A lack of product standardization is hindering mass timber’s growth in North America, expert warns

2024-07-15T11:43:00-04:00

Product standardisation—or the lack thereof—is a major obstacle to mass timber adoption, especially in the lower-rise and mid-rise “sweet spots.” It comes as Europe is miles ahead of North America (Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand) in developing mainstream mass timber systems.

“They [North America] have a mature market where woodworkers and integration shops work alongside billet producers to service the market,” Adrian Mitchell told the outlet. “It is not about whose panel size got designed by the engineer into a project from the start, giving that manufacturer an advantage because no one else produces that panel size, which is happening here.”

Nevertheless, an increase in demand within the U.S. has led to forecasts that the total domestic market, which was valued at $179.4 million last year, will reach $655.6 Million by 2032, according to Yahoo! Finance.

Giannone Petricone Associates designs boutique residential mid-rise in Toronto

2020-04-01T16:39:00-04:00

Located in the Bedford neighborhood of Toronto, 321 Davenport, developed by Alterra, is a nine-storey mid-rise building consisting of private penthouses, each with expansive views of the surrounding urban landscape.

Exterior view into suite.

"321 Davenport embraces the gentle density of the Bedford neighborhood and is simultaneously a powerhouse in design. The entire private residence is influenced by the neighborhood’s grace and is rooted in authentic craftsmanship..." said Mary Medunic, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Alterra.

Dining and living room view.

The structure was designed by Toronto-based Giannone Petricone Associates (GPA). It sports a minimalist glass facade that takes its organic form from the road it's situated on. Ralph Giannone, Principal and Founder of GPA, said of the project, "321 Davenport creates a dramatic presence in the neighbourhood, layering unexpected materials and using classic organic form to create a timeless aesthetic. The soft curved façade i...

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A lack of product standardization is hindering mass timber’s growth in North America, expert warns

Giannone Petricone Associates designs boutique residential mid-rise in Toronto