Building the Future Sustainably
As conversations around sustainable construction continue to grow, mass timber is taking center stage—offering strength, warmth, and environmental performance in one innovative material.
Amid this growing momentum, Neumann/Smith Senior Project Manager Jeff Winslow has been actively engaged in shaping the dialogue around mass timber in Michigan and the broader Midwest. Most recently, Jeff served as a speaker at the AIA Michigan ArchiFusion Conference in Detroit, where he shared insights from the Ann Arbor Public Schools Mitchell Elementary project, a K–12 facility currently under construction, that integrates mass timber as part of its structural design. He has also participated in industry conversations at Mass Timber+ and the Michigan Mass Timber Update 2025: Reaching New Heights, reinforcing his role as a subject matter expert in this emerging field.
While mass timber has gained significant traction nationally, its adoption in Michigan remains in the early stages. At Neumann/Smith, we see this moment as a critical opportunity—to share lessons learned, educate clients, and explore how mass timber can advance sustainability goals, design excellence, and long-term building performance across the state.
“As more architects and owners lean into mass timber, the excitement continues to grow. We are seeing more clients and design teams embrace it than ever before, and it is important to keep that momentum moving as it reshapes how we think about structure, sustainability, and the experience of the built environment.”
— Jeff Winslow, AIA, NCARB, CDT, CSI
Why Mass Timber Matters
Mass timber is a transformative approach to low-carbon, high-impact construction. Engineered from layers of wood laminated together for strength, it provides comparable structural performance to steel and concrete while dramatically reducing embodied carbon.
For clients seeking sustainable, efficient, and human-centered buildings, the benefits are clear:
- Sustainability: Wood stores carbon rather than emitting it, helping clients achieve their sustainability goals; reduced carbon footprint, and zero carbon footprint.
- Efficiency: Prefabricated components streamline on-site assembly, reducing overall construction time and waste.
- Aesthetics & Well-being: Exposed wood brings biophilic warmth, texture, and a natural connection to the environment. Qualities proven to enhance user experience and occupant wellness.
“Yes, mass timber can carry a premium—but faster construction, lighter structural systems, and smaller foundations go a long way toward balancing the cost.”
Mitchell Elementary Case Study / Ann Arbor Public Schools
A clear example of these principles in action can be seen at the new Mitchell Elementary school in Ann Arbor, currently under construction. The project will be among the first K–12 facilities in Michigan to integrate mass timber components, setting a precedent for sustainable school design statewide.
Designed in collaboration with Fielding International and the Ann Arbor Public Schools, the new facility reflects the district’s vision for a healthy, innovative learning environment that connects students to nature while advancing long-term sustainability goals.
“A hybrid system with structural steel framing and CLT floor and roof decks provided the best value for carbon reduction. By eliminating roughly 45,000 square feet of second-floor slab concrete, we removed a major source of embodied carbon.”
Through a combination of glulam beams and cross-laminated timber panels, the building celebrates both innovation and craftsmanship. The use of natural wood supports carbon reduction, reduces embodied energy, and creates a tactile, inviting environment that inspires curiosity and creativity in the next generation of learners.
Educating Clients and Communities
As the momentum for mass timber grows, so does the need for education and advocacy. Clients are increasingly interested in how new materials and construction methods can help meet sustainability targets—but adoption requires expertise and proven success stories.
By sharing lessons learned from projects like Mitchell Elementary and through Jeff’s ongoing involvement in professional forums such as the AIA Michigan ArchiFusion Conference, Neumann/Smith is helping to shape the regional dialogue around mass timber’s potential.
“Many clients are still unfamiliar with mass timber, and their interest often depends on their understanding of sustainability. It is our responsibility as stewards of the environment to help educate and guide them.”
Advancing a Sustainable Future
Mass timber has the potential to redefine how Michigan builds from schools and community centers to offices and mixed-use developments. As regional supply chains expand and clients increasingly embrace sustainable, high-performance design, Neumann/Smith is looking to partner with forward-thinking developers to advance this transition.
“The rise of mass timber will continue as more architects, engineers, suppliers, and university partners push its potential. I am excited for the day when Michigan mills and fabricators bring this material to life using our own lumber and talent.”
At Neumann/Smith, every project is an opportunity to innovate—through smarter materials, collaborative partnerships, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Mass timber represents more than a structural choice; it embodies our industry’s evolving values: innovation, stewardship, and design excellence.
Through the leadership of Jeff Winslow and forward-thinking projects like Mitchell Elementary, we continue to push the conversation forward, designing spaces that perform beautifully and sustainably.
To learn more about our experience with mass timber and sustainable design, contact our team.