Mass Timber and Structural Steel: Building the Future Together

As the construction industry continues to evolve, sustainable building practices are becoming more than just a trend as they are shaping the future of how we design and build. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of mass timber construction. But rather than replacing structural steel, mass timber is increasingly being used alongside steel in hybrid systems that leverage the strengths of both materials.

Projects such as the UBC Gateway Building demonstrate how steel and mass timber can work together to create innovative, sustainable, and high-performing structures. At AI Industries, we are proud to contribute our structural steel expertise to projects that push the boundaries of modern construction.

What Is Mass Timber?

Mass timber refers to engineered wood products such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam (glue-laminated timber), which are manufactured by bonding layers of wood together to create strong structural components. Unlike traditional light wood framing, mass timber is designed for larger commercial, institutional, and multi-storey buildings.

The growing popularity of mass timber is driven by several factors, including sustainability, speed of construction, and the warm, natural aesthetic it brings to interior spaces. Exposed timber elements can also provide biophilic benefits, contributing to occupant wellness and creating welcoming environments. (Woodworks Innovation Network)

Why Steel Still Plays a Critical Role

While mass timber offers many advantages, structural steel remains an essential component in many modern buildings.

Hybrid mass timber buildings frequently rely on steel to:

• Achieve longer structural spans.

• Support complex architectural designs.

• Create open, flexible interior spaces.

• Provide efficient connections between structural elements.

• Accommodate unique loading and seismic requirements.

  
  

Steel's strength, precision, and versatility make it an ideal complement to mass timber systems, particularly in institutional and large-scale commercial projects. By combining both materials, project teams can optimize structural performance while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. (RJC Engineers)

A Case Study: UBC Gateway Building

Located at the entrance to the University of British Columbia's Point Grey campus, the UBC Gateway Building is a landmark six-storey academic and health sciences facility designed to serve students, faculty, and visitors. The approximately 270,000-square-foot building brings together the School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, Integrated Student Health Services, and components of UBC Health under one roof.

The project employs an innovative hybrid structural system that features exposed mass timber and strategically integrated steel components. Designed to support UBC's environmental commitments, the Gateway Building aims to meet the Canada Green Building Council's Zero Carbon Building Standard while embracing Wood First principles and showcasing the potential of hybrid construction.

The Future Is Hybrid

As owners, architects, and builders continue to prioritize sustainability and performance, hybrid mass timber-steel construction is expected to become increasingly common.

Rather than competing materials, steel and mass timber each bring unique strengths to a project. Together, they enable buildings that are sustainable, resilient, efficient, and architecturally inspiring.

At AI Industries, we recognize that innovation in construction is often built on collaboration. By combining advanced steel fabrication expertise with emerging building technologies, we are helping deliver the next generation of educational, healthcare, and commercial facilities across North America.