Mass Timber in Practice: THP’s Experience Designing with Engineered Wood
As mass timber continues to gain momentum in structural systems, THP is well-positioned to support project teams seeking thoughtful, performance-driven solutions. Our team brings hands-on experience with mass timber and engineered wood systems across new construction, renovation, and historic preservation projects. “Mass timber is most effective when evaluated early in the project, allowing structural performance to meaningfully support the desired outcomes. Early analysis helps teams understand how these systems behave and where they provide the most value. THP works with owners to evaluate how mass timber integrates with steel, concrete, and other materials across the building. These early decisions influence cost, constructability, and long-term structural performance.” Brad Saalfeld, PE, Senior Principal and Structural Engineering Lead, THP
A Practical Approach to Mass Timber Design
THP has designed structures using a range of mass timber and engineered wood products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and parallel strand lumber (PSL). THP has applied these systems across higher education, healthcare, civic, residential, and community-focused projects. The work includes complex renovations and adaptive reuse efforts.
Rather than treating mass timber as a single solution, THP evaluates it as part of a broader structural strategy. In many cases, timber systems are integrated with concrete or steel to address span requirements, fire resistance, vibration performance, acoustics, and constructability. This hybrid approach allows project teams to balance material benefits while responding to programmatic, budgetary, and regulatory constraints.
Mass Timber in Practice: Department of Youth Services Grafton Campus
THP’s work on the Ohio Department of Youth Services Grafton Campus illustrates how mass timber can be selectively integrated into large, multi-building environments with complex functional requirements. The secure campus includes administration, education, healthcare and dining facilities, youth cottages, and a connecting corridor. Each facility requiring it’s own distinct security, durability, and architectural needs.
THP provided structural engineering services for the campus, using a highly coordinated system that blends conventional materials with mass timber construction. The structural design incorporates CMU, cold-formed metal framing (CFMF), structural steel, and mass timber systems, including CLT roof panels and glulam beams. This mixed-material approach supports cost efficiency and constructability while contributing to architectural character in key spaces.
The project involved several structural and coordination challenges. The team carefully detailed the connections between CLT roof panels, glulam beams, and traditional materials because the CLT components are factory-manufactured and numbered for installation. These connections need to “marry” the modern-day precision of CLT manufacturing with the tolerances of steel and masonry construction. Coordination with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems was particularly critical in areas with exposed CLT. Routing and concealment were resolved without compromising structural performance or visual intent, supporting durability and long-term maintenance.
Why Owners Are Considering Mass Timber
THP’s experience highlights several key reasons teams consider mass timber:
- Construction efficiency
Prefabricated timber components can support streamlined erection and improved coordination, thus contributing to more predictable construction schedules. - Sustainability potential
Project teams consider mass timber for its carbon characteristics and alignment with renewable-material strategies on sustainability-driven projects. - Architectural impact
Exposed timber framing can add warmth and character without additional finishes, supporting durable, occupant-centered environments. - Design flexibility
Mass timber integrates well into hybrid structural systems. Allowing teams to tailor solutions to performance, budget, and lifecycle priorities. - Adaptability for renovation
Engineered wood products such as LVL and PSL provide effective solutions for strengthening existing buildings. Structural engineers often use them in historic structures while respecting original framing intent.
Experience That Supports Informed Decisions
Mass timber is not a universal solution, and early evaluation remains critical. THP works collaboratively with owners, architects, and contractors to assess feasibility, coordination impacts, cost implications, and long-term performance. Whether mass timber is used as a primary structural system or selectively within a project, THP designs systems that respond directly to project goals.
With experience spanning new construction, renovation, and campus-scale development, THP provides practical insight that helps owners move forward with clarity and confidence.