Rhode Island School of Design North Hall

In keeping with their reputation for innovation, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) combined cross-laminated timber (CLT) wood decks with a steel post-and-beam frame when they built this new student residence. Even though no one on the design and construction team had prior experience with a mass timber-steel system, all agreed that the hybrid solution showed best results in terms of speed of construction, cost effectiveness and sustainability. RISD estimates that use of CLT panels instead of concrete decks reduced CO2 emissions by as much as 20 percent. Speedy construction yielded significant cost savings; while they planned for an eight-week construction schedule, the hybrid configuration took just 2-1/2 weeks to install. They also saved by leaving the CLT panels exposed inside, eliminating the need for additional ceiling finishes. Exposed wood contributes to the positive experience RISD wants students to have while also reflecting their sustainability values and design leadership.