Wilmington, NC-based Monteith Construction and Swinerton have started a 67,000-square-foot mass timber building on the Live Oak Bank campus in Wilmington.

When completed structure will be the fourth employee building on the campus and the first to be 100% mass timber, a sustainable building method that is gaining momentum for its energy efficiency, structural integrity and enriching work environment.

“It’s a reflection of the economic development and innovation happening here in Wilmington, and we hope this project will help catalyze more sustainable, forward-thinking building practices across the Carolinas,” said Bryan Thomas, CEO and president of Monteith Construction.

According to commercial construction and construction management services provider Swinterton, mass timber is gaining popularity because it:

• Is lighter than steel and concrete and requires less foundation. which translates into savings of time and budget.

• Is a renewable resource with a smaller carbon footprint than other traditional construction materials.

• Has a biophilic design that enhances connectivity to the natural environment.