Tallest Mass Timber Office Building Rising in Bellevue
Waugh Thistleton Architects and Mithun push the boundaries of timber architecture in Bellevue.
1Tallest Mass Timber Office Building in the US
Waugh Thistleton Architects and Mithun have designed a 12-storey mass timber office building in Bellevue, Washington. The Bevel tower will become the tallest timber office building in the US upon completion. The project is designed for developer and contractor Skanska. This marks Waugh Thistleton Architects' first project in the US.
2Pioneer in Timber Architecture
The Bevel tower will feature a 55-meter-high hybrid timber and steel structure. Timber columns, beams, and ceilings will be exposed throughout the building. According to US timber advocacy organization WoodWorks, this building will be the tallest mass timber office building in the US. The importance and potential of timber architecture are highlighted.
3Approval for Exposed Timber Ceilings
The Bevel project required significant effort to gain approval for 100% exposed timber ceilings. WoodWorks CEO Jennifer Cover stated that this project expands the boundaries of timber architecture. Currently, only three out of 22 tall timber buildings under construction or completed are commercial. Bevel sets an example for other designers.
4Timber vs. Concrete Comparison
The project team compared timber and concrete construction options. While concrete structures offered narrow office spaces and limited connectivity, timber structures provided more open and spacious floor plans. Timber design achieved cost parity with concrete due to efficiency and reduced construction time, showcasing the economic advantages of timber architecture.
5Structural Details
The Bevel tower will feature a concrete foundation and parking garage with a timber structure above. This structure will be supported by a steel core and seismic supports. Mithun partner Craig Curtis noted that timber structures allowed for more attractive floor plans, enhancing the usability of rentable space.
6The Future of Timber Architecture
Waugh Thistleton Architects has designed numerous timber buildings, including the world's largest cross-laminated timber building. The Bevel project demonstrates the feasibility of timber architecture in large-scale projects. This proves that timber is a strong alternative to concrete and steel.
7Project Team and Collaborations
The Bevel project is developed and contracted by Skanska. Architecture and interior design are handled by Mithun, while structural engineering and fire safety are provided by Holmes. The project brings together various disciplines, from landscape architecture to acoustics.
8The Importance of Timber Architecture
The Bevel tower highlights the importance of timber architecture in terms of sustainability and aesthetics. This project serves as an example for other architects and developers. Timber structures, being environmentally friendly and economical, could become more popular in the future.