California low-income housing project uses mass timber construction

December 9, 2020

Fast + Epp is pleased to have been selected as part of the design-build team with SERA Architects and Lendlease to build a 365-unit, low-income housing development for First Community Housing (FCH) in downtown San Jose, California. Our teaming partner, Daedalus Structural Engineers, brings local expertise and knowledge for this ambitious project.

Two 12-story timber towers rest on a concrete podium and use a point-supported CLT system with a traditional steel lateral system. The mass timber panels, prefabrication, and modular components will help streamline the construction while utilizing the new tall timber code provision.

“We are honoured to work alongside First Community Housing, Lendlease and SERA to support their passion for positive impact and sophisticated design,” says Ian Boyle, Principal at Fast + Epp. “Putting our mass timber design expertise to work contributes to the project’s sustainability goals, as well as to the health and well-being of the people who live there. This is at the core purpose of our firm.”

Construction is slated to begin in 2022.