The TimberBLDR team recently attended the Mass Timber Group Summit in Denver, where industry leaders gathered to share research, strategies, and market forecasts shaping the future of mass timber construction. The conversations reinforced what we already know: mass timber is one of the most important sustainable building materials driving change in North America.

Here are five major insights we took away from the summit:

1. Forest Management Drives Timber Supply

One striking comparison highlighted the importance of advanced forest management practices. Germany harvests nearly 10× more timber than Oregon, even though the two are similar in land area (though not in population).

The difference lies in how forests are managed. Germany’s sustainable forestry methods allow for greater productivity without depleting resources. For the U.S. to meet the rising demand for mass timber projects, improved forest management and investment in domestic production will be essential.

2. Mass Timber Adoption in the U.S. is Accelerating

Between 2014 and 2024, more than 689 mass timber buildings were completed in the United States. Regional trends show:

  • 41% in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain regions

  • 33% in the South

Looking ahead, the U.S. South is projected to lead in new mass timber construction, with about 35% of future projects expected in the region. This shift underscores the growing demand for sustainable building materials in markets with booming population growth.

3. Domestic Production Must Grow to Meet Future Demand

With demand for mass timber construction increasing, the U.S. must expand its domestic production capacity. Sourcing materials locally not only strengthens supply chains but also reduces carbon emissions associated with imports. Scaling production will be key to making mass timber more accessible and cost-effective for developers, architects, and contractors.

4. Insurance Challenges Can Be Overcome

A frequent concern in mass timber development is insurance. Premiums are often higher than for projects using steel or concrete. However, the summit emphasized that insurance costs can be reduced by:

  • Preparing detailed documentation

  • Designing buildings in alignment with insurers’ requirements

  • Partnering with general contractors who understand mass timber risk profiles

By addressing insurance considerations early in the design process, developers can make projects more financially feasible.

5. Mass Timber Improves Health and Wellness

Beyond sustainability, mass timber offers measurable health benefits. Research presented at the summit—including case studies from healthcare projects—demonstrated that mass timber environments contribute to improved patient recovery times and overall well-being.

This aligns with broader findings showing that natural materials and biophilic design elements foster healthier workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities.

TimberBLDR Expands with a Denver Office

In addition to these valuable industry insights, we’re excited to share news about TimberBLDR’s own growth. Through a new collaboration with Lamwood, we’re expanding our presence with a Denver office. This move allows us to be closer to the heart of mass timber innovation in the Mountain region while strengthening our ability to serve clients nationwide.

Our Denver base will help accelerate collaboration with architects, developers, and builders who are advancing the future of sustainable construction.

The Outlook for Mass Timber Construction

The Mass Timber Group Summit confirmed what we’re seeing across the industry: mass timber is no longer a niche trend—it’s a mainstream solution for sustainable, healthy, and high-performing buildings.

At TimberBLDR, we’re committed to advancing this movement by helping project teams leverage mass timber’s environmental, financial, and human health benefits. As demand accelerates, collaboration across forest management, production, insurance, and design will be critical to scaling impact.

👉 Want to explore how mass timber can transform your next project? Connect with TimberBLDR to learn more.

Mass timber is complex. We make it simple.
TimberBLDR is your one partner for all things mass timber.

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At TimberBLDR, we specialize in making mass timber projects more predictable, more collaborative, and more successful. As an employee-owned construction company focused on timber systems, we serve as your integration partner—bridging the gap between design intent and construction reality.

Mass timber can introduce unfamiliar materials, evolving code interpretations, structural coordination challenges, and unfamiliar supply chains. Add hybrid systems, tight timelines, and multiple stakeholders, and the process can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

We “speak” mass timber fluently—across disciplines and phases. We know how to translate between architects, engineers, GCs, manufacturers, installers, and owners to ensure everyone’s aligned and no detail is lost in translation.

From predesign collaboration to procurement and install strategy, we help you avoid common pitfalls, maximize system efficiency, and deliver your vision with speed, precision, and confidence.