On cross laminated timber (CLT) as a building material, architect and green building expert Lloyd Alter writes: What’s not to love?
“It's made from a renewable resource, it sequesters carbon dioxide, it's lighter than concrete and it's lovely to look at,” he writes in TreeHugger.
An apartment complex in Montreal, aptly named Arbora, has been recognized as the world’s largest residential project using wood construction. Its 434 condo, townhouse, and rental units in three eight-story buildings are made from sustainably harvested wood turned into panels by Canadian company Nordic Wood Structures together with the Cree Nation in Chibougamau, Canada, according to Arbora’s website. The building was designed by Montreal-based practice Lemay+CHA.
When it came to the selection of CLT as the main material, the developer says that wood is “seven times more resistant to heat loss than concrete and 500 times more than steel,” meaning less energy is needed to heat and cool buildings, and a smaller environmental footprint overall.
The project boasts what the developers call “à-la-carte services and amenities” such as rentable wine cellars, electric vehicle charging stations, and onsite car wash. Additionally, residents can enjoy multipurpose facilities, yoga classes, and a fully equipped gym complete with some spa services.
According to real estate firm Blouin Vincenti, the expected project completion date is September 2006.
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Oct 29, 2020
Uncertainty shades a once-soaring multifamily construction market
Demand varies by region, and by perceptions about the economy, COVID-19, and the election.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 22, 2020
The Weekly show: Universal design in multifamily housing, reimagining urban spaces, back to campus trends
BD+C editors speak with experts from KTGY Architecture + Planning, LS3P, and Omgivning on the October 22 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 20, 2020
New multifamily complex completes in Austin
Charlan Brock Associates and Britt Design Group designed the project.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2020
Miami’s yacht-inspired UNA Residences begins construction
AS+GG designed the tower.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2020
L.A., all the way
KFA Architecture has hitched its wagon to Los Angeles’s star for more than 40 years.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 2, 2020
Everyone's getting a fire pit!
Skeleton fire pit in Chicago, October 2020
Coronavirus | Oct 2, 2020
With revenues drying up, colleges reexamine their student housing projects
Shifts to online learning raise questions about the value of campus residence life.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 1, 2020
Glass railings installed at 300-unit rental complex in Columbus, Ohio
Vision Communities chose Viewrail railings for the main entrance of The Ave, a 300-unit rental enterprise in Columbus, Ohio.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 29, 2020
Washington, D.C.’s first modular apartment building breaks ground
Eric Colbert & Associates designed the building.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 22, 2020
AIA/HUD Secretary's Awards celebrate affordable, accessible, and well-designed housing
Each year, the AIA and HUD partner to celebrate projects that demonstrate affordable, accessible and well-designed housing, proving that good design is not exclusive.
