More architects are turning to mass timber— or large, prefabricated wood pieces — to sequester carbon and lower greenhouse-gas emissions. In addition to being better for the environment, mass timber is cheaper and more resistant to fire than steel or concrete.
Despite the rise in popularity, building mass timber structures is still tough in many areas. In August, Oregon became the first state to legalize mass timber high-rises without story limits, but remaining states still place height restrictions on wooden structures.
More recently, New York-based real estate firm Lotus Equity Group made a proposal for Riverfront Square, a New Jersey-based wooden office complex that would be the largest mass timber building in the country. The firm is collaborating with Michael Green Architecture and released details for its plan earlier this year. Take a look.
SEE ALSO: Architects want to build an 80-story skyscraper in Chicago made entirely from wood — take a look
Riverfront Square, an 11.8-acre site, is right next to Newark's waterfront.
The project is expected to produce up to 2,000 residential units, retail space, a hotel, 2 million square feet of office space, and parking spots in downtown Newark.
Timber construction projects can have environmental benefits, as they absorb and retain carbon until the wood is burned or decomposes.
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