Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) recently embarked on a 12-week mass timber construction phase for the iconic, six-story state headquarters for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), a state agency tasked with disaster mitigation, response, and recovery. The 335,000 SF building, constructed with 1,400 tons of massive wood panels, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere and serves as Vaughn’s first mass timber project.
Mass timber offers a visually appealing, natural wood finish and is a sustainable building material. The building’s open office concept will allow viewers to see wood columns and floors from the outside. The team sourced the timber from Canada’s renewable forests, carefully selecting spruce pine for the building’s robust frame and Alaskan yellow cedar for its exterior feature columns.
To facilitate a smooth installation, the team pre-planned logistics, including road closures, crane operations, and weather contingencies, guaranteeing priority handling for the mass timber. We coordinated with Timberlab, the Owner, and trade contractors to close the main access roads, so there were no roadblocks or tower cranes in the way of the mass timber trucks arriving on the site.
“We implemented proactive measures, like having squeegees, dryers, and a team on standby to protect the wood from rain," explained a Vaughn project manager. “The pieces have an air barrier pre-glued on, so they are water-resistant on flat surfaces. Our primary concern is preventing prolonged moisture exposure, which could compromise the wood's structural integrity."
The construction involves securing each timber piece with long, robust screws, creating a solid, interconnected structure. "Once the timber reaches the sixth level, electricians and fire sprinkler installers will integrate their systems into the wood ceiling,” the Vaughn project manager continued. “Finally, a protective curtain wall will shield the wood from wind and rain, ensuring its longevity.”
TDEM’s new headquarters, expected to complete its mass timber installation in May, is slated to reach substantial completion in September 2026. This project enhances our communities by providing a vital facility that enables TDEM staff to respond effectively to emergencies and natural disasters. We are proud to play a role in its development.