The Postmark demonstrates the potential for mass timber to create elegant and sustainable buildings and to introduce significant construction efficiencies through prefabrication and deeper integration between design, manufacturing, and construction. The Postmark includes 243 apartment units in two 5-story buildings above a two-level below-grade parking structure. It is part of an up-and-coming suburban community north of Seattle, where an impending extension of Seattle’s light rail system is driving growth and creating demand for sophisticated but affordable housing.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT), along with glulam beams, were utilized as the floor slabs and roof structures, which reduces structural loads and dramatically increases build efficiency when compared to concrete and steel. The design process involved high levels of 3D modeling and coordination with manufacturing. The prefabricated panels arrived on site with all joints precut, to extremely low tolerances, enabling the crew to install an entire floor (30,000 sq.ft.) in just three days.
