Join us for an engaging and informative webinar that delves into the evolving landscape of incorporating mass timber into affordable housing projects. We will explore the possibilities and showcase successful projects and strategies that have made mass timber a viable and cost-competitive option for this typology. Our expert panel will provide valuable insights, unlocking the potential of mass timber and exploring how it can revolutionize the affordable housing sector. Among the topics for discussion will be:

• Understanding mass timber: Learn about different types of mass timber construction, their properties, and benefits.
• Cost considerations: Explore the economic factors associated with mass timber versus concrete and steel, including potential cost savings and efficiencies.
• Design strategies: Discover innovative techniques that optimize mass timber usage in affordable housing, creating functional and sustainable living spaces.
• Overcoming barriers: Address common concerns and misconceptions surrounding mass timber, including regulations and financing options.
• Successful case studies: Gain inspiration and practical knowledge from real-world examples of affordable housing developments that effectively incorporated mass timber.

The webinar will culminate with a brief question and answer session where attendees will have the opportunity to pose relevant inquiries to our expert panel.

Terry Green AIA, Design Principal of W+P | 19six Architects and Renee Funston, Development Manager, Capitol Area Development Authority will jointly present Sonrisa, the first project under California Governor Newsom’s Executive Order for Affordable Housing Development, which directs the development of affordable housing on excess State-owned sites and the pursuit of sustainable, innovative, and cost-effective construction methods. Sonrisa is a five-story Type IIIB building with 58 LIHTC-regulated affordable apartments, majority of which are 270 SF microunits, and resident amenities including an expansive 5th floor deck and community kitchen, study lounge and lobby, indoor bike storage, courtyard, and laundry room. There is also a 1,300 SF commercial space, which will be home to a free public job center. The 0.24-acre infill site is centrally located one block south of the State Capitol on an underutilized infill site with exceptional public transit accessibility, walkability, and proximity to jobs and services.

A key goal with Sonrisa was creating a high quality, affordable, compact living environment. Sonrisa used CLT for the horizontal components (i.e. 1st fl. ceiling/2nd fl. floor, and so forth). Part of the design aesthetic has been taking advantage of the single layer of CLT floor/ceiling and going with a “guts out” approach of exposing the aligned conduits and pipes. The CLT floor and roof decks were used in conjunction with the prefabricated wall panels to streamline framing.

While there were many cost increases for implementing the novel CLT system, the immeasurable benefits of environmental sustainability paired with the exposed warm wood and significantly higher ceiling height adds to the quality of the living environment. Sonrisa is the first ground-up CLT project in Sacramento, and was developed through a public-private partnership between the Capitol Area Community Development Corporation (CACDC) and CFY Development. CACDC is the nonprofit arm of the Capitol Area Development Authority (CADA), a joint powers authority between the City of Sacramento and State of California.

Project Innovation:

• Carbon sequestering mass timber construction (CLT)
• 100% electric ahead of the City of Sacramento 2026 requirement
• Participation in SMUD programs for use of renewable energy sources
• Large glazing per unit daylight strategy
• Palletized modular construction
• Low-water demand landscaping

Mithun’s Joe Swain will discuss issues related to cost competitiveness of mass timber in the affordable housing sector. According to Joe, in high-density multi-family housing, a critical design question has emerged: can we close the cost gap between concrete and mass timber construction types? If so, then mass timber’s path as the future of housing is clear. However, the answer is unproven and particularly challenging in affordable housing, where wood aesthetics cannot compensate with higher rents. Joe will talk about the paths forged toward solutions to making mass timber competitive against concrete and steel systems in Type IV-B, 8-story, affordable housing in Santa Cruz, California.

Scott and Molly Cutler of Cutler Development will present Star Lofts. Star Lofts is a three- story, mixed-use, urban-infill project located in The Avenues District of Des Moines, Iowa. The project activates the streetscape with first floor commercial and provides much needed affordable housing on the upper floors, all while committing to a Zero Carbon* project design featuring a mass timber building structure (*As certified by the International Living Future Institute).

The webinar will culminate with a brief question and answer session where attendees will have the opportunity to pose relevant inquiries to our expert panel.

Image courtesy of W+P | 19six Architects

	Terry Green, AIA, Design Principal, W+P | 19six Architects. Terry is a leading designer for W+P | 19six Architects. He's known to seize opportunities by harnessing his knowledge and passion toward advancing mass timber design/construction around northern California (Sacramento). He brings an extensive knowledge base in site planning and design, particularly toward local housing needs, environmental conditions, and indigenous regional architecture. Terry holds numerous awards for meeting unique requirements with exceptional designs.
	Renee Funston, Development Manager, Capitol Area Development Authority. Renee is a project manager with CADA in Downtown Sacramento. In addition to managing affordable housing developments, Renee oversees the disposition and development of other State-owned sites and manages streetscape projects in the central city. CADA is a unique public agency created in 1978 to foster and maintain housing that is accessible for a wide range of income levels and bolster the vitality of the urban 24-hour community around the State Capitol. Renee has been working in responsible land use since 2015. She holds a MS in Urban Land Development, and was an urban planner in her past life.
	Joe Swain is an architect at Mithun focusing on mass timber and innovative construction systems. He has worked with mass timber for over eight years, most recently within high-density multifamily projects, and he regularly contributes to R+D projects related to timber systems.
	Scott Cutler, Cutler Development. Scott has over 15 years of industry experience with commercial development including specific experience with historic renovation, affordable housing, and environmental design. Molly Cutler, Cutler Development. Molly joined Cutler Development after almost a decade as a chemical engineer in the petrochemical industry. She and Scott enjoy working together on projects and continue to push the boundaries of environmental design on both new construction and renovation projects.