The Kind Project

The Kind Project provides affordable housing through some of the first mass timber apartments in California. Urban Elements desired a repeatable mass timber solution that they could roll-out at multiple sites.

The first site served as a test case; two three-story buildings contain 148 micro units with a fitness facility and courtyards. Holmes provided full structural engineering services. The developer sought a hyper-simple economical structure with an architectural statement. With these goals in mind, Holmes proposed the integration of exposed Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) elements—at the floors, mezzanine levels, and roofs—combined with light-frame wood shear walls. The use of CLT also increased unit height, eliminating the need for ceiling joists, and significantly expedited construction. The project team installed the structural framing in just four months, from the mat slab foundation up through the roofs.

Simple, symmetrical layouts reduce the amount of Requests for Information (RFIs) and the need for in-field adjustments. After the success of the first project completion, the Kind projects added in two additional sites, 72 and 214 micro units. For each, the mass timber and light framed wood solution has penciled to meet the budget. While building footprints change, fundamental unit sizing and materiality remain constant. The structural design adapts to multiple scenarios. Lessons learned from this initial development further expedited construction for the completed 72-unit Kind Downtown in Sacramento.