Wood is no longer just a material for “mountain cabins” or isolated cottages. Today, the construction industry is rediscovering it as a structural element suitable even for tall buildings, urban skyscrapers, and mixed-use complexes: this is the new era of mass timber—that is, buildings constructed using engineered wood systems (such as CLT, glulam, and laminated beams) that allow for heavy loads, great heights, and competitive performance.
The Global Phenomenon: Examples and Opportunities
Internationally, there are now many examples demonstrating how well wood can compete with concrete and steel. Just consider Mjøstårnet (Norway), an 18-story building constructed almost entirely of glulam and CLT panels. Or the Ascent MKE project in Milwaukee (USA), a 25-story building with a hybrid mass timber structure. In Europe, the hybrid wood-concrete approach is also gaining ground as a way to meet regulations regarding fire safety, soil conditions, and building height.
These projects demonstrate that choosing wood for high-rise buildings is not only technically feasible but also cost-effective and forward-thinking. Key advantages include shorter construction times, structural lightness, a lower environmental impact, and a distinctive architectural identity.
Regulatory and Technical Challenges
While mass timber opens up new possibilities, there are also some challenges to be addressed.
- Fire and seismic safety regulations require specific assessments for high-rise wooden buildings; however, engineered wood systems (glulam, CLT) have now proven their reliability.
- The issue of lateral stability and wind performance in tall wooden buildings requires proper structural design and the adoption of mixed or hybrid solutions.
- The supply chain’s ability to guarantee adequate quantities of certified wood and the logistics of assembly on high-rise urban construction sites are also factors that must be addressed.
However, recent studies indicate that mass timber buildings can be efficient in terms of space-to-height ratio, thanks to the structure’s reduced weight, which allows for lighter floors and greater architectural freedom.
The Role of Cavanna Group
In this evolving landscape, Cavanna Group positions itself as a strategic partner for designers, contractors, and developers who want to build with timber in urban settings and for high-performance projects. Here’s how:
- Use of certified engineered materials (glulam, pre-cut beams, CLT panels)
- Production and logistics capacity to handle large volumes and complex projects
- Prefabrication and rapid assembly solutions (numbered beam kits, CNC pre-cutting) that reduce on-site construction time
- Design support during the structural phase, for both all-wood buildings and hybrid solutions
- An integrated approach to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, featuring traceable materials, a controlled supply chain, and modern construction strategies.
In practice, Cavanna Group offers the opportunity to “take wood to new heights” in contexts that until recently were dominated by steel and concrete.
Why Mass Timber Is the Way to Go Today
- Shorter construction times thanks to prefabrication and the lightweight nature of the components.
- Reduced environmental footprint: wood is a renewable resource, stores CO₂, and requires less energy to produce than traditional materials.
- Greater comfort and performance: lightweight structures, excellent thermal and acoustic properties, and the possibility of higher ceilings or larger floor-to-ceiling heights.
- Opportunities for architectural differentiation: the use of high-performance wood provides a distinctive aesthetic value.
Future-proof
The challenge is on: tall wooden buildings are becoming a reality and are no longer just “experimental projects.” For designers and clients with a vision for the future, Cavanna Group is ready to offer the technology, expertise, and accreditation needed to enter the new world of mass timber.
If you’re considering a wood project for multi-story buildings or want to understand how to integrate high-performance wood solutions, contact us: we’ll provide you with dedicated consulting.
