Mass Timber Cuts Costs by $2M in Western Washington University Build

Mortenson's innovative use of mass timber in the Kaiser Borsari Hall project at Western Washington University resulted in a $2 million cost reduction and a 25% faster build time. This significant achievement highlights the growing trend of using sustainable materials in construction to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

What Happened
Mortenson, a leading construction company, employed mass timber and advanced technology to complete the $55 million Kaiser Borsari Hall at Western Washington University. The project, which broke ground in 2023 and opened in early 2025, leveraged the lighter footprint of mass timber to eliminate the need for a basement foundation, significantly reducing concrete use. This strategic decision, along with the relocation of the electrical room to the first floor, contributed to the $2 million savings.

The project also benefited from prefabricated mass timber components and early Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination, which expedited the construction timeline by approximately two months. The mass timber used was sourced from Kalesnikoff, a Canadian sustainable forestry supplier, ensuring that the materials met stringent environmental standards.

What This Means for Your Business
For construction companies and contractors, the Kaiser Borsari Hall project serves as a case study in cost-effective and sustainable building practices. The use of mass timber not only reduced material costs but also labor expenses, as the prefabricated components required fewer on-site workers and reduced the number of deliveries.

This project also underscores the importance of early involvement in BIM and the adoption of innovative value engineering strategies, such as the implementation of a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system and optimized sewer routing. These approaches can lead to significant cost savings and project efficiencies, offering a competitive edge in the construction industry.

What US Operators Should Watch
As the construction industry increasingly turns to sustainable building practices, US operators should monitor advancements in mass timber technology and its applications. Understanding regional considerations, such as climate and material sourcing, is crucial for successful implementation. Additionally, staying informed about federal sustainability mandates and certifications, such as Zero Carbon and Zero Energy, can provide opportunities for compliance and competitive advantage.

For decision-makers, the Kaiser Borsari Hall project exemplifies the potential return on investment from integrating sustainable materials and advanced construction techniques. As federal and state sustainability standards evolve, keeping abreast of regulatory changes and funding opportunities will be essential for maintaining industry leadership.

Source: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/mortenson-mass-timber-western-washington-case-study/831168/