Digital Library of Timber Building Systems

Architecture studio Generate has developed the Tallhouse library of timber-based building systems to help architects build affordable housing and reduce construction-related carbon emissions by up to 50 per cent. Boston-based Generate developed Tallhouse with Buro Happold Engineering, Niles Bolton Associates, Consigli Construction, Code Red Consultants, Olifant Market Development, Urbanica Development and Arup Engineering. The architecture, engineering and construction company developed the online catalogue to provide architects with pre-engineered, timber-based construction systems that they can adapt for large-scale projects. It includes four timber-based designs: a steel and cross-laminated timber (CLT) structure; a mass timber post, beam and plate structure; a light-gauge metal and CLT structure; and a full CLT plate honeycomb structure. These designs can each be used as a "kit of parts" for buildings ranging from eight to 18 storeys. By allowing architects to build quickly, sustainably and cost-effectively, Generate said Tallhouse could "revolutionise the construction industry". Working with pre-vetted, replicable systems enables significant acceleration in project delivery, while permitting architects to spend more time on the creative process of design, resulting in the delivery of at once higher-quality and cost-effective projects.