WEBINAR – Efficiency and Sustainability Through Prefab Mass Timber Hybrid Construction: Lessons from WMU

Western Michigan University’s new first-year residence hall represents a new model for delivering student housing that balances sustainability, affordability, speed, and student experience. Designed using a hybrid mass timber approach, the 1,000+ bed, 270,000-square-foot residence hall demonstrates how mass timber and prefabrication can transform large-scale campus projects.

In this webinar, project partners from WMU, Hanbury, The Christman Company, and Britt, Peters and Associates will share lessons learned from planning and delivering one of Michigan’s most innovative student housing developments. Panelists will discuss how mass timber helped accelerate construction timelines, reduce embodied carbon, and create healthier, biophilic living environments while meeting aggressive budget and schedule goals.

Attendees will gain insight into the design-build collaboration, structural and engineering considerations, and sustainability outcomes that make this project a replicable model for universities and large residential developments nationwide

• How mass timber and prefabrication enabled accelerated construction and improved project delivery timelines
• Strategies for reducing embodied carbon in large-scale residential projects and the role of exposed timber and biophilic design in supporting student wellness and satisfaction.
• Design considerations for integrating mass timber into student housing while maintaining affordability
• Opportunities for scaling mass timber solutions across higher education and similar building types

Higher education facilities and housing leaders, architects, engineers, construction professionals, sustainability and campus planning professionals, developers, owners exploring mass timber construction, and anyone interested in learning more about Mass Timber construction in Michigan.

• Barry A Olson, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Western Michigan University (Owner)
• Todd Champion, Senior Project Manager at Christman Co. (Construction Manager)
• Jared Coffin, Design Principal,  at Hanbury (Architect)
• David Impson, Vice President, at Britt, Peters  and Associates (Structural Engineer  of Record & Mass Timber Engineer)

Sandra Lupien, Director, MassTimber@MSU, Michigan State University

This series of webinars is co-produced by the Michigan Green Building Collaborative and MassTimber@MSU, showcasing key projects across Michigan. In each webinar we explore the origins of each project, their successes and challenges, and how the project teams have continued to advance mass timber initiatives. Each building is unique in its approach and material usage.

In case you missed it, Sandra Lupien, Director of MassTimber@MSU, delivered the keynote address at the MiGBC 2024 Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony. During her address, she provided insights into what mass timber is, highlighted notable projects, and shared guidance on incorporating mass timber into your own projects. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about mass timber. Watch it on our YouTube Channel @MichiganGBC or by clicking the button below: