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Searching for: Mass Timber

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Mass Timber

Mass Timber

Advancements in wood product technology and systems are driving the momentum for innovative buildings in Canada. Products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), nailed-laminated timber (NLT), glued-laminated timber (GLT), laminated strand lumber (LSL), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and other large-dimensioned structural composite lumber (SCL) products are part of a bigger classification known as ‘mass timber’.

Although mass timber is an emerging term, traditional post-and-beam (timber frame) construction has been around for centuries. Today, mass timber products can be formed by mechanically fastening and/or bonding with adhesive smaller wood components such as dimension lumber or wood veneers, strands or fibres to form large pre-fabricated wood elements used as beams, columns, arches, walls, floors and roofs. Mass timber products have sufficient volume and cross-sectional dimensions to offer significant benefits in terms of fire, acoustics and structural performance, in addition to providing construction efficiency.

  • Mass Timber, Structural Engineering, Structural Wood, Wood Construction

Mass Timber Construction Success Checklist

Mass timber construction offers speed, sustainability, and design flexibility – but it also requires a higher level of coordination than traditional structural systems. Its prefabricated components and tight tolerances call for early planning, clear communication, and a shared understanding across the project team. Ensuring that all partners – including those less familiar with timber construction – are aligned on these unique requirements helps avoid costly delays and, more importantly, positions the team to fully capitalize on the benefits mass timber has to offer.

  • Case Study, Mass Timber, Wood Construction, WoodWorks

Exploring the Role of Mass Timber – Industrial Buildings and Warehouse Construction

The emerging use of mass timber in industrial buildings presents promising opportunities that are shaping the future of construction in this sector. As a sustainable and economically competitive alternative, mass timber is redefining industrial construction, a field traditionally dominated by prefabricated steel. An analysis of two cutting-edge projects in Sudbury, Ontario, highlights key advantages, including cost competitiveness, reduced embodied carbon, and aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments.

  • federal governemnt, Mass Timber

Canadian Wood Council Applauds Federal Investment in Nova Scotia’s Mass Timber Industry

OTTAWA, ON, 21 MAR 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Government of Canada’s strategic investment in Nova Scotia’s mass timber sector, recognizing its role in advancing low-carbon construction, economic growth, and job creation.

This funding will accelerate the fabrication of high-value mass timber components from undervalued eastern spruce, unlocking new opportunities for Canada’s forest sector and expanding the use of advanced wood materials in construction. By supporting the production of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam in Nova Scotia, this investment strengthens supply chains, creates skilled jobs in the region, and enhances the competitiveness of low-carbon building solutions across Canada.

Mass timber is increasingly recognized as a proven strategy for the rapid construction of much-needed housing and other critical infrastructure. Its benefits extend across multi-residential and commercial buildings, offering a scalable, efficient, and sustainable approach to modern construction.

Canada’s forest sector is well-positioned to meet the growing domestic demand for sustainable construction materials. This investment will drive innovation in mass timber manufacturing, creating economic opportunities in Nova Scotia while enhancing Canada’s capacity to produce and supply mass timber products nationwide. Expanding domestic production advances low-carbon building solutions and strengthens Canada’s wood manufacturing sector.

The CWC applauds this commitment to fostering a resilient and competitive mass timber industry in Atlantic Canada. Through our WoodWorks technical program, we look forward to supporting construction professionals with the knowledge and resources they need to integrate mass timber into more projects across the country.

View the announcement from Natural Resources Canada here: https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2025/03/canada-invests-in-nova-scotias-local-mass-timber-industry.html

Encapsulated mass timber construction

In addition to combustible, heavy timber and noncombustible construction, a new construction type is presently being considered for inclusion into the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) is proposed to be defined as the “type of construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by the use of encapsulated mass timber elements with an encapsulation rating and minimum dimensions for the structural timber members and other building assemblies.” EMTC is neither ‘combustible construction’ nor ‘heavy timber construction’ nor ‘noncombustible construction’, as defined within the NBC.

