Fast Company’s Co.Exist staff editor, Jessica Leber, reports on the first two wood high rise buildings that will be built in the United States as a result of a competition last year that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U. S. lumber industry in an effort to promote rural jobs, boost the industry, and encourage sustainable building. It was announced today that the 3 million dollar prize was awarded to and split between two proposed projects: a 10-story residential condo in New York City, and a 12-story retail, office, and apartment building in Portland, Oregon. Building taller and larger structures with wood has only become possible in recent years, as the industry has created denser, engineered wood products that are more flexible, stronger, and more fire resistant. Around the world, 17 wood buildings between 7 and 15 stories high have been built, mostly in Europe. To date, none have been built in the U.S. Current U.S. building codes in general only allow wood buildings to be six stories or less. Read More >
