What makes mass timber structures different?

• Solid wood assemblies provide an alternative wall constructed using wood or steel light framing (cavity walls), concrete or steel structures.
• Mass timber has beneficial structural, thermal, and fire-resistance qualities.
• Mass timber design and construction often integrates timber framing techniques.
• Solid wood walls can be produced from indigenous trees that are considered low-value and not used for structural framing, benefiting forest health, an issue in eastern forests, and forest fire management, an issue in western forests.
• A durability factor: All wood surfaces require the same maintenance to protect the wood from sun, wind, and water.

The following is from the “Peril of Log Building”, by Rob Pickett, published in 2012: