The Rise of Timber in Commercial Property Development

21 October 2022

Architects, owners, project managers, and general contractors prioritise more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly building materials. The focus is turning to a bold, creative material that promises to change commercial construction.

It’s known as timber.

When it comes to commercial buildings that must withstand the test of time, wood has proven to have essential resilience and strength while also providing distinct advantages over steel and concrete. Wood not only provides exceptional durability in retail and office areas, but it also adds a much-needed visual warmth that was previously lacking in such settings. Adding timber to these spaces is a modern-day resurrection of century-old timber post-and-beam structures. What was once old becomes new again, but with all of the cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly features that are now standard in commercial buildings.

Versatility and Adaptability

Commercial buildings often need to be adaptable as tenants’ needs vary over time. As a result, places are frequently built to be as open and unobstructed as possible. Several wood solutions for roof framing can reach the long spans required for an open floor design. Truss roofs are durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. Because of advanced software, they can be built and manufactured in various shapes and configurations, and they allow for easy coordination with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. A panelled wood roof system can be cost-effective for structures with bigger structural grids due to lower material costs, quick installation time, and insulation.

Sustainable Building Material

Timber is frequently used in projects focusing on sustainability and the use of renewable building materials. Natural Timber is one of the few naturally occurring and renewable building materials. The cyclical process of harvesting and regenerating forests for timber production ensures that timber will always be available. When a tree is harvested, up to ten trees are planted in its place, resuming the renewable cycle. Timber, as a natural resource, is non-toxic and safe to handle and touch; it also ages naturally and does not degrade into environmentally harmful materials.

Unrivalled Durability

When properly cared for, wood can survive hundreds of years. Historical examples have stood for millennia all across the world, and with today’s contemporary wood preservatives, this natural longevity can be strengthened. Wood, when properly treated and maintained, can survive the weather and is well-suited to almost any environment. Heavy timber buildings can even resist fire by forming an exterior layer of char while structurally sound. Heavy timber and several of the next-generation lumber types covered throughout this text also permit higher dimensional stability and strength and greater long-span possibilities. Wooden buildings are important to and appreciated by their tenants due to their beauty and comfort, potentially lowering the danger of demolition due to something as ephemeral as changing tastes.

Are you planning to build your commercial building using timber to support a green cause? If yes, know that Altitude Co is Melbourne’s Expert Master Builder specialising in Commercial Property Development. Established in 1998, but with a presence in the building industry for over 50 years, we collaborate with people who not only take pride in their work but also share our commitment to creativity and quality workmanship. Call us at (03) 9592 6332, and our team will be glad to assist you! You can also fill out our Enquiry Form.