Building Innovation Center
Creating a Sustainable Future
Coastal Western Hemlock
Coastal Western Hemlock, a wood species covering 30,000 acres of tribal land, is traditionally underutilized. Through thermal modification, the wood is being transformed into a high-value building material and more.
Cross Lamination
The process of cross lamination involves layering panels of wood in alternating directions to create a stronger, more durable structure. Our CLT results in panels that are approximately 3 inches thick. This method helps distribute stress more evenly across the surface, reducing the likelihood of weak points or splits and building dimensional stability.
Thermal Modification
Thermal modification is a chemical free process in which timber is placed in a Maspell kiln and gradually heated to 400°F, then slowly cooled over three days. This controlled treatment transforms the wood into a rich chocolate-brown color while strengthening it from the inside out, enhancing its cellular structure to improve both moisture resistance and natural protection against insects.
"It all began with a need. With the Makah tribe's housing crisis growing, there was an urgent need for cost-effective resources. However, with 80% of their forest consisting of Hemlock, which on its own is not structurally ideal for building, the tribe found themselves in a bind.
That’s when the CRTC began exploring ways to help the Makah get more value from the timber while using it to create homes. The idea of the sawmill emerged. The sawmill would process the Hemlock timber and, through thermal modification, enhance the wood for use in producing Advanced Cross-Laminated Timber (ACLT) panels. ACLT panels are strong, sustainable, and suitable for building housing.
This collaboration promises to deliver eco-friendly, affordable homes while creating new economic opportunities and workforce training for the tribe."
Where It All Began
