As the mass timber industry continues its rapid expansion, with projections showing a 15.5% annual growth rate in North America by 2032, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. Innovations in production, cutting-edge technology, and a push to bust long-standing myths will drive the future of mass timber construction. Here’s what to expect from the revolution in wood-based architecture.

Affordable by design
More advanced wood manufacturing and engineering techniques are set to streamline production, reduce the cost of mass timber, and improve construction efficiency over the next year. 

Factors like speed of construction, carbon sequestration and reduced on-site  labor will increasingly influence decisions, positioning mass timber to gradually replace traditional materials like steel and concrete which have long been favored for their affordability. 

Enhanced cost-effectiveness coupled with  sustainability will position mass timber as a go-to option for both large-scale and small, budget-friendly projects, establishing it as an affordable mainstream choice for everything from homes to urban commercial buildings.

Tech-savvy timber
Alongside new manufacturing and production techniques, mass timber will continue to level up with the integration of advanced digital tools.  Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital twins, coupled with the emerging power of Artificial Intelligence, are set to revolutionize how projects are designed, managed, and built, allowing for precise digital representations and fabrication approval of buildings in timelines unimaginable just a few years ago. 

These technologies enable architects, engineers and contractors to collaborate more effectively and reduce errors in the design phase, meaning projects can be fabricated and completed faster, more accurately, and with fewer surprises. Expect to see mass timber projects becoming more sophisticated, where digital design isn’t just an option, but an essential part of the workflow.

Busting myths, building trust
Despite mass timber’s increasing popularity, some misconceptions still linger, particularly around poor fire safety and moisture management, and in emerging mass timber markets. These myths can hold back broader adoption, especially in commercial and multi-story construction, but the industry is pushing back on these outdated fears with cutting-edge solutions. 

Fire-resistant coatings, moisture-resistant treatments, and advanced fireproofing techniques are being introduced to enhance the performance of mass timber in all environments.  As these innovations advance, mass timber will continue to demonstrate safety and reliability on par with traditional building materials. These advancements, combined with a commitment to transparency and education, will pave the way for greater acceptance of mass timber as a mainstream construction material.

Looking ahead
As 2025 approaches, the mass timber industry is poised to move beyond early adopters and establish itself as a mainstream solution for sustainable, cost-effective construction. 

The combination of affordable production, cutting-edge technology, and greater awareness will unlock new opportunities for developers and architects alike. Expect more cities, campuses, and communities to embrace mass timber as the material of choice for a greener, smarter, future of construction.

About the author: With over a decade of experience designing and engineering mass timber structures globally, primarily in Europe and North America, Ricardo Brites has been involved with over 150 mass timber projects, including projects with Lend Lease, Mace, and Berkeley Homes, UK.

At MMT, Ricardo provides technical guidance, support, and project management working across teams, from design to manufacturing and construction, to achieve success for our mass timber products across all projects.