Tallwood Design Institute

Project Lead: Linda Zimmer and Cory Olsen, UO College of Design

Abstract: During the testing and fabrication of mass timber projects a natural byproduct inevitably occurs in the form of offcuts and cutouts.  In the case of new mass timber structures, the engineered wood materials are typically fabricated and prepared off site, allowing for the majority of the leftover materials to be made into useful products at the same facility already ideally set up for further digital fabrication.  While the thickness of many of the spare panelized elements under investigation/production at TDI might seem excessive for smaller scale elements, the digital design and production techniques already being used allow for a fine degree of precision commensurate with furniture joinery.  We propose to experiment with designing and fabricating furniture scale components and furniture prototypes as a way to reclaim these otherwise unused timber products. This project captures off cuts and remaindered materials from structural testing at TDI in both CLT and MPP panels. 

Project Lead: Lech Muszynski, OSU College of Forestry

Abstract: The aim of this project is to remove this vulnerability by thoughtful conceptualization of basic strategies for optimizing the design of MTP buildings for successful post-use material recovery/reuse and EOL climate benefit. 

Research Lead: Mark Fretz, UO College of Design

Abstract: Despite the complicated narrative, designers and their clients are embracing mass timber for its multiple positive attributes; however, would like more clarity and uniformity in the embodied wood carbon narrative so that they can make the best-informed decisions when specifying material during design planning. Akin to the sustainable farm to table agricultural movement in our food supply, designers and their clients are relishing the forest to frame parallels for sustainably growing our buildings. To address topics for which the AEC industry urgently needs more clarity, specifically: impacts of biogenic carbon based on proper accounting, forestry management practices and carbon storage in the ecosystem, end-of-life material assumptions, and stand rotation timelines, this project will use peer-reviewed scientific data and invited transdisciplinary expertise and perspectives in academia, industry, government and environmental advocacy from North America and Europe to gather for a symposium and follow-up work sessions highlighting the gaps, alternative narratives, and consensus regarding mass timber embodied carbon. The University of Oregon will facilitate a common narrative appropriate for design planning and will focus on not only the Pacific Northwest region but include other regions in North America and Europe since mass timber and forest products are transacted globally for building construction. The deliverables will include a synthesis of the best available evidence/panelist information into a set of education materials with documentation on topics drawn out of the symposium.  This work will contribute to educating students, architects, engineers, builders, and developers on making informed choices regarding modern timber construction.