The Growing Case for Mass Timber

Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

Join me for this episode as I sit down with Jeff Spiritos, Principal and Organization Manager of Spiritos Properties. We explore the world of mass timber construction, which promises a game-changing shift in the building industry. Growing up in a family of builders, Jeff's journey into the realm of mass timber began at a conference where his daughter Erica introduced him to this sustainable practice.

Listen in as we discuss how forests, if sustainably managed, could help mitigate climate change while supporting urban expansion, with Jeff sharing insights from his rich career that spans from managing high-rise projects in Manhattan to now focusing on mass timber. His passion for using natural materials, his respect for forest health, and dedication to reducing carbon footprints while creating efficient and faster building processes is truly admirable.

We also discuss the benefits of potential urban transformations through mass timber, and throughout the conversation, Jeff illustrates the urgency of adopting this technology, outlining the global push toward sustainable building solutions. We touch on the challenges and the future that mass timber holds for our cities, particularly concerning affordable and environmentally friendly housing solutions. It's a visionary look at not just the future of architecture but the planet itself.

Please tune in for more insights into this revolutionary approach in construction. This episode sets the stage for where the industry might be heading in the next five, ten, and twenty years!

Time stamps:

[02:17] - Jeff’s background led him from Queens to civil engineering at Duke, influenced by family and the recession.

[05:26] - Hear how an MBA propelled Jeff into construction at CM Associates, shaping his career in NYC buildings.

[08:56] - Mass timber sparked a career shift in 2012, inspired by Jeff's daughter Erica's advocacy for nature.

[11:24] - Jeff discusses how mass timber offers revolutionary opportunities for using healthy, engineered materials in construction.

[13:38] - Learn how engineered wood, like CLT and DLT, revolutionized construction for efficiency, sustainability, and strength.

[16:34] - Using the whole tree, even smaller parts, is so important for sustainable timber production.

[17:57] - Jeff argues that forests' sustainability reduces carbon emissions through harvesting methods supporting timber construction.

[20:20] - Mass timber building is an international trend spurred by population growth and environmental concerns.

[22:27] - Production is predominantly in Europe, with North America following, but major growth is anticipated as demand rises.

[25:37] - Mass timber, Jeff argues, helps solve the housing crisis by offering fast, precise, and sustainable building solutions.

26:58] - Jeff asserts that shifting to mass timber significantly reduces embodied carbon in buildings and is versatile for various structures.

[29:14] - Embracing mass timber is vital for meeting Paris Agreement targets and ensuring a livable future.

[32:02] - Wood constructions are ideal for low-rise buildings and demand collaborative efforts for broader adoption.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
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Jeff Spiritos
LinkedIn
Spiritos Properties
[email protected]