Word's tallest wood building

Word’s tallest wood building has 53 metres

Less than 70 days were needed before the wood structure was completed. The word’s tallest wood building has been completed for UBC’s Brock Commons student residence in Canada.


The world’s tallest wood building has 18 storeys (53 metres, or about 174 feet) and it is located in British Columbia (Canada).

Jim Carr, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, said:

“This remarkable building, the first of its kind in the world, is another shining example of Canadian ingenuity and innovation, an apt demonstration of how Canada’s forest industry is finding new opportunities through technology and innovation — opening up a world of possibilities for our forest and construction industries”

It is worth to underline that Brock Commons is the first mass wood, steel and concrete hybrid project taller than 14 storeys in the world. The building has 17 storeys of cross-laminated-timber floors supported on glue-laminated wood columns.

Now after the building construction is finished, working teams will focus on interior elements, with completion expected in early May 2017, i.e. 4 months faster than a typical project. In addition, it is expected that the building will welcome more than 400 students in September 2017.

Word's tallest wood building
UBC Brock Commons Phase 1
 Construction Begins. Photo credit: ACTON OSTRY Architects Inc.

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, added:

“Brock Commons is living proof that advanced wood products are a terrific material to build with and support efficient assembly. It also showcases new applications for B.C. lumber, leading to new job opportunities in B.C.’s forest industry”

Regardging project costs, Word’s tallest wood building is expected to cost approximately $51.5 million, with $47.07 million financed by UBC. The rest of the funding was received from Natural Resources Canada ($2.34 million), the Province of B.C. ($1.65 million), and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council ($467,000).

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