Hayward Field at the University of Oregon blends history with the future using mass timber construction. Phil Knight and over 50 donors helped reshape this iconic venue with a cutting-edge design that honors Oregon’s track and field legacy. With more than 460 Douglas fir glulam beams, the stadium combines beauty and environmental benefits.

We’ll explore how this world-class facility, designed to host major events, brings fans closer to the action with unique seating and an ETFE roof that enhances acoustics. The stadium’s design ties deeply to Oregon’s timber heritage, using sustainable practices that set new standards in large-scale construction.

Throughout this episode, we focus on the craftsmanship and teamwork behind the project. From the towering 180-foot structure to the immersive fan experience, you’ll hear how technology and human collaboration brought this vision to life. Hayward Field stands as a powerful example of architectural and engineering creativity and thoughtful design, leaving a lasting impact on both the community and the sports world.

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

What if building taller isn't always better? On this episode of The Mass Timber Group Show, we challenge the tall mass timber obsession with our guest, Lloyd Alter, a writer and educator specializing in sustainable design and upfront carbon. Lloyd makes a compelling case for capping mass timber buildings at 15 stories, arguing that pushing these limits can be unnecessary and impractical. Together, we explore the critical concept of upfront carbon, a term Lloyd prefers over "embodied carbon," and examine its profound implications for the construction industry.

We shine a spotlight on the urgent issue of upfront carbon emissions, emphasizing the importance of addressing emissions that occur before a building is even occupied. Using examples from British Columbia, California, and Europe, we discuss how different regions are starting to recognize and tackle these emissions, though progress is often slow and politically fraught. From the debate over gas stoves in the United States to the need for more holistic approaches to carbon reduction, our conversation highlights the real-world challenges of implementing sustainable practices in the building industry.

Looking towards the future, we delve into innovative uses of timber in larger-scale buildings like the Hines T3 and Kendeda Buildings. These examples showcase not only the versatility of timber products but also the potential for sustainable and socially responsible construction. Lloyd wraps up our conversation with a powerful message: "use less stuff." By advocating for minimal consumption and emphasizing longevity in architecture, Lloyd provides practical and profound insights to help us reduce our carbon footprint. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we navigate the complexities of mass timber and upfront carbon, with lessons that could shape the future of sustainable construction.

Lloyd's Substack: https://lloydalter.substack.com/

Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-alter-827ba7/

Email Lloyd Directly at: [email protected]

Lloyd's Book - The Story of Upfront Carbon: https://newsociety.com/book/the-story-of-upfront-carbon/

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

From Google’s stunning mass timber headquarters to a groundbreaking 55-story development in Milwaukee, we explore how mass timber is revolutionizing the AEC industry. We tackle common misconceptions about fire safety, deforestation, and carbon impact, highlighting key innovations and real-world examples. Whether you're curious about timber's role in combating climate change or want insights into the latest industry trends, this episode covers it all. Tune in for a fresh look at mass timber’s growing influence in the construction world.

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

Discover the groundbreaking transformation of Portland International Airport (PDX) through the innovative use of mass timber construction. We'll reveal how PDX addressed increasing passenger numbers and limited expansion space by building the largest mass timber airport terminal in the US. Learn how they slashed the embodied carbon footprint by 70% and reduced energy consumption by 50% with an all-electric ground source heat pump system. Explore the sustainable practices behind sourcing timber locally within a 300-mile radius, which supported local forestry and honored cultural ties to the land, incorporating suppliers from small family forests, nonprofits, and tribal lands.

Witness the engineering marvel of erecting a massive wooden roof over a functioning airport using enormous prefabricated sections called cassettes. Uncover the ingenuity behind this logistical feat and how it challenges conventional methods. We'll discuss the broader implications of PDX's approach—proving that prioritizing sustainability and people doesn't compromise quality or experience. Be inspired to think creatively about overcoming challenges and envision a more sustainable future, even in traditionally stressful environments like airports.

