We designed a four-story mixed-use building to compare steel and timber construction methods, evaluating structural design approaches, material applications, and construction logistics. We selected this common building typology—retail on the first floor with residential units above—because loft-style construction is widely used in the industry and its scale enables comparisons applicable to similar projects.
We used the Lofts on 833 Gaines Street in Tallahassee, Florida, as our design site, leveraging available architectural drawings, soil data, and geotechnical reports to develop original structural designs for both systems. The two structural approaches differed in gravity and lateral load resistance strategies, fire performance requirements, material costs, and construction sequencing. To isolate the structural comparison, we held site layout, stormwater management, and utility systems constant across both alternatives.
The final designs produce two complete structural alternatives for the same building program. This parallel approach allows direct comparison of performance characteristics and construction considerations for steel versus timber framing. Both designs meet applicable structural codes and environmental standards while providing the required retail and residential space. Our work demonstrates that both structural systems can successfully serve identical programmatic requirements while offering distinct advantages in design and construction.