The 105 Storey Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Tower Prototype and Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS) is a groundbreaking exploration of how tall, dense, urban development can be delivered with radically reduced carbon impact. Conceived by an interdisciplinary team, the prototype reimagines the future of supertall buildings by combining mass timber, zero carbon steel, and low carbon concrete into an integrated hybrid structural system anchored by a reinforced concrete core.

At its center is the patented HTFS—an industry first prefabricated composite floor panel that expands the structural capability of mass timber beyond conventional limits. HTFS panels span up to 12m, enabling flexible, open floor plates suitable for office, residential, and mixed-use programs. Each panel is manufactured offsite, combining a 7 ply CLT panel with a recessed concrete band reinforced with post-tensioned tendons. This assembly achieves a structural depth of just 18 inches while providing inherent fire resistance compatible with conventional concrete or precast concrete, accelerated construction schedules, allows reduction of floor-to-floor height, and exposed ceiling for bifoliate benefit.

The tower integrates advanced sustainability measures to achieve zero operational carbon. Façade integrated photovoltaics, an algae bioreactor that removes CO₂, NOₓ, and SOₓ, and a district energy cogeneration plant work collectively to generate energy, recover waste heat, and reduce emissions. Smart building systems optimize performance and occupant well being.

Developed through extensive research in strength, durability, constructability, fabrication, and full small- and full-scale testing, the HTFS is now patented in Canada, the U.S., China, and is patent pending in the EU and Australia. The tower demonstrates how hybridized material systems, prefabrication, and forward-thinking engineering can redefine skyscraper construction and meaningfully advance climate positive development.

The approach centered on rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and solving the structural and environmental challenges limiting tall timber construction. Beginning in 2019, architects, engineers, builders, and researchers partnered through a grant funded initiative by NRCan7 and FP Innovation; to test how mass timber could scale to supertall heights while meeting safety, performance, and sustainability goals.

A phased testing program validated the HTFS. Small-scale shear and fire testing assessed connector performance, creep behavior, and a fire resilience test was conducted. Followed with full-scale loading and vibration testing, short- and long-term deflection, full-scale fire testing, full-scale load testing to failure, and market sounding in preparation for commercialization.

Zero carbon strategies were integrated from the outset, pairing hybrid structural logic with façade photovoltaics, a district energy cogeneration plant, and an algae bioreactor. Close coordination allowed the team to optimize prefabrication, reduce material use, and streamline constructability. Collaborative workshops ensured the system aligned with market needs, future building requirements, and climate objectives—resulting in a scalable, repeatable, and transformative approach to building of any size and height.

The HTFS achieved 12m clear spans, a structural depth of just 18 inches, and a 73% reduction in embodied carbon compared to typical concrete assemblies. Full scale testing validated its strength, fire performance, and manufacturing efficiency, enabling commercialization. The tower prototype demonstrates a feasible path to zero carbon skyscrapers, as well as buildings of any size and height, advancing sustainable urban density.