EMTC is required to have an encapsulation rating. The encapsulation rating is the time, in minutes, that a material or assembly of materials will delay the ignition and combustion of encapsulated mass timber elements when it is exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as otherwise prescribed by the NBC. The encapsulation rating for EMTC is determined through the ULC S146 test method.

In order for structural wood elements to be considered ‘mass timber’, they must meet minimum size requirements, which are different for horizontal (walls, floors, roofs, beams) and vertical (columns, arches) load-bearing elements and dependent on the number of sides that the element is exposed to fire.

EMTC construction in Canada is expected to be limited to a height of twelve-storeys, that is, the uppermost floor level may be a maximum of 42 m (137 ft) above the first floor. An EMTC building must be sprinklered throughout according to NFPA 13 and it is likely that some mass timber will also be able to be exposed in the suites. All EMTC elements are expected to have a minimum two-hour fire resistance rating and the building floor area to be limited to 6,000 m2 for Group C occupancy and 7,200 m2 for Group D occupancy.

There are restrictions on the use of exterior cladding elements in EMTC, as well as other restrictions on the use of; combustible roofing materials, combustible window sashes and frames, combustible components in exterior walls, nailing elements, combustible flooring elements, combustible stairs, combustible interior finishes, combustible elements in partitions, and concealed spaces.

If any encapsulation material is damaged or removed, it will be required to be repaired or replaced so that the encapsulation rating of the materials is maintained.

Additionally, requirements related to construction site fire safety are to be applied to construction access, standpipe installation and protective encapsulation.

EMTC and its related provisions are anticipated to be included in the NBC 2020.

NBC definitions:

Combustible means that a material fails to meet the acceptance criteria of CAN/ULC-S114, “Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials.”

Combustible construction means that type of construction that does not meet the requirements for noncombustible construction.

Heavy timber construction means that type of combustible construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by placing limitations on the sizes of wood structural members and on thickness and composition of wood floors and roofs and by the avoidance of concealed spaces under floors and roofs.

Noncombustible construction means that type of construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by the use of noncombustible materials for structural members and other building assemblies.

Noncombustible means that a material meets the acceptance criteria of CAN/ULC-S114, “Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials.”

For further information, refer to the following resources:

Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code

ULC S146 Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Encapsulation Materials and Assemblies of Materials for the Protection of Mass Timber Structural Members and Assemblies

Fire performance of mass-timber encapsulation methods and the effect of encapsulation on char rate of cross-laminated timber (Hasburgh et al., 2016)

CAN/ULC-S114 Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials

NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

  • Engineering, Industry News, Mass Timber, News, Safety
Close-up view of stacked wooden logs with visible growth rings and natural cracks, showcasing raw timber texture.

Canada’s Blueprint for Mass Timber Success Unveiled at Parliament Hill

June 13, 2024 (Ottawa)– Earlier today, The Transition Accelerator unveiled The Mass Timber Roadmap at the Press Conference Room in the West Block on Parliament Hill. The comprehensive report outlines an ambitious and strategic vision for the future of mass timber in Canada and its potential to transform green construction and drive economic growth across the country.

Developed in partnership with Canadian Wood Council (CWC), Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), and Energy Futures Lab (EFL), The Mass Timber Roadmap comes after more than a decade of collaborative efforts to unlock and demonstrate potential of mass timber and lays out a visionary plan to increase the mass timber market – both domestic and exports – to $1.2 billion by 2030 and to $2.4 billion by 2035.

This ambitious growth aligns with increasing market demand in North America and around the world. By leveraging the power of mass timber solutions, Canada has a unique opportunity to enable the construction of residential and commercial structures at greater speeds, with lower costs, and with a lighter carbon footprint; all while capturing a share of the rapidly growing global market.

