Wooden Tower At Boston University Defies Traditional Construction Norms Merging Safety & Sustainability

Timber construction is rapidly expanding in the United States, with a notable new project highlighting this trend from Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the designers behind the High Line. The firm has crafted a new wooden college tower set to reach a height of 186 ft (56.6 m). The Pardee School for Global Studies is set to be situated on Boston University’s campus, featuring a floor space of 70,000 sq ft (approximately 6,500 sq m). The interior will accommodate events and conference facilities alongside classrooms, research areas, and “living rooms” designed for informal gatherings.

Designer: Diller Scofidio + Renfro

The new tower is planned for construction on a site that was once a parking lot, marking a transformation from asphalt to a state-of-the-art structure. The building will be primarily constructed using modern engineered wood, a material choice that reflects the latest advancements in sustainable architecture. This choice enhances the structure’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to its environmental credentials.

To optimize the building’s energy efficiency, it will be equipped with triple-glazed windows. These windows are designed to allow a generous amount of natural light to penetrate the interior spaces, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere while simultaneously reducing the need for artificial lighting. The triple-glazing also helps in mitigating solar heat gain, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor climate without excessive reliance on air conditioning.

The roof of the tower will be outfitted with solar panels, a strategic feature intended to significantly decrease the building’s dependence on grid-based electricity. This renewable energy source will power the building and also showcase a commitment to sustainability. The surrounding landscape will be enhanced with new greenery, integrating nature into the urban environment and providing a pleasant outdoor space for occupants and visitors.

The innovative use of a timber structural frame combined with an all-electric design results in a dramatic reduction of embodied carbon—by as much as 87%—when compared to traditional building methods using steel and concrete. This decrease in carbon footprint represents the project’s dedication to environmentally friendly design and construction practices.

Many parents may understandably feel apprehensive about the idea of their children studying in a wooden tower. Concerns might arise from the misconception that such structures could be akin to a tinderbox, posing a significant fire risk. But extensive research has shown that modern engineered wood is quite sturdy and can outperform steel in the event of a serious fire. Unlike traditional wood, engineered wood chars slowly rather than burning rapidly. This charring process creates a protective layer that insulates the core of the wood, maintaining its structural integrity longer than you might expect. Such properties make engineered wood a highly reliable and safe choice for modern construction.

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