The Promising Future of Mass Timber Construction: Trends and Challenges

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Mass Timber Construction is gaining recognition for its environmental benefits and versatility, despite challenges in the industry.

Mass Timber Construction (MTC) is emerging as a significant player in the construction industry, supported by various factors that highlight its potential. For several years, discussions have underscored wood’s environmental advantages compared to steel and concrete. However, MTC offers more than just claims of reduced embodied carbon due to carbon sequestration. Its visual appeal and adaptability are increasingly evident across numerous projects. Advocacy group ThinkWood noted that at the 2026 AIA Architecture Awards, six out of the ten recognized projects incorporated wood construction and mass timber. Notably, in the Education Facility Design Awards category, all eight winners utilized mass timber, signaling its growing integration into contemporary educational design. Among these winners was the Evergreen Charter School, which serves 650 students in Hempstead, New York. Designed by Martin Hopp Architect, the school effectively employs exposed cross-laminated timber and glulam, contributing to a biophilic environment aimed at attaining net-zero energy and a LEED Platinum rating.
Another noteworthy project recognized at the 2026 Wood in Architecture Awards was the Amy Gutmann Hall, Data Science & AI Building at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Engineering and Applied Science. Designed by Lake Flato Architects, this six-storey, 116,000-square-foot facility emphasizes the connection between digital and natural environments. The architects asserted that MTC was selected to enhance views and natural light, integrate ecological elements into the interior, and provide sensory experiences that foster collaboration and comfort.
The Knight Building, a modular wood affordable housing project accommodating 95 resort employees in Big Sky, Montana, also received accolades. Architected by Peter Rose and Partners, it is recognized as the first large-scale modular mass timber project in the United States. By utilizing precise mass timber components, the project reduced the number of parts by 80% compared to traditional modular production methods, leading to decreased labor and construction time while maintaining high quality.
The Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center at Hudson Valley Shakespeare in Garrison, New York, designed by STUDIO GANG, showcases the design flexibility of MTC beams, featuring long spans. The theater’s gently curved, timber-framed grid shell enhances seasonal functionality and continues the tradition of immersive, open-air performances. The architects highlighted that this design connects the theater to its revitalized landscape while framing scenic views of the Hudson River highlands, ultimately enhancing the theatrical experience for both performers and audience members.
As of June 2026, a total of 2,833 multi-family, commercial, or institutional mass timber projects were either under construction or completed in the United States, with a rapid increase in numbers, including about 1,500 projects currently in progress. In Canada, 700 MTC projects were completed by 2022, with the Forestry Products Association of Canada reporting over 140 projects underway or in planning as of mid-June 2024.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding MTC, some projects face difficulties. The Edison tower in Milwaukee, once touted as “the tallest mass timber building in America,” has encountered financial troubles since construction commenced in June 2025. A default judgment was issued in favor of general contractor C.D. Smith, which may lead to the property’s sale through foreclosure.
The ongoing popularity of MTC may depend on more than its touted carbon reduction benefits. The World Resource Institute (WRI) has raised questions regarding the environmental advantages of MTC construction. Their report, "The Global Land Squeeze: Managing Growing Competition for Land," indicates that while substituting wood for concrete and steel may lower emissions under certain conditions, these conditions are difficult to achieve. The WRI contends that much of the stored carbon in harvested lumber is lost during the manufacturing processes for MTC components. Additionally, the harvesting and transport of wood contribute to carbon emissions due to the use of fossil fuel-powered machinery.
In the realm of construction, hard economic choices must be made regardless of the materials used. Aarni Heiskanen notes that while green construction values are commendable, they often lead to increased costs. However, the current economic climate presents unexpected advantages for MTC. In recent years, the costs of steel and aluminum have surged, while MTC components have seen a more modest increase. In regions with a mature mass timber supply chain, the cost premium for MTC over traditional materials has narrowed to between 8% and 18%, according to Q1 2026 data. This shift is partly due to accelerated construction timelines and reduced builder’s risk insurance premiums.
Political factors also influence the current landscape. The 50% tariffs on imported Canadian steel and aluminum, enacted during the Trump administration, have driven up material costs. Although softwood lumber is subject to these tariffs, Glue-Laminated Timber and Cross-Laminated Timber, categorized under "Builders’ joinery and carpentry of wood," remain unaffected by the 338 annex list, resulting in lower tariffs of 3.2% plus 33 1/3%.
John Bleasby, a freelance writer, invites comments and ideas for the Inside Innovation column at [email protected].

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