Achieving targets laid out in The Mass Timber Roadmap requires coordinated efforts across three critical action areas and the report provides actionable next steps, including: 

  1. Public-Private Collaboration: The Mass Timber Roadmap calls for a partnership between public and private sectors to develop and advance a comprehensive policy package that will enhance the value of Canada’s forest resources while building domestic capacity along the supply chain.
  2. Standardization: There is a need to standardize building archetypes, wood specifications, and connectors throughout the supply chain to streamline processes and reduce costs.
  3. Skills Development: Implementing a robust skills development plan that encompasses all aspects of the supply chain is essential to support the sector’s growth. 

Today’s event on Parliament Hill featured the following speakers who highlighted the roadmap’s goals and the promising future for mass timber in Canada, followed by an engaging Q&A session with journalists:

  • Derek Eaton, Director of Future Economy, The Transition Accelerator
  • Derek Nighbor, President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
  • Kate Lindsay, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
  • Rick Jeffery, President and CEO, Canadian Wood Council (CWC)
https://player.vimeo.com/video/957955728?badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479

Key Quotes: 

“The mass timber sector provides a perfect example of how Canada can add value to its primary resources through innovative technologies and advanced skills. If we act strategically and quickly, we have the opportunity to build an industry that reduces emissions, addresses urgent needs, and positions Canada to win in emerging global value chains.” – Derek Eaton, The Transition Accelerator

“To build a world-class mass timber sector, Canada must adopt a strategic approach to ensure we can compete and win globally. This is about smart policy here at home and bringing more Canadian wood to our cities and to the world. By enabling faster, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly construction with mass timber we can grow jobs, help address the affordable housing crunch, and reduce emissions.” – Kate Lindsay, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

“The potential for Canadian wood products to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment and drive the growth of a sustainable and prosperous wood industry is immense; however, global competition to capitalize on the significant economic opportunities mass timber presents in the transition to a lower-carbon world will require us to act swiftly to stay competitive and meet rapidly emerging domestic demand.” – Rick Jeffery, Canadian Wood Council (CWC)

  • Fire Codes, Fire Resistance, Fire Safety, Mass Timber

Large-Scale Fire Tests of A Mass Timber Building Structure

The Canadian Wood Council partnered with federal and provincial governments and organizations, as well as key experts, to conduct a series of five fire research burns on a full-scale mass timber structure in Ottawa. The primary purpose of the project was to support market acceptance of tall and large mass timber buildings in Canada and to encourage the construction of buildings that include mass timber.

  • building codes, construction, Mass Timber, Ontario, Publications, Wood Frame Construction

Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code

  • Case Study, CWC, Mass Timber, Midrise Construction, Toronto

R-Town Vertical 6 – Mass Timber Midrise – Toronto Ontario

  • Case Study, CWC, Mass Timber, Midrise Construction, Toronto

R-Town Vertical 6 | Mass Timber Midrise

  • CWC, Educational Buildings, Mass Timber, Sustainable Design, Vancouver Schools

Advancing Mass Timber Systems in Vancouver Schools

  • Mass Timber, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Wood Construction, Wood Design

The Exchange

ARCHITECT: Faction Architecture Inc.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: RJC Engineers

DEVELOPER: Faction Projects Inc.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Faction Construction

BUILDING CODE CONSULTANT: GHL Consultants Ltd.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of naturally:wood

The Exchange

In Kelowna, British Columbia’s evolving industrial north end, The Exchange stands as a forward-thinking demonstration of what’s possible when architectural ambition meets technical precision. Designed and developed by Faction Architecture and Faction Projects, the building blends mass timber with conventional materials in a hybrid system that highlights both structural performance and environmental responsibility.

At the heart of the structural system is nail-laminated timber (NLT), used for both floor and roof assemblies. NLT is a mass timber product formed by mechanically fastening dimensional lumber together to create solid panels—an approach well-suited to exposed timber applications that value durability, texture, and straightforward fabrication. For this project, the team fabricated the panels in-house using locally sourced materials and trades. While this gave them greater control over cost and scheduling, it also introduced design and compliance challