40Ten

Mass timber beams and columns define 40Ten, a 105,000 square-foot boutique office building in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood that has changed local perceptions of wood construction. Part of The Collective development, the building has earned Excellence in Design Awards from both the American Institute of Architects Baltimore and Maryland chapters.

Heritage Meets Innovation

Baltimore's industrial history shaped 40Ten's design. The exterior's aesthetic recalls Canton's manufacturing past, while a repeating pattern frames the entrance, revealing the wood structure inside. Dowel laminated timber floor and roof panels combine with glulam post and beam framing. The DLT panels' kerf-cut profile creates clean shadow reveals underneath, while natural wood textures and grain patterns enrich the interior spaces. A raised access floor conceals mechanical, electrical, and plumbing lines, maintaining clean ceiling views throughout.

Site and Resource Protection

Built on a restored brownfield site, 40Ten follows sustainable practices from ground to roof. Native trees and plants create wildlife habitats, electrochromic glass prevents bird collisions, and dark-sky compliant lighting protects nocturnal species.

Low-flow and timed faucets minimize water use inside, while drought-resistant native plants reduce irrigation needs outside. One-pint flush urinals further decrease water consumption.

Economic Benefits

The building's location in Opportunity and Enterprise Zones spurs community development through tax incentives. The Inflation Reduction Act enabled Investment Tax Credits for electrochromic glass, while Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy financing supported energy improvements.

Energy Efficiency

A raised access floor system gives occupants control over temperature settings and improves air quality. Roof sensors adjust electrochromic glass tinting to regulate heat. The mass timber itself helps maintain stable temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Community Connections

The Collective at Canton includes a variety of health and wellness amenities. Celebree School provides childcare, while F45, Pilates studios, and ProMD health services serve residents' fitness and medical needs. The site's Walk Score of 73 reflects easy pedestrian access to groceries, banks, and parks. Local input shaped the development through public meetings.

Sustainable Construction

Mass timber defines 40Ten's environmental approach. The wood stores carbon dioxide and requires less water to produce than steel or concrete. Factory fabrication allowed precise assembly while minimizing waste. The timber components can be disassembled and reused, limiting future landfill impact. This approach required collaboration with city officials to establish new precedents for mass timber construction in Baltimore.