Mass Timber

Our creative approach to solving the unique challenges that wood construction presents allows us to be a nimble and effective design partner for our clients..

With recent building code revisions, wood manufacturing advancements, and an emphasis on reducing embodied carbon in structures, timber construction is making a resurgence. At McNamara • Salvia, our thorough understanding of timber design and our experience in completing multiple mass timber projects enable us to creatively use timber elements across a range of applications.

We have paired our in-depth knowledge of wood construction standards, best practices, and engineering mechanics with our in-house MACRO Workshop to build a wood design suite that utilizes a combination of modeling and design software, spreadsheets, and standalone applications to creatively optimize the design workflow. This enables us to focus on the detail-oriented nature of timber engineering.

Having an experienced team can make all the difference to the success of a timber project. We have joined the WoodWorks Innovation Network, a community serving as a resource for professionals to showcase and collaborate on innovative wood and timber building designs, systems, and technologies.

  • Full design and construction administration services as Engineer of Record (EOR) for Mass Timber Construction. As EOR, we conceptualize early – leveraging our extensive timber design experience – to provide efficient projects through completion.
  • Design of Heavy and Glulam Timber framing and connections, floor decking – such as CLT, NLT, DLT, GLT, & MPP for loading and serviceability conditions, vibrations, and Fire Resistance Rating.
  • Account for Embodied Carbon in a Life Cycle Assessment to further our commitment to SE 2050.
  • Proprietary conceptualization software, designed to optimize mass timber layouts for the project’s specific requirements.
  • Keeping up with the latest research, design trends, and standards, our Timber Experts are uniquely positioned to provide a thorough Peer Review for your project.
  • Connection design, value engineering, and layout optimization as a sub-consultant to the EOR, Construction Manager, or fabricator.
  • Advanced timber vibration analyses and/or in-situ vibration testing with our Vibrations Group.
  • Our Peer Review process for wood structures can follow a few different tracks depending upon your needs.
    • Independent Structural Engineering Review – to meet permit requirements of the AHJ.
    • Value Engineering Study – to look for cost savings opportunities and structural optimizations.
    • Mass Timber Viability Study – review current structural systems and provide alternative MT concept.
  • A proprietary Timber Massing Tool, created by our MACRO Workshop.
  • Structural layout for your conceptual design in real time to determine feasibility.
  • Explore areas for timber “fiber” optimization resulting in the most cost-effective solution that fits your design.
  • Communicate design results with our analysis and modeling software for drawing production and life cycle analyses.

SELECT FEATURED EXPERIENCE

timber Experts

Reach out to our team of experts

Not sure how wood or mass timber can fit into your project? 

  • We can provide educational discussions to help your team invest in this sustainable way to build.