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Protecting and Expanding Market Access Through 2027 I-Codes
AWC FEATURE

Preserved tall-wood design value by protecting exposed mass timber ceilings

The AWC defeated a proposed rollback of the 2024 IBC allowance permitting 100% exposed mass timber ceilings in Type IV-B construction. This allowance helps mid- and high-rise mass timber projects remain feasible, letting the structural wood surfaces stay visible—without added finish materials—while preserving both cost efficiency and architectural expression. It also keeps the code consistent with the fire testing and research that informed the 2021 and 2024 IBC updates.

MARKET IMPACT

  • Protects a key economic driver for mid- and high-rise mass
    timber projects.

  • Prevents establishment of a rollback precedent that could restrict
    tall-wood pathways in the 2027 code cycle.

Clarified costly code issues for light-frame construction

As part of the 2027 I-Code development cycle, the AWC opposed a proposal that would have increased the required fire resistance—and unnecessarily increased costs—of podium construction. The proposal was disapproved, which was favorable given prevalent use of podium construction for mid-rise multifamily buildings.

The AWC advanced other proposals as part of the 2027 I-Code cycle to ensure consistent treatment of fire-resistance ratings and to correct a costly misinterpretation affecting light-frame platform construction. The proposals reduce hardware and labor costs—further strengthening lumber’s value proposition in low- to mid-rise multifamily buildings nationwide. The 3- to 5-story light-frame segment, often constructed atop a podium structure, represents an annual incremental lumber volume opportunity of 920 MM BF.

MARKET IMPACT

  • Saves builders an estimated $104 million annually in construction of
    typical 4- and 5-story multifamily buildings.

  • Improves cost competitiveness for an estimated 300 buildings each year.

Expanded addressable market through continued adoption of mass timber codes

With the support of AWC education, 30 states, as well as jurisdictions in 14 more states, now operate under the 2021 or 2024 IBC mass timber provisions for Type IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C construction. Broader adoption converts model code progress into buildable market access, expanding where taller and larger lumber-based projects can be permitted and delivered at scale. Tall mass timber construction types represent an incremental lumber demand opportunity of 97 MM BF in those 44 states. The remaining six states represent an opportunity of 22 MM BF—with Florida remaining the largest opportunity.

MARKET IMPACT

  • Expands geographic reach for tall-wood and larger mass timber projects.

  • Accelerates mainstream adoption by translating model code gains into buildable projects.