With lumber prices stabilizing, many developers are exploring building taller hotels using wood. Did you know you can build 5+ stories or even higher hotel out of wood? Discover how Type III construction and podium designs can make this a reality, offering significant cost savings and structural benefits.
High construction costs are a significant challenge for developers. Wood, particularly with Type III construction, can significantly reduce these costs while allowing for taller buildings. 
Wood Construction
Below are a few options on how developers can achieve this:
4 STORIES – Traditional Wood Construction
- This type of construction is commonly used but limits the height of buildings to four stories.
5 STORIES – Wood Construction WITH Podium
- Type 1-A ground floor podium with four stories of Type V-A wood framing above.
5 STORIES – Wood Construction WITHOUT Podium
- Type III-B construction with 5 stories, where the exterior bearing walls require 2-hour protection.
6 STORIES – Type III Wood WITH Podium
- Type 1-A ground floor podium with four or five stories of Type III-B wood framing above.
Did you know: Type III Construction has non-combustible structural materials in its exterior walls, which helps increase the building’s fire resistance.
Considerations
If you consider going with Type III Construction, keep these items in mind:
- Exterior walls are required to be of non-combustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood.
- NFPA 13 requirements may be needed to maximize height and allowable square footage.
BASE4: Your Partner in Innovative Hotel Construction
From podium design to advanced construction techniques, BASE4 offers tailored solutions for your project’s needs with comprehensive in-house services, including architecture, structural engineering, and MEP engineering.
BASE4 can look at additional ways to maximize heights and allowed stories for your specific project.
Thank you,
Blair Hildahl
BASE4 Principal
608.304.5228
BlairH@base-4.com
