Material · Wood · Assembly
Mass Ply Panel
MPP
Large-format mass-timber panels built from thin, stress-rated Douglas fir veneers pressed into structural composite lumber and laminated into thick panel assemblies. Freres developed the system as a veneer-based alternative to conventional cross-laminated timber, with factory CNC fabrication for project-specific components.
Why it matters
Mass Ply Panel turns veneer into a structural system rather than a finish. The thin-lamella construction gives designers more control over panel thickness and dimensional stability, while exposed panels can combine structure and interior surface in one move. It is especially interesting in homes like the Gates Residence, where the mass timber becomes both the load-bearing system and the architecture you actually see.
Benefits
- Structural mass timber
- Factory prefabrication
- Renewable wood feedstock
- Can remain exposed
- High strength-to-weight efficiency
Best applications
Rooms: Whole home
Watch-outs
- Requires early structural coordination
- Connection and moisture detailing are project-specific
- Availability is tied to a specialized manufacturer and supply chain
What to verify
Finish, binder, sourcing, and installation conditions to confirm before specifying.
- Panel thickness and layup
- Structural design values
- Fire-rating requirements
- Connection engineering
- Moisture protection during construction
Sources
Information verified September 2026.