In the evolving landscape of sustainable architecture, a quiet revolution is underway, one built not on steel and concrete, but on engineered wood.
At the heart of this movement is cross-laminated timber, CLT, a material that’s gaining traction among architects, foresters and developers. For James Michael Tate, an associate professor in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, CLT represents more than just a building material, it’s a catalyst for innovation, education and environmental stewardship.
“My work has always explored the relationship between design and construction, especially as it relates to material innovation,” Tate said. “Mass timber systems like CLT are particularly compelling because they lend themselves to offsite manufacturing, which is ideal for both rural housing and dense urban projects.”
