Timber Age: Pioneers in Residential CLT
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Timber Age, a pioneering passive housing startup based in Durango, Colorado. Timber Age is revolutionizing the residential construction industry with its commitment to sustainability and innovative use of Passive House Certified Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). They are part of the emerging mass timber industry – using engineered wood products to revolutionize how America builds.
As the first company to bring CLT into the residential housing space, Timber Age is not only breaking new ground but also leading the charge in creating the specialized machinery needed to produce CLT for this niche market. Their work in this area is not just about building homes; it’s about designing a future where sustainable practices are at the core of construction and community.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community Building
One of the aspects that drew me to Timber Age is their unwavering dedication to a circular economy, where resources are reused, and waste is minimized. Using locally sourced Ponderosa Pine in collaboration with the Forest Service, Timber Age produces it’s CLT panels using timber affected by the Colorado Mountain Pine Beetle kill, that is harming the natural environment and otherwise unusable. This reduces waste, improves forest health, and ultimately decreases energy consumption in residential housing built using CLT.
Their business model isn’t just about profit; it’s about doing business for good, building communities, and protecting the environment through sustainable, lasting passive housing. This approach aligns with the values that are deeply important to me, and it added a profound layer of meaning to my internship experience.
Working under the guidance of founder Kyle Hanson, who is passionately committed to the constant improvement of both the company’s processes and the personal growth of the team, was inspiring. His leadership style fosters an environment of innovation and excellence, which resonated in every aspect of my time with Timber Age.
Recognition and Awards: Timber Age’s Industry Impact
Since its inception, Timber Age has been awarded grants and received honors that reflect their leadership and impact in the industry. These include having an ADU built using the Timber Age Modular Building System (TAMBS) travel to Washington DC for inclusion in the HUD Green Housing Showcase, and then subsequently being nominated for the Colorado Green Building Guild building of the Year award. Earlier this year, they were selected by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority to receive funding to support the growth of innovative housing in the state of Colorado.
These accolades are a testament to their innovative approach to sustainable construction and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the residential housing market.
My Internship Project: Enhancing Customer Experience and CRM Efficiency
During my internship, I was tasked with designing and implementing a project under the guidance of Connor Eggleton-Dessel, the Director of Customer Experience at Timber Age. My Statement of Work focused on improving the customer experience and flow through the company’s website. My goal was to create a more robust customer output for the backend Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. I achieved this by building clear and concise steps in the client section of the website, guiding customers toward obtaining a certified plan. This ensures that Timber Age connects with committed customers ready to embark on their sustainable housing journey. I also leveraged CRM capabilities to systematically categorize subsequent customers, streamlining the backend process. Working on this project and seeing it implemented by Timber Age was an invaluable experience, giving me firsthand insight into how impactful well-designed systems can be in a startup environment.
Hands-On Learning at the Mancos Production Plant
In addition to my project work, I spent valuable time at the Timber Age production plant in Mancos, Colorado. Here, I learned the intricacies of their production systems and contributed to ongoing practical construction projects aimed at improving the plant. Being able to witness and participate in the startup growth phase of Timber Age was really rewarding. It provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with scaling a business focused on sustainability.
Networking with Industry Professionals from the 2024 Mass Timber Group Summit
I also had the opportunity to participate in Timber Age hosting a group of industry guests who were in Colorado for the 2024 Mass Timber Group Summit in Denver. They traveled down to Durango – a seven-hour drive – to learn more about the amazing contribution Timber Age is making to residential mass timber. The diverse group represented multiple areas of the industry, and it was interesting to see the many ways different professionals are involved and coming together for a common goal.
This was an exciting opportunity to practice my networking skills in a professional environment, as Kyle and the team hosted a dinner, toured the manufacturing plant, and showcased local building projects.
Conclusion: A Transformative Experience in the Startup Space
My summer internship with Timber Age was an exceptional learning experience that offered deep insights into the entrepreneurial startup space, significant opportunities for personal and professional growth, and the incredible honor of contributing to a company that is truly making a difference. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and the lessons I will carry forward in my future endeavors.
Read my interview with Kyle Hanson, founder of Timber Age, from May 2024 here.
Read my interview with Glenn Harley about the New Zealand Passive Housing industry here.