The UC Davis Resnick Center for Agricultural Innovation represents a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing agricultural technology and research. Designed with sustainability and innovation in mind, the 13,000 sq.ft. structure showcases Douglas Fir mass timber throughout – including 186 m³ of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and 76 m³ of glulam. This material choice underscores UC Davis’s commitment to environmental stewardship while supporting high-performance building design.
Mercer Mass Timber (MMT) provided comprehensive support throughout the project’s lifecycle, including mass timber design-assist, material supply, and coordination from manufacturing to on-site installation. One significant highlight was MMT’s use of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) technology, which facilitated precise coordination among architects, engineers, and construction teams, significantly reducing installation time and mitigating logistical challenges.
Installing mass timber on an active university campus presented additional complexities, such as minimizing disruption to academic activities and ensuring safety for students and staff. MMT successfully addressed these challenges through meticulous planning, efficient coordination, and strategic scheduling of deliveries and installations outside peak campus hours. MMT’s experienced project team also prioritized clear communication with campus stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining safety and operational continuity throughout construction.
Challenges inherent to tight timelines and intricate installation logistics were expertly navigated by MMT’s construction team, ensuring a smooth and efficient build process. The collaboration between Cannon Design, Thornton Tomasetti, and Hensel Phelps, supported by MMT’s specialized expertise in mass timber construction, enabled timely completion and delivery of a visually striking, structurally innovative, and environmentally conscious educational facility.
