Hot on the heels of a Vancouver residence that recently became the world's tallest timber structure, architecture firm Perkins + Will have proposed a plan to build an 80-storey timber tower called River Beech Tower in Chicago. Conceived as part of Chicago's ongoing Riverline community rejuvenation project, the timber tower will have 300 residential units that surround a massive central atrium.
While the core structural aspects of River Beech Tower would be made of timber, a significant portion of the facade would be built out of aluminum. The proposal's exterior is made up of a timber latticework, and that lattice would be covered in brushed aluminum.
While engineers agree that the building concept would be structurally sound, Perkins + Will is currently considering the feasibility in terms of cost. If the building gets approved, it would be the tallest timber structure in the world.
What's Driving This Trend
- Tall Timber Structures
- The rise of timber towers as a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional skyscrapers.
- Mixed-use Timber Buildings
- The integration of timber materials in mixed-use developments for residential and commercial purposes.
- Timber and Aluminum Facades
- The combination of timber and aluminum in architectural facades for aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture and Construction
- Opportunities for architects and construction companies to specialize in the design and construction of tall timber structures.
- Real Estate Development
- The development of mixed-use timber buildings as a sustainable and attractive option for urban real estate projects.
- Materials Manufacturing
- Innovations in the production and supply of timber and aluminum materials for construction purposes.
