At MDSA, we continually seek innovative ways to enhance sustainability in our projects. After successfully designing and constructing 10 gymnasiums using architectural precast wall panels, cast-in-place concrete mezzanines, and concrete-filled acoustic metal decks on steel joists, we asked ourselves: How can we make these buildings more sustainable?
This question led us to mass timber, a material that offers significant environmental benefits over traditional construction methods.
Why Mass Timber
Lower Carbon Footprint
- Embodied Carbon Reduction: Mass timber buildings can achieve up to 42% less embodied carbon compared to concrete structures.
- Global Warming Potential: They also have a 25% lower global warming potential, significantly reducing environmental impact.
- Carbon Sequestration: Unlike concrete, which contributes 8% of global CO₂ emissions, mass timber stores carbon, acting as a long-term carbon sink.
Health & Well-Being
- Biophilic Benefits: Natural wood interiors enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve focus—creating healthier environments for students and athletes.
Performance & Efficiency
- Faster Construction: Prefabricated components streamline the building process, reducing waste, labor costs, and on-site disruptions.
- Structural Strength: Mass timber is strong, fire-resistant, and acoustically effective, making it a smart and safe choice for gymnasiums.
Building Smarter, Greener, Faster
Watch our mass timber gym prototype in action to see how we’re redefining sustainability in athletic facilities. By embracing mass timber for gymnasiums and future projects, MDSA is committed to high-performance buildings that benefit both people and the planet.