Bevel Tower: Redefining Commercial Architecture with Mass Timber

A proposed mass timber tower in the United States is set to become the tallest of its kind in North America, aiming to establish a new architectural standard. Bevel, designed by Mithun and Waugh Thistleton Architects, is a 12-story office tower planned for downtown Bellevue, Washington. With a height of 55 meters, Bevel’s innovative use of timber serves as the central element of its design.

The development firm Skanska, known for projects like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and ‘The Gherkin’ in London, leads the initiative. Skanska’s team emphasized the importance of utilizing timber as more than a mere building material, providing an opportunity to demonstrate its commercial viability at scale.

The project’s primary challenge involves interpreting building codes for this unprecedented type of structure in the U.S., according to Skanska. While timber housing projects adhere to Type IVB construction codes, no commercial office has yet utilized those provisions. Bevel’s design maximizes the height and story limits permitted by these codes.

Earlier in the year, Atlassian Central in Sydney, Australia, became the tallest hybrid timber tower globally, reaching over 590 feet.

Jennifer Cover, CEO of WoodWorks, explained that Bevel not only achieves the status of the tallest mass timber office building in the U.S. but also expands the realm of possibilities for such projects. Among the 22 tall timber buildings globally, only three serve commercial purposes. Bevel features entirely exposed timber ceilings, setting new design options for future projects.

The design team evaluated both conventional concrete and mass timber concepts, concluding that specific timber design brought cost parity without retrofitting into a traditional office model. The building will showcase exposed mass timber columns, beams, and ceilings throughout office spaces and public areas, supported by steel cores in seismic zones and concrete parking below ground.

Bevel targets LEED v4 Platinum certification, showcasing sustainable features extending beyond its structure. These include stormwater reuse, energy-efficient systems, and biodiversity-oriented site designs. Biophilic elements, like nature-infused lobbies and ample natural daylight, promise a unique experience emphasizing connection, wellness, and place.