North America's Tallest Wood Building Opens in British Columbia

Wood Innovation and Design Center, University of Northern British Columbia, Naturally:Wood, wood architecture, modern architecture, sustainable building, WIDC, Michael Green Architects, Michael Green, Michael Green Timber construction, wood construction, wood buildings, wood skyscrapers, wood buildings, tallest wood building,

North America's tallest wood building just opened in Prince George, British Columbia. The 96-foot tall building, called the Wood Innovation and Design Center (WIDC) is a showcase for modern wood construction innovations and will serve as the home for of

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 7

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North America's tallest wood building just opened in Prince George, British Columbia. The 96-foot tall building, called the Wood Innovation and Design Center (WIDC) is a showcase for modern wood construction innovations and will serve as the home for the University of Northern British Columbia’s wood engineering program. The WIDC’s architect, Vancouver-based Michael Green, combined simplicity and innovation to create a building that can stand as an easily replicated alternative to steel and concrete.

The building includes fir, cedar, hemlock, pine, spruce and engineered wood. Some of the wood was charred as a fire preventative.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 5

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The building includes fir, cedar, hemlock, pine, spruce and engineered wood. Some of the wood was charred as a fire preventative.

"The design incorporates a simple, ‘dry’ structure of systems-integrated CLT floor panels, Glulam columns and beams, and mass timber walls. This simplicity translates into repeatability of the system," explains Michael Green Architects.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 2

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"The design incorporates a simple, ‘dry’ structure of systems-integrated CLT floor panels, Glulam columns and beams, and mass timber walls. This simplicity translates into repeatability of the system," explains Michael Green Architects.

The building uses no concrete above the ground level except for a mechanical room.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 3

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The building uses no concrete above the ground level except for a mechanical room.

The WIDC is a showcase for modern wood construction and is easily replicated. Michael Green hopes the building will help revitalize British Columbia's wood industry.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 4

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The WIDC is a showcase for modern wood construction and is easily replicated. Michael Green hopes the building will help revitalize British Columbia's wood industry.

The WIDC is 51,000 square feet all told, with eight-stories - six floors with a mezzanine plus a penthouse.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building 6

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The WIDC is 51,000 square feet all told, with eight-stories - six floors with a mezzanine plus a penthouse.

The 96-foot tall building, called the Wood Innovation and Design Center (WIDC) officially opened on October 31, 2014, on time and on budget.

WIDC Michael Green Wood Building

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The 96-foot tall building, called the Wood Innovation and Design Center (WIDC) officially opened on October 31, 2014, on time and on budget.

North America’s Tallest Wood Building Opens in British Columbia

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