CORVALLIS, Ore. - Freres Lumber's patented massive plywood panels will begin to be assembled at Oregon State University's new A.A. "Red" Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Laboratory.
The massive plywood panels (MPP) will be used for both interior and exterior walls of the laboratory, as well as roofing in the George W. Peavy Forest Science Center. The two buildings, which form the Oregon Forest Science Center, are incorporating innovative uses of advanced wood products made in Oregon.
“This is our largest commercial project to date, and we are thrilled to showcase the strength, versatility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of MPP in this premier project at OSU,” said Tyler Freres, VP of sales for Freres Lumber. “Partnering with Oregon State has been such a positive experience from research and development, to the final shipment of MPP to OSU.”
The 15,000-sq. ft. facility is expected to open by the fall. Sierra Pacific Industries committed $6 million to the project in honor of its founder, A.A. “Red” Emmerson.
Freres' massive panels, which Woodworking Network covered last year, is assembled by combining densely layered, extremely thin layers of Douglas Fir veneers. MPP could be used for floors and walls in multi-story commercial buildings, and they could be made to order. Panels can be as much as 12 feet wide and 2 feet thick.
Freres says there are many potential benefits.
Structures made of MPP could be made in days instead of months, says Freres, and use 20-30 percent less wood than cross-laminated timber. The lightweight nature of MPP could reduce truckload transport costs. Large format panels could be manufactured at a facility to include window, door, and all other required cut-outs – minimizing waste and labor on the job site.
Oregon State University's timber building
“The construction, look, and atmosphere of the complex will reinforce Oregon State University’s international status as a premier institution devoted to improving the health of our forest landscapes and ecosystems,” said Anthony S. Davis, interim dean of the Oregon State University College of Forestry. “We are dedicated to seeking out innovative partners like Freres Lumber, who want to develop sustainable solutions while also creating economic vitality.”
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