(Zoom in to see beams. They are faint grey lines seen in floor plan)
My strategy is to utilize mass timber as my primary structural material. It effectively handles both vertical and lateral loads, while also serving as the interior finish. This innovative sustainable construction technique will showcase a warm biophilic design.
The system incorporates columns, beams, and panels. Since cross-laminated timber(CLT) is used for the floor and wall panels and can span in two directions, I only require beams running along the long span direction (north/south), with no beams needed in the short span direction (east/west). The long span measures approximately 30 feet, necessitating beam support, while the short span is just 11 feet, which does not require additional beams. The 11-foot length was chosen as it corresponds to the typical panel size from the manufacturer.
Another significant advantage of mass timber construction is its prefabricated. By adhering to the specifications of the prefabricated components, the structure can be erected more quickly than with traditional onsite construction methods.
The 11x30 grid is strategically oriented, with beams aligned parallel to the direction of the HVAC system, which has its vertical shaft located in the northwest portion of the building. This design minimizes the number of beams requiring penetration for ductwork.
