hybrid designs, wood construction is meeting and exceeding rigorous performance standards. Wood offers distinctive value from its aesthetic warmth and health benefits to its versatility and smaller carbon footprint when compared with steel and concrete.
Abbotsford Senior Secondary School | Photo credit: Aaron Millar, courtesy of CHP Architects

Acoustics
Wood’s natural characteristics can improve a building’s acoustic performance through thoughtful design.

Durability
Durable and strong, wood is a resilient material that can provide decades, even centuries, of service. Today’s modern timber buildings are built to perform in the event of fire, strong winds, earthquakes and the wear and tear of time.

Fire Protection
Wood is fire safe. Timber buildings are designed to meet the same level of fire performance as those made from other materials, making them just as safe as steel and concrete.

Health
Wood is good for our health. Research is showing that incorporating wood and natural materials into our buildings—sometimes called biophilic design—can reduce stress and contribute to good mental health.

Resilience
Wood structures can withstand earthquakes, wind and fire. In the aftermath of an unfortunate disaster, wood is a versatile and resilient building material well-suited to repairing and rebuilding structures.

Thermal
Wood has a lower thermal conductivity compared to concrete, steel-frame, and masonry construction and is well-suited to energy-efficient design.

Value and versatility
With its distinct properties, wood’s versatility is vast. The new possibilities in timber architecture are capturing the imaginations of today’s design and construction professionals.

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