The T3 building: wooden architecture between innovation and tradition

Design Objective and Design Philosophy

When Hines commissioned Michael Green Architecture for this project, the objective was clear: to create a welcoming and inviting environment to attract and retain employees and employers. The T3 project, which stands for Timber, Technology, Transit, is an investment in both the past and future of Minneapolis, blending the historic character of the warehouse district with a contemporary perspective. This is one of the architectural projects of office buildings, most recognized for its design value and functionality.

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Technical features and sustainable materials

The T3 offers 224,000 square meters of offices and commercial spaces, using over 3,600 cubic meters of wood for columns, beams, and floors. Modern materials, such as glulam wood and nails for the roof, bring warmth and beauty to the interiors, promoting a healthy environment for occupants. Additionally, a significant amount of the wood comes from trees killed by the mountain pine beetle, contributing to the building's sustainability.

Advantages of Wood Construction

Thanks to its wooden structure, the T3 was built more quickly compared to conventional steel or concrete buildings, with 180,000 square meters of wooden structures completed in less than 10 weeks. The lightness of wood reduced the depth and extent of excavations and foundations. Additionally, the carbon embodied in the building's wooden structural system is significantly lower compared to conventional buildings in downtown Minneapolis and the North Loop.

Aesthetics and Functionality of the T3

The aesthetic success of the T3 is attributed to its construction in solid wood. Candice Nichol, Associate at MGA and Project Lead of the T3, states: "The small imperfections of the wood and the slight color variation of the beetle pine wood only serve to enhance the warmth and character of the new space." Large external windows, wooden furniture, cabins, and a distinctive staircase offer the public the opportunity to experience the building. At night, the internal lighting highlights the wooden structure, creating a suggestive and welcoming effect.

A Wooden Future

T3 is currently the largest mass timber building completed in the United States. With changes to building codes in North America, tall wooden buildings will become more common. T3 has opened new horizons in sustainable architecture and serves as a prototype for future mass timber commercial buildings.