Mass Timber
Mass timber construction is redefining the future of urban living—merging structural innovation with environmental responsibility. Crafted from engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT), it offers a renewable, low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel. This method not only sequesters carbon, reducing emissions and slowing climate change, but also supports forest health by utilizing smaller trees and wood that might otherwise go unused.
At Ascent MKE—the world’s tallest mass timber apartment community—this approach is more than a construction choice; it’s a philosophy of living. The natural warmth and texture of exposed timber are central to a biophilic design that fosters connection to nature, a principle shown to reduce stress, boost cognitive function, and support overall wellness. Sunlight filters through floor-to-ceiling windows, ventilation draws in fresh air from Milwaukee’s lake breezes, and organic materials create an environment where residents feel restored, not just housed.
Here, sustainability isn’t a veneer—it’s embedded in the building’s very structure. Every beam tells a story of carbon stored, forests managed responsibly, and a city skyline reimagined for a healthier future.
Beyond its environmental benefits, mass timber construction offers faster assembly, lighter structures, and impressive design flexibility, allowing architects and builders to create innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and functional spaces. Ascent embraces mass timber and this not only signifies a shift towards eco-friendly construction but also represents a commitment to a sustainable future, where the harmony between human-made structures and nature is seamlessly achieved.
The amount of timber used in Ascent is replaced by natural growth in North American forests in less than 25 minutes.
Renewable
Resource
Sustainably forested trees capture CO2, creating a carbon sink.
90% Less
Traffic
Fewer vehicles operating on the construction site greatly reduces emissions.
78% Fewer
Workers
A smaller team creates an efficient site with fewer commutes.
40% Faster
Build Time
Building faster reduces the carbon footprint & environmental impact.
Sustainable Forestry
Sustainable forestry is the foundation of the mass timber movement. All of the wood that was used at Ascent comes from PEFC certified forests. PEFC is a dynamic certification ensuring that forests maintain their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality, and potential to fulfill ecological, economic, and social functions.
LEED v5 Certified
Ascent MKE is the first building in the United States to achieve LEED v5 Operations + Maintenance (O+M) Gold certification—a milestone that reflects both innovation and stewardship. This recognition celebrates Ascent’s exemplary performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and sustainable site management. Through its mass timber construction, optimized daylighting, enhanced ventilation, and responsible waste reduction practices, Ascent sets a national precedent for how urban residential buildings can minimize environmental impact while fostering health, comfort, and connection to nature.
