Swinerton’s Mass Timber Office in Austin Sets New Standard for Sustainable Construction
In recent years, mass timber has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials such as steel and concrete. Offering both environmental and economic benefits, this innovative material is revolutionizing the construction industry. One key player advancing this trend is Swinerton, a California-based general contractor with a strong commitment to sustainable development. Their latest project, Workbench, located in East Austin, Texas, is a testament to the growing potential of mass timber in urban construction.
A Sustainable Hub in East Austin
The Workbench project broke ground in October 2024 and is set to be a game-changer in Austin’s commercial real estate sector. The 45,384-square-foot office building is a mixed-use development that showcases mass timber’s versatility and environmental advantages. Designed by Dick Clark & Associates, the four-story building is expected to be completed by 2026. What sets Workbench apart is not only its structure but also its purpose. Swinerton intends to use the space as its own office while positioning it as a live showcase for potential clients interested in mass timber.
Located in East Austin, an area known for its community-driven developments, the building will feature retail spaces, a restaurant, and a showroom, further integrating the project into the neighborhood’s commercial landscape.
Precision Engineering and Prefabrication with Timberlab
Swinerton’s affiliate, Timberlab, plays a crucial role in the success of the Workbench project. Specializing in the engineering and fabrication of mass timber, Timberlab ensures that the materials are used efficiently, both in terms of cost and environmental impact. The cross-laminated timber (CLT) that forms the building’s structural backbone is being produced in Timberlab’s Greenville, South Carolina facility, showcasing the synergy between prefabrication and sustainability.
By utilizing mass timber, Swinerton is not only reducing construction time but also lowering the overall carbon footprint of the building. The project is expected to store approximately 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to taking 300 cars off the road for a year.
Achieving Sustainability with Mass Timber and Smart Building Systems
One of the most compelling reasons mass timber is gaining popularity in commercial construction is its significant environmental impact. At the forefront of this shift, Swinerton’s Workbench project exemplifies how sustainable materials can be integrated into high-performance buildings. The Workbench building is designed to store 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide—a significant environmental contribution.
The project also showcases the versatility of mass timber through innovative mechanical systems. Each floor of the Workbench building features a different type of mechanical system, emphasizing the adaptability of mass timber to various design approaches. For example, the second floor, which will house Swinerton’s office, uses a traditional system with exposed overhead mechanical equipment, while the third floor will showcase a raised access floor system with hidden ventilation.
This level of design diversity demonstrates how mass timber can integrate seamlessly with modern energy-efficient systems. The building also maximizes natural lighting and employs daylighting controls to conserve power, further enhancing its sustainability. By leveraging these technologies, Swinerton aims to lower the building’s long-term energy consumption.
Swinerton’s Vision for Sustainable Urban Development
The Workbench project is not just about creating a functional office space—it’s a forward-looking vision for urban development. Swinerton is setting an example of how mass timber can contribute to more sustainable city landscapes. As cities like Austin continue to grow and prioritize environmental responsibility, projects like Workbench are becoming integral to shaping the future of commercial real estate.
Mass timber has proven to be not only an environmentally friendly option but also an efficient one. Compared to traditional materials like concrete and steel, mass timber reduces construction time and costs. Prefabricated components allow for quicker assembly, and Swinerton’s use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the Workbench project highlights this advantage. Timberlab’s precision engineering and prefabrication ensure the project aligns with both sustainability goals and operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, Swinerton plans to expand its mass timber efforts in urban centers across the US. The success of the Workbench project in Austin will serve as a model for future developments, particularly in cities that prioritize green building practices. By incorporating advanced mechanical systems and maximizing the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), Workbench exemplifies how sustainable practices can meet modern design needs.
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