Renderings have been revealed for the largest timber office building in the United States. Designed by developer Michael Green Architecture and Lotus Equity Group, the timber office building is located in Newark, New Jersey. Known as the Riverfront Square office building, this timber office building will accommodate up to 500,000 square feet of office space within a structure made of raw Canadian wood.
The project is part of a larger project known as the Riverfront Square redevelopment project which will include 11.8 acres of mixed-use buildings.
Courtesy of Michael Green Architecture and Lotus Equity Group
Situated on the site of the former Newark Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium and the old Lincoln Motel, the timber office building will not only include two million square feet of office space but also 2,000 residential units, a hotel, retail shops, parking, and outdoor spaces for the public.
Although most office building designers play it safe and use conventional concrete or steel structures, Michael Green Architecture is known for using cutting-edge timber-framed high-rise buildings.
The selection of wood as a structural material for this office building was for sustainability reasons. Wood absorbs and holds a carbon-reducing carbon footprint while the manufacturing process of steel and concrete releases 10 percent of carbon dioxide emissions.
Courtesy of Michael Green Architecture and Lotus Equity Group
“The vision we share with Michael Green is to design the most environmentally sustainable office tower that enhances the health of tenants and the surrounding communities through efficient planning and green design,” Ben Korman, Founder of Lotus Equity Group and Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release.
Courtesy of Michael Green Architecture and Lotus Equity Group
Although the building does have a concrete foundation, yet all of the other structural components are made of mass timber including the building’s core, structural columns, stairwells, and floors. Regardless of the obvious aesthetic value of wood, one of the practical advantages of using wood construction is cutting the time consumed on the concrete drying process.
Related: 10 Most Sustainable Office Buildings Worldwide
“To build the nation’s largest timber building in Newark speaks to the confidence and belief we have in the city and Riverfront Square as a world-class location that can compete with any great city around the world,” added Korman.
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