Plans are in the works for a Mass Timber Research Campus to be built in Youngsville.
The Franklin Eco-Industrial Park will focus on exploring timber enhancement, new species layups, and carbon storage in cross-laminated timber (CLT) and mass timber. To have a front entrance on US Highway 1 and back entrance on US Highway 1A, the campus will have solar-heated pressure injection chambers, a high-pressure roller for grinding seed crystals, and a double-sided guarded hotbox. There will also be space on the campus for government, university, and industry research.
Enertia Building Systems, Inc. which will be creating the park is looking for a manufacturer of CLT that will offer time for pressing additive CLT panels and experimental lay ups. Enertia will be leasing the site for 10 years at no charge and may be receiving solar storage and employment tax credits from the state.
Enertia has a patented process for creating mass timber that uses more seed crystals and carbon so that the thermal capacity of its wood is increased. Their technology was honored in 2007 as one of the first Carbon Capture and Utilization patents in the country and the buildings created with this timber as being a Modern Marvel. Flyer printing is often used to provide more information about such buildings and their benefits of providing a reduced carbon footprint.
