University of Toronto Academic Wood Tower

This 14-storey academic tower is expected to be the tallest mass timber and steel hybrid building in all of North America. The design uses columns, panels, bracing and a core made from glue-laminated timber and accommodates the growing trend of tall timber structures — which have lower carbon footprints and faster construction time.

The University of Toronto’s Academic Wood Tower, located on the St. George campus, is set to become North America's tallest mass timber and steel hybrid building. This 14-storey structure, developed by the University and designed by Patkau Architects in collaboration with MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects, will provide a range of academic and event spaces, including office areas, meeting rooms, labs, classrooms, and a banquet hall with a 180-person capacity. A fully glazed north façade frames panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, showcasing exposed timber and architectural detailing.

The tower’s structural system is distinguished by its use of Western Archrib’s glued-laminated columns, beams, and panels, demonstrating the capacity of engineered wood in tall building construction.

Sustainability is a central aspect of the project, with mass timber contributing to a reduced carbon footprint and enhanced construction efficiency.

Western Archrib supplied all the prefabricated glulam components to Timber Systems, including many pre-installed steel connections to streamline on-site assembly.

Through this project, the University of Toronto is advancing sustainable construction and demonstrating the feasibility of mass timber in high-rise applications, while creating an iconic structure that elevates the campus’s architectural landscape.  

This project is a demo project funded by the Natural REsources of Canada GCWood Program.