Hot on the heels of a Vancouver residence that recently became the world's tallest timber structure, architecture firm Perkins + Will have proposed a plan to build an 80-storey timber tower called River Beech Tower in Chicago. Conceived as part of Chicago's ongoing Riverline community rejuvenation project, the timber tower will have 300 residential units that surround a massive central atrium.
While the core structural aspects of River Beech Tower would be made of timber, a significant portion of the facade would be built out of aluminum. The proposal's exterior is made up of a timber latticework, and that lattice would be covered in brushed aluminum.
While engineers agree that the building concept would be structurally sound, Perkins + Will is currently considering the feasibility in terms of cost. If the building gets approved, it would be the tallest timber structure in the world.
Vertiginous Timber Towers
The River Beech Tower Will Rise 80 Storeys Above the Chicago River
Trend Themes
1. Tall Timber Structures - The rise of timber towers as a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional skyscrapers.
2. Mixed-use Timber Buildings - The integration of timber materials in mixed-use developments for residential and commercial purposes.
3. Timber and Aluminum Facades - The combination of timber and aluminum in architectural facades for aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Opportunities for architects and construction companies to specialize in the design and construction of tall timber structures.
2. Real Estate Development - The development of mixed-use timber buildings as a sustainable and attractive option for urban real estate projects.
3. Materials Manufacturing - Innovations in the production and supply of timber and aluminum materials for construction purposes.