Hicks Unveils Plans for Mass Timber Office in Houston
Framework @ Block 10 will be Houston's first mass timber office, according to the developer.
Hicks Ventures unveiled plans for what it says is Houston’s first mass timber commercial office project and the first Texas commercial office building targeting net zero energy operational carbon upon completion in 2024.
Called Framework @ Block 10, the six-story, 200,000 square-foot Class A office building is situated within three miles of retail shopping, as well as 100+ restaurants. Also located on the 13.5-acre site is Block 10 West, the former “Great Indoors” big box retail building that Hicks Ventures repurposed into an office building in 2013. Block 10 West is currently 100% leased.
Framework @ Block 10 will be constructed using sustainably sourced heavy timber, a first for a Houston office building. Because mass timber is able to store carbon, the building will save more than 60% of greenhouse gas emissions and a 100% reduction in outdoor potable municipal water consumption, and more than a 50% reduction in indoor potable municipal water consumption.
Other sustainable features include a rainwater harvesting cistern, full roof solar panels, LED lighting, and a sensory system. The developer will use and purchase 100% renewable energy from power providers in addition to collecting and using from the mechanical systems.
The design team includes Gensler, StructureCraft and HOAR Construction.