Recalibrated: An Interdisciplinary, Studio-based Study of Massive Timber for Student Housing

This paper describes the work of a graduate comprehensive studio, which was challenged to design campus-housing solutions for underserved graduate student populations. The researchers asked students to utilize prefabricated Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels as the primary structural material. The studio was administered by three architecture faculty with complimentary areas of expertise. Additional industry guidance was provided by professionals experienced with CLT, and a representative from the university’s housing department acted as the client. The studio operated in close collaboration with three civil engineering students and their advisor who were concurrently engaged in researching CLT and its capabilities.

This paper presents a selection of findings related to the effectiveness of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for innovative student housing solutions. It also considers the merits of this interdisciplinary studio setting for material-based exploration and describes funded research spurred by this initial project.

keywords: Massive Timber, CLT, Interdisciplinary Studio, Student Housing