Simpson Strong-Tie proudly features its mass timber products in the innovative residential project by TimberBLDR and Risinger Build. TimberBLDR discusses the selection process that resulted in the Simpson Strong-Tie critical connection hardware being chosen. Gain insights into how our engineering team played a crucial role in designing and overcoming challenges for this groundbreaking mass timber project. 

The TimberBLDR team has worked with Risinger Build and other partners for the past 12 months to bring a mass timber residential project to life. Located in Dripping Springs, the heart of the Texas hill country, the Onan house is a single-family residential mass timber building with a total footprint of nearly 9,000 square feet (about twice the area of a basketball court).

On this project, TimberBLDR is installing a new mass ply light framing system developed with Freres Engineered Wood,  a 100-year-old company dedicated to innovation, including mass ply panels. Mass ply light framing offers speed of construction, superior structural integrity, and sustainability at a price comparable to traditional stick framing methods.

When searching for products to integrate into the mass ply light framing system ™, the Risinger and TimberBLDR team selected Simpson Strong-Tie to provide critical connection hardware and fasteners that enable the innovative panelized system. “Simpson Strong-Tie is known for the strength and reliability of their products,” said Trent Debth, VP of Operations, TimberBLDR. “Its products complement this construction method and material.” 

On Onan House, TimberBLDR is installing the following Simpson Strong-Tie products: 

• Titen HD® Heavy-Duty Screw Anchors 
• Strong-Drive® SDWS™ Timber Screws 
• Strong-Drive® SDS Heavy-Duty Connector Screws 
• HDU Holdowns

“The Simpson Strong-Tie engineering team was instrumental in helping design and overcome pre-build challenges,” said Debth. “Together, the team focused on selecting the best fasteners and connections used in the mass ply light framing system, ensuring an elegant and efficient design.” The slab has been poured, and Freres will ship the timber over the coming weeks. TimberBLDR will be on site with the Risinger Build team in early February. The house will be completed by early Spring.

TimberBLDR is an employee-owned mass timber construction company offering installation, design, fabrication, and procurement services. TimberBLDR remains curious and innovative to deliver unique, visually appealing, and sustainable projects.

Below is the first video from The BUILD Show with Matt Risinger kicking off the project.