MADISON, Wis. — Mercer Mass Timber has announced the Bartillon Shelter, in Madison, Wisconsin, the first-of-its-kind men’s shelter featuring mass timber, is currently under construction.

The shelter pairs trauma-informed, human-centered design with mass timber to create an environment intentionally designed to reduce stress and support recovery. Exposed wood throughout the interior adds more than structural efficiency. This biophilic approach intentionally invites comfort and joy: research shows that natural materials like wood can lower heart rates, improve mental health outcomes, and foster a sense of stability. For individuals navigating homelessness and the trauma often associated with it, the shelter’s natural environment provides warmth and contributes to a sense of calm.

The Bartillon Shelter represents a first-of-its-kind initiative for the City of Madison – a purpose-built, permanent men’s shelter designed to provide dignified, supportive housing for up to 250 residents. Developed by the City of Madison in collaboration with Dane County, this two-story, 40,000-square-foot civic facility integrates sustainable mass timber construction and community-driven design principles to address the evolving needs of unhoused individuals in the region.

Mercer Mass Timber supplied a total of 798 m³ of Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) mass timber for this project, including:

• CLT (cross-laminated timber): 484 m³
• Glulam beams & columns: 314 m³

As of early 2025, MMT has completed foundational deliveries and is actively coordinating with the GC and trades on site to install the Southern Yellow Pine mass timber system. Installation is being sequenced alongside building enclosure to maintain schedule continuity through winter. MMT’s VDC team provided early modeling support and connection detailing to support shop drawings and expedite fabrication.

The Bartillon Shelter marks a pivotal step forward in Madison’s efforts to address homelessness with empathy and intention. With integrated support services, accessible amenities, and trauma-informed design, the shelter prioritizes dignity and stability. Public engagement was central to the design process, with multiple rounds of feedback from service providers, people with lived experience, and local residents.

To learn more about the project, visit mercermasstimber.com.