Mass timber is a type of engineered wood used in load-bearing components — like panels and beams — on large-scale construction projects. Simply put, it’s joining layers of dimensional lumber (think 2x4s) to create a much stronger, more rigid material.
Mass timber falls into several categories. From Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to Mass Plywood Panels (MPP), each type lends itself to a range of applications, offering versatility, strength, design flexibility, and more.
Trees actively sequester carbon, and as a result, a mass timber structure substantially curbs emissions when compared to conventional materials. Even in hybrid mass timber buildings, there’s significantly less concrete involved.
100% of mass timber components are prefabricated — manufactured and fabricated off-site with factory precision. This makes for reduced construction time, less labor, increased safety and all around risk reduction.
Strength, versatility and natural aesthetics offer architects and designers a wide range of possibilities when incorporating mass timber into a building’s design. Plus, the natural aesthetic of the wood can create warmer and more welcoming environments.
With a high strength-to-weight ratio, seismic, high wind, fire resistance, and acoustic insulation, mass timber structures provide excellent load-bearing capabilities. The inherent rigidity and stability of mass timber contribute to safe and durable buildings.
Explore how mass timber can streamline project delivery, provide design flexibility, and reduce carbon with STOBG Director of Mass Timber, Pete Kobelt, on Building Conversations — the STOBG podcast.
Led by experts with decades of experience, STOBG offers specialized mass timber construction services at every stage of the project life cycle.
Design-Assist: We offer expert advice on the integration of mass timber in architectural and structural design.
Feasibility Studies: We assess the viability of mass timber for specific projects, including early schedule and budget.
Preconstruction Planning: We coordinate with all stakeholders for a fast and efficient start.
Green Building Certifications: We guide your project through the process of achieving green building accreditations such as LEED® and WELL™.
Forestry Certifications: We help you navigate through forestry certifications, like FSC, SFI, and PEFC.
Environmental Compliance: We ensure adherence to local and international environmental regulations.
Sustainable Practices: We implement best practices for resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
Procurement and Delivery: Our experts can help find the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for sourcing mass timber materials for your project.
Construction Management: We oversee every aspect of your build, from logistics to assembly.
Hybrid Structure Coordination: We manage the integration of mass timber elements with other materials, like steel and concrete.
Quality Control: We apply a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee structural integrity and aesthetic excellence.
Design-Assist: We offer expert advice on the integration of mass timber in architectural and structural design.
Feasibility Studies: We assess the viability of mass timber for specific projects, including early schedule and budget.
Preconstruction Planning: We coordinate with all stakeholders for a fast and efficient start.
Green Building Certifications: We guide your project through the process of achieving green building accreditations such as LEED® and WELL™.
Forestry Certifications: We help you navigate through forestry certifications, like FSC, SFI, and PEFC.
Environmental Compliance: We ensure adherence to local and international environmental regulations.
Sustainable Practices: We implement best practices for resource efficiency, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
Procurement and Delivery: Our experts can help find the most efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for sourcing mass timber materials for your project.
Construction Management: We oversee every aspect of your build, from logistics to assembly.
Hybrid Structure Coordination: We manage the integration of mass timber elements with other materials, like steel and concrete.
Quality Control: We apply a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee structural integrity and aesthetic excellence.
Pete’s passion for mass timber began in the 1990s while building craft breweries in Seattle and Montana, where he developed a deep interest in sustainable construction. As a dual US/Swiss citizen with roots in Swiss forestry, he studied engineered wood technologies across Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. In 2011, Pete helped bring the first commercial mass timber project to the U.S. Today, he champions mass timber as a cost-effective, sustainable solution for the built environment at STO Building Group.
Explore STOBG's mass timber projects.
Visit STOBG's thought leadership platform, 'the word' for more.
