Timberlab and Swinerton join hands to execute Independence Hall in Ohio
Timberlab Inc. (Timberlab) and Swinerton Incorporated (Swinerton), together with Swinerton Builders, Lindgren Development, LEVER Architecture, and other project partners, have topped out Independence Hall, a 192,000-square-foot (length of three football fields) facility that will be one of the largest and most innovative cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing sites in the United States. Located in Millerburg, OR, just 20 miles south of the State Capitol, the project marks a significant step forward in expanding mass timber U.S. supply capacity and continued adoption as a sustainable building component.
“Every mass timber project tells a story, and the story of this facility is no different,” shares Timberlab President, Chris Evans. “The products created here are going to ensure that Oregon is a leader in mass timber products throughout the country and are going to have a positive downstream ripple effect. In the next 12 months or so, the facility will be certified, large manufacturing equipment will fill the space, and products will be shipping out.”
Engineering excellence and sequencing strategy
From the first column to the final panel, Independence Hall has set a new standard for efficient construction. By combining Timberlab’s vertically integrated capabilities in wood sourcing, manufacturing, and engineering, and Swinerton Builders’ expertise in mass timber delivery and building systems integration, the team carried out a tightly coordinated installation process.
In less than five months, crews installed:
- 192,000 square feet of glue-laminated timber (GLT) roof panels
- 240 GLT columns (32 to 45 feet tall)
- 260 GLT beams (90 to 110 feet long)
- 72,400 square feet of structurally insulated wall panels (SIP)
Every part of the building, from prefabricated pieces to precision connections, was designed to speed up installation without compromising quality. To make this possible, the team created a digital twin —a virtual replica of the building that mapped every step of the construction process before work began. This model helped the team verify the CLT manufacturing equipment layout, machining of all GLT columns, maintain an Autodesk Construction Cloud VDC model for all trade partner coordination, and deliver just-in-time oversize GLT beams. By solving problems in the digital space first, the team ensured a smooth and efficient real-world build, saving time and costs. The result was a carefully choreographed process that combined speed and accuracy, showing how technology and sustainable materials can come together to deliver large projects faster and more efficiently.
A facility built for the future
As a full-mass timber structure, most of its structural components are grown, manufactured and fabricated in Oregon. These include Oregon-grown DoOregonuglas Fir, GLT produced at Timberlab’s Swisshome and Drain facilities and CLT panels fabricated at its Portland location using cutting-edge technology. Scheduled for completion in early 2027, Independence Hall is expected to produce 7–9 million square feet of CLT annually, ranging from as thin as two inches to 12 inches thick, powered by the most technologically advanced CLT machinery and systems available globally.
Beyond its technical achievement, the facility will create 100 direct, living-wage jobs and numerous indirect positions, thereby strengthening Oregon’s rural economy and positioning the region as a leader in sustainable construction. Situated within the Pacific Northwest’s federally designated Mass Timber Technology Hub, Independence Hall will also catalyze innovation through partnerships with Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and the Tall Wood Design Institute.
“Oregon’s timber industry has long been a cornerstone of our state’s identity. This facility represents an exciting new chapter in that industry—one where sustainability and economic strength work together,” said Senator Jeff Merkley.
“Timberlab is helping to build a cleaner future by accelerating the shift toward sustainable building practices, a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship that define Oregon’s timber communities. I will continue to support mass timber, and I look forward to seeing the lasting impact this facility will have and the role it will play in shaping a stronger, more sustainable future for Oregon and beyond.” Merkley added further.”
With century-old roots as a general contractor, they are experts in the holistic integration of mass timber with other building systems. Timberlab successfully guides the whole project, from product to preconstruction to on-site installation. Timberlab helps to gain holistic mass timber service provider, ready to assist mass timber projects at every step.
Timberlab’s mission is to advance the mainstream adoption of mass timber construction to benefit the planet and its people. Timberlab’s team of dedicated mass timber innovators has delivered cutting-edge timber projects across the U.S. commercial market. As a vertically integrated organization, they offer a wide array of mass timber services to ensure one’s project is successful at every step, from wood sourcing to fabrication to on-site assembly and installation. Timberlab is passionate about optimizing timber’s natural strength and durability to build a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Content and Image Source: Timberlab
Read more news on: wood building, construction, sustainability, timber industry, CLT
Get more updates on European woodworking industry through: www.woodandpanel.com