University of California, Berkeley Constructing First Mass Timber Building on Campus
Work begins on UC Berkeley's new Undergraduate Academic Building
The University of California, Berkeley is breaking ground on the first mass timber building constructed on its campus, according to Berkeley News (11-13-23). The new facility will house 27 classrooms, Letters and Science Advising, and a state-of-the-art, 400 seat auditorium with a lush rooftop terrace.
Its mass timber construction will involve the use of large wood panels, wood beams, and wood columns. Inside the building, these extraordinarily strong and stable primary structural elements will be left exposed in various locations to showcase the novel construction method and to offer a unique aesthetic. A mix of glass, metal, and precast concrete panels on the building’s exterior will provide a high degree of energy efficiency.
The building will be L-shaped with two wings—a five-story wing and a three-story wing, with the large auditorium constructed in the middle. A spacious entrance plaza will accommodate the high volume of students during class change times.
UC Berley anticipates the building will be ready for students sometime in 2026.
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