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

What's the role of #MassTimber in tall building? Dr. Antony Wood, president of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat and professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, shares his expertise on the future of urban #architecture. We start by dissecting the current trends in tall building design, from the uninspired rectilinear boxes to the competing sculptural icons that clutter our city skylines. Dr. Wood argues for a new architectural paradigm that champions sustainability and cultural integration, moving beyond mere technical feats to structures that genuinely enhance our urban environments.

We spotlight the role of regulations and incentives, showcasing successful examples from Europe and Singapore. Plus, get acquainted with the transformative potential of mass timber, a revolutionary material that promises a significant reduction in carbon footprints while offering robust structural integrity. This conversation underscores the urgent need for a carbon-focused economy and long-term urban planning supported by solid political frameworks.

Visit CTBUH's Website

Connect with Antony on LinkedIn

CTBUH Conference

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

Sandra Lupien, the Director of MassTimber@MSU, shares how Michigan is launching into the #MassTimber world, the strategies and partnerships making it happen, and how you can help advance the industry too.

We learn about the advancement of the Mass Timber industry in Michigan - and what other states can learn from it. Policies from state and federal agencies can have major impacts on Mass Timber and Sandra gives us examples. Then, we talk about how advocacy and community engagement can help shape mass timber ecosystems. 

Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn

Visit MassTimber@MSU'S Website

Email Sandra Directly at: [email protected]

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

#MassTimber expert Peter Moonen, the National Sustainability Manger for the Canadian Wood Council, unpacks where the industry sits now, trends he’s tracking, and what the future of #MassTimberConstruction looks like in North America.

We also confront the pressing challenges and vast opportunities in the mass timber market. From supply chain issues and extended lead times to misconceptions about resource depletion, Peter provides a comprehensive analysis. Learn about the critical role of fire management, proper material usage, and the contrasting forest management practices between Canada and the United States. Understand how growing more forests in response to wood demand can mitigate climate change and secure the future of mass timber.

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

Resources from the Canadian Wood Council

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

#MassTimber #Construction experts,  Russ Brotnov and Jason Fehlman with Carpentry Plus (one of the most experiences #MassTimber teams in North America) unpack their experience with Mass Timber construction and its impact on communities.

Mass Timber projects demand a blend of experience, wisdom, and early planning for success, with mentorship shaping the next generation of carpenters. The construction method offers sustainable solutions and supports timber-based communities. Russ and Jason are passionate about introducing Mass Timber to new markets, valuing the camaraderie and journey within the industry.

Connect with Russ on LinkedIn

Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

Check out Carpentry Plus Inc projects!

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

Cornerstone Timberframes specializes in #MassTimber projects, offering in-house fabrication, finishing, design, and installation capabilities. They focus on the missing middle market segment of 10 to 50,000 square foot projects, aiming to lead the industry in sustainability and innovation.

We sat down with the Tanya Bachmeier (CEO) and Jake Howe (Director of Commercial Sales) from to unpack why they're focused on that project size, how they make Mass Timber accessible and viable for a wide range of projects, and how they engage with clients from the initial stages to provide tailored solutions and ensure project success.

Connect with Tanya Bachmeier on LinkedIn

Connect with Jake Howe on LinkedIn

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter

This software is empowering designers to bring mass timber into the mainstream.

Adam Jones and Ringo Thomas, co-founders of CLT Toolbox, are transforming mass timber design for engineers worldwide.

We unpack the innovative tools they’ve developed to save engineers hundreds of hours, how their software is making the leap from traditional spreadsheets to streamlined user-friendly solutions, their focus on automating design processes plus tackling the biggest challenges in mass timber engineering, including connection design.

We also get a look inside their expansion plans for the European & US markets.

Connect with Adam Jones on LinkedIn

Connect with Ringo Thomas on LinkedIn

Learn more about CLT Toolbox

Find New Projects & Partners at the Summit. 

Grow your mass timber network. Join our newsletter