In Durham, North Carolina, Laurel Street Residential planned the build of two Type III multifamily units that stood six stories high. Ian Shelton, a project manager for Neighboring Concepts, partnered with Progress Carolina and UFP Construction to frame the structure with ProWood FR fire-retardant wall assemblies. Ian spoke to the goals that were set for this project:
“The 300 East Main affordable housing project is a collaborative effort between the development team and Durham County to provide affordable living in the heart of downtown Durham... In addition to residential units, the ground floor of the housing component includes indoor and outdoor amenities as well as provisions for a future childcare space intended to serve the local community…”
Why ProWood FR?
ProWood FR fire-retardant treated products for Type III construction projects are an affordable option compared to other noncombustible materials, benefiting the economy in the area. Ian Shelton noted, “Type III construction allowed us to maximize the number of housing units on a tight urban site while meeting the projects budget constraints [and it] met the non-combustibility requirements of the building code for Type III construction while providing a more cost-effective alternative to metal stud framing.”
ProWood FR products are highly acclaimed in the industry, having received several awards, including Building Design + Construction Top Products. These reliable products are widely available and backed by a 50-year warranty. As detailed in the ICC Evaluation Services, Inc. ESR-4373, ProWood FR products meet all major model building code requirements. Additionally, they are UL-Classified with an FR-S Rating, ensuring flame spread and smoke development values of 25 or less.
ProWood FR Product Offering
BACKER BLOCK
These pre-cut blocks are used to support the installation of interior cabinets, vanities, shelving, grab rails, trim and more. And because they’re made from ProWood FR pressure-treated dimensional lumber, the holding strength is much greater than plywood.
DIMENSIONAL LUMBER and SHEATHING
ProWood FR fire-retardant-treated wood has a Class A Flame Spread Index of 25 or less, the best rating for fire-retardant building products. Flame spread rating was achieved through the ASTM E84 30-minute test. ProWood FR pressure-treated lumber and plywood have also been tested by independent accredited laboratories, following industry standards ASTM D5564 and ASTM D5516, to develop strength design factors for various use conditions.
1-HOUR WALL PANEL
ASTM E119 Tested, the 1-hour wall assembly is load bearing rated from one side (interior side only). For details refer to ESR Report 4373.
2-HOUR WALL PANEL
The code-compliant ProWood FR V343 2-hour wall assembly is manufactured under the independent third-party inspection of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the largest and oldest independent testing laboratory in the United States. This wall assembly is fully code-compliant and meets the highest available standard, carrying UL’s FR-S designation.
The use of ProWood FR fire-retardant treated products in the construction of the two 6-story multifamily units in Durham, North Carolina, has proven to be a strategic and beneficial choice for Laurel Street Residential and its partners. By opting for ProWood FR, the project successfully met the stringent fire safety requirements while remaining within budget constraints, thereby maximizing the number of affordable housing units in a densely populated urban area. The collaboration between the project team and Durham County has resulted in a housing initiative that not only addresses the need for affordable living spaces but also provides valuable community amenities, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on downtown Durham.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ New Projects | Oct 30, 2024
BIG’s One High Line finally reaches completion in New York City’s West Chelsea neighborhood
One High Line, a luxury residential project spanning a full city block in New York’s West Chelsea neighborhood, reached completion this summer following years of delays related to investor lawsuits.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Oct 30, 2024
Luxury waterfront tower in Brooklyn features East River and Manhattan skyline views
Leasing recently began for The Dupont, a 41-story luxury rental property along the Brooklyn, N.Y., waterfront. Located within the 22-acre Greenpoint Landing, where it overlooks the newly constructed Newtown Barge Park, the high-rise features East River and Manhattan skyline views along with 20,000 sf of indoor and outdoor communal space.
MFPRO+ News | Oct 22, 2024
Project financing tempers robust demand for multifamily housing
AEC Giants with multifamily practices report that the sector has been struggling over the past year, despite the high demand for housing, especially affordable products.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2024
North Carolina’s code policies likely worsened damage caused by Hurricane Helene
The North Carolina Legislature’s rejection of building code updates likely worsened the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, code experts say. Over the past 15 years, lawmakers rejected limits on construction on steep slopes, which might have reduced the number of homes destroyed by landslides.
MFPRO+ News | Oct 16, 2024
One-third of young adults say hurricanes like Helene and Milton will impact where they choose to live
Nearly one-third of U.S. residents between 18 and 34 years old say they are reconsidering where they want to move after seeing the damage wrought by Hurricane Helene, according to a Redfin report. About 15% of those over age 35 echoed their younger cohort’s sentiment.
MFPRO+ News | Oct 9, 2024
San Francisco unveils guidelines to streamline office-to-residential conversions
The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection announced a series of new building code guidelines clarifying adaptive reuse code provisions and exceptions for converting office-to-residential buildings. Developed in response to the Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse program established in July 2023, the guidelines aim to increase the viability of converting underutilized office buildings into housing by reducing regulatory barriers in specific zoning districts downtown.
Mixed-Use | Oct 7, 2024
New mixed-use tower by Studio Gang completes first phase of San Francisco waterfront redevelopment
Construction was recently completed on Verde, a new mixed-use tower along the San Francisco waterfront, marking the end of the first phase of the Mission Rock development. Verde is the fourth and final building of phase one of the 28-acre project that will be constructed in several phases guided by design principles developed by a design cohort led by Studio Gang.
Affordable Housing | Oct 4, 2024
3 new affordable housing projects for October 2024
As affordable housing continues to grow, more projects are looking to diversify their footprint by adding mixed-use components, community areas, and more.
MFPRO+ News | Sep 24, 2024
Major Massachusetts housing law aims to build or save 65,000 multifamily and single-family homes
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently signed far-reaching legislation to boost housing production and address the high cost of housing in the Bay State. The Affordable Homes Act aims to build or save 65,000 homes through $5.1 billion in spending and 49 policy initiatives.
MFPRO+ News | Sep 23, 2024
Minnesota bans cannabis smoking and vaping in multifamily housing units
Minnesota recently enacted a first-in-the-nation statewide ban on smoking and vaping cannabis in multifamily properties including in individual living units. The law has an exemption for those using marijuana for medical purposes.
