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WoodWorks Supports Taller and Larger Light-Frame Projects

Terracotta Terrace
Rendering Credit: Forum Architecture & Interior Design

WoodWorks’ Q1 reported projects had a larger average size than at the end of 2025, driven by several significant light-frame multifamily projects. The 22 tall light-frame (5-8 story) projects reported in Q1 represented an average size of 296,209 square feet (more than double the 136,000-square-foot average project size of all Q1 reported projects). As demand grows for taller and larger light-frame construction, WoodWorks is helping project teams navigate increasingly complex design, code, and structural challenges to keep wood systems competitive with steel and concrete. For example:

  • The state of New Jersey has unique hurdles to wood construction, such as a building code amendment adopted following a historic fire event in 2015 prohibiting the use of fire-retardant-treated wood in Type III construction. Growing wood’s market share there requires creativity, innovation, education, and support. WoodWorks and the New Jersey Regional Director are identifying compliant strategies such as podium designs and firewalls, enabling larger light-frame projects to move forward.

  • Regional Directors provided fire design and structural guidance to help a Scottsdale, Arizona, multifamily project team resolve rating challenges and proceed with wood construction instead of steel, strengthening future Type III design capabilities within this firm.

  • An Oregon Regional Director worked with an engineer to evaluate lateral system options for a building exceeding typical height limits, providing multiple viable solutions that allowed the project to proceed as a six-story light-frame structure.

Through targeted technical support, code interpretation, and early-stage education, WoodWorks enables architects, engineers, and developers to confidently pursue mid-rise and podium-style wood buildings.

MARKET IMPACT

  • Expand the scale and feasibility of light-frame construction.

  • Reduce perceived project risk through education and completed project examples.

  • Equip teams with the knowledge needed to deliver code-compliant and cost-effective wood buildings in evolving markets.

WOODWORKS FEATURE