Marrying Mass Timber and Steel in DCAMM-Compliant Construction
In the constrained setting of Brockton, MA, we skillfully managed the integration of mass timber components for the C. Gerald Lucey Building. As a turnkey solution provider, our role extended from overseeing overseas fabrication to coordinating union-led installation on site. The 33,000-square-foot project, flanked by existing structures and accessible only via a narrow alley, required an extra layer of planning precision.
We worked closely with subcontractors to navigate the challenges of integrating mass timber CLT with a steel and concrete core, as well as a masonry exterior. The project’s tolerances were particularly demanding given the material’s nature, contrasting starkly with the more forgiving tolerances in steel and masonry. Additionally, we addressed the building’s acoustic requirements without sacrificing the architectural appeal of exposed timber.
Despite these complexities and working through a harsh New England winter, we complied with DCAMM’s environmental and scheduling guidelines.
The final result is a state-of-the-art facility that meets and even sets new industry standards for integrated, multidisciplinary commercial architecture.
did you know?
What is mass timber?
Mass timber refers to a category of engineered wood products that are revolutionizing the construction industry. It involves the use of large, solid wood panels or beams that are made by laminating smaller pieces of lumber together.
Common types of mass timber include Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Glue-Laminated Timber (Glulam), and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). These innovative materials offer exceptional strength, durability, and fire resistance. Mass timber components are precision-engineered and prefabricated off-site, resulting in faster construction times and reduced waste.
With its sustainable attributes and aesthetic appeal, mass timber has emerged as a popular alternative to conventional construction materials like concrete and steel, enabling the creation of environmentally friendly and visually striking structures.
