The Ascent, the world's tallest timber hybrid building, exemplifies a project where hsbcad's hsbDesign for AutoCAD solution played a crucial role. Our involvement came through KLH, a long-time customer and global leader in CLT supply with an impressive portfolio of over 40,000 projects worldwide.
This 25-story marvel is a hybrid structure, with 6 floors of post-tensioned concrete forming a sturdy podium that supports 19 stories of mass timber. This innovative design approach allowed The Ascent to create a remarkable living environment that includes 7,000 square feet of retail space, 330 residential parking spaces, and 259 luxury apartments. The building’s top floor offers a community space with a 360-degree view, featuring two outdoor decks, while the rooftop provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee.
Inspired by modern Scandinavian design, The Ascent’s mass timber structure is prominently featured, with nearly half of its timber exposed, offering both structural integrity and a warm, luxurious interior.
In 2023, The Ascent received the prestigious “Wood Design Award” and “Structure Award” from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), underscoring its remarkable design and engineering.
Photography: Courtesy of Thornton Tomasetti.