Wood is gold!

Hines L.P. is trying to break a new barrier in construction with the development of a office building that is made out of wood. It is not only environmentally friendly but something that is extremely innovative with an old-fashioned appeal. The project will be called T3, "for timber, technology and transit" (Taves). This building will be located in a popular district in Minneapolis. "If the building is approved by the city's preservation and planning agencies, T3 would be the tallest modern all-timer structure in the U.S." It will not be the only all wood building in Minneapolis, but will be the largest. 

This building would not only reduce the cost of construction but it would also impose an increase in energy efficiency. Wood has the ability to hold heat opposed to buildings constructed of steel. This is not a new concept but for a project of this size, it is setting a new precedent. "But with financial support from the timber industries and political support from the U.S. Agriculture Department, which is currently sponsoring the Tall Wood Building Prize Competition, architecture firms are hoping to reclaim wood for commercial construction" (Taves). 

Although the larger wood needed to sustain the weight for the building is not available, it can be made by forging small pieces of wood together. This could not only increase jobs in the lumber companies in the future but help bring back a style of construction that is not as prevalent in modern times. 

There are many potential problems with having a wood made building. Many cities have multiple concerns about its stability therefore they put limits on the size and height of wood made buildings. Architects and engineers are now approaching the city with remedies that can make wood extremely durable and a feasible alternative to steel and concrete. "In the end, the use of timber in construction will largely be dictated by environmentally minded landlords and tenants looking for buildings that emit less carbon to create and consume less energy to operate" (Taves).

Could this be the next big trend in development in the future? Only time will tell. 

Works Cited: Taves, Max. "Towering Ambition: Tallest Wood Office Building." The Wall Street Journal. Dow Jones & Company, 12 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. <http://online.wsj.com/articles/towering-ambition-tallest-wood-office-building-deal-of-the-week-1415755448>.