Short answer
Prioritize the exploration and integration of timber-based structural systems and materials in the design of new high-rise residential projects, considering the established global trends in form and configuration.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- Buildings (2023)
- Method
- Case Study Analysis
- Sample
- 55 case studies
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Pure timber and timber-concrete composites are increasingly favored structural systems in high-rise residential buildings globally, with Europe leading adoption. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Buildings. Using Case study analysis with 55 case studies, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the exploration and integration of timber-based structural systems and materials in the design of new high-rise residential projects, considering the established global trends in form and configuration.
Timber's Dominance in High-Rise Residential Design: A Global Trend Analysis
Pure timber and timber-concrete composites are increasingly favored structural systems in high-rise residential buildings globally, with Europe leading adoption.
Buildings · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Europe, particularly Nordic countries, leads in the number of high-rise residential timber buildings.
- 02Central cores are the most common core configuration, followed by peripheral cores.
- 03Prismatic building forms are the most frequently adopted architectural design.
- 04Pure timber and timber-concrete composite structures are prevalent.
- 05Shear walled frame and shear wall systems are the dominant structural systems.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the exploration and integration of timber-based structural systems and materials in the design of new high-rise residential projects, considering the established global trends in form and configuration.
How to apply
When designing a new high-rise residential building, investigate the feasibility of using timber or timber-concrete composite structures, and consider adopting prismatic forms and shear wall systems based on global precedents.
Project actions
- 01When researching materials, look into the environmental benefits of timber compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel.
- 02Consider how different structural systems (like shear walls) can be adapted for timber construction in taller buildings.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a broad overview of global trends in a specific building typology.
- +Identifies key architectural and structural characteristics of high-rise timber buildings.
Limitations
The study is based on past projects, so it might not reflect the very latest innovations. It also doesn't deeply explore the specific challenges or costs associated with these timber structures.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliance on case studies provides a broad overview, but the depth of analysis for each case might vary. The findings are based on reported data, and the validity depends on the accuracy and completeness of the information available for each case study.
Think critically
To what extent do local building codes and seismic regulations influence the adoption of timber-based structural systems in high-rise construction, and how might these factors be addressed through innovative design?
Design Principles
"Embrace sustainable material choices, such as timber, for structural applications in multi-story buildings to reduce environmental impact and leverage emerging construction methodologies."
This trend indicates a significant shift towards sustainable building materials in multi-story construction. Designers and engineers can leverage this insight to explore innovative timber-based solutions, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of urban housing.
What This Means for Your Design
Lots of tall wooden apartment buildings are being built around the world, especially in Europe. They usually have a simple rectangular shape and use wood or a mix of wood and concrete for their structure.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the selection of sustainable materials or structural systems for a high-rise project.
- 2.Use the findings on regional adoption and common structural types to justify design choices or identify areas for further investigation.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Global trends indicate a significant rise in high-rise residential timber buildings, with Europe leading the adoption of pure timber and timber-concrete composite structures. These buildings commonly feature prismatic forms and utilize shear wall systems, suggesting a move towards more sustainable and efficient construction methods in urban environments.
Source
Buildings
High-Rise Residential Timber Buildings: Emerging Architectural and Structural Design Trends
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about timber's dominance in high-rise residential design: a global trend analysis?
- Prioritize the exploration and integration of timber-based structural systems and materials in the design of new high-rise residential projects, considering the established global trends in form and configuration. Evidence: Buildings (2023).
- Why does "Timber's Dominance in High-Rise Residential Design: A Global Trend Analysis" matter for design?
- This trend indicates a significant shift towards sustainable building materials in multi-story construction. Designers and engineers can leverage this insight to explore innovative timber-based solutions, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of urban housing.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the exploration and integration of timber-based structural systems and materials in the design of new high-rise residential projects, considering the established global trends in form and configuration.
- What were the main findings?
- Europe, particularly Nordic countries, leads in the number of high-rise residential timber buildings.. Central cores are the most common core configuration, followed by peripheral cores.. Prismatic building forms are the most frequently adopted architectural design.. Pure timber and timber-concrete composite structures are prevalent.
- What research method was used?
- Case Study Analysis with 55 case studies.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Buildings.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new high-rise residential building, investigate the feasibility of using timber or timber-concrete composite structures, and consider adopting prismatic forms and shear wall systems based on global precedents.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on buildings that have already been constructed, and may not capture emerging experimental or theoretical designs. Regional variations in building codes and material availability could influence trends.