A stress test by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill proves the strength of this sustainable building system. Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the global firm responsible for many of the world?s highest and most high-tech skyscrapers, knows a few things about building high-rises. While their architects have created many of the most iconic steel-and-glass structures in the world, the firm has also made recent research investments in elevating another material, wood, as a structural backbone for future tall towers.
With the general push toward greener construction over the last few decades, the idea of tall timber towers, supported by wooden frames, has become a sought-after goal, offering a more sustainable way to build skyscrapers. SOM itself was a leader in promoting the idea, conducting a Tall Timber Research Project in 2014 that concluded that tall wood structures of 40-plus stories could ?compete with reinforced concrete and steel while reducing the carbon footprint by 60 percent to 75 percent.?
While many have been built around the globe, cross-laminated timber projects still produce a degree of uncertainty, especially around issues of fire safety and structural stability. Earlier this month, SOM, along with Oregon State University (OSU), may have put some of the doubter?s fears to rest.

Timber Tower Research Project: Successful Test at Oregon State University from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP on Vimeo.
As part of a series of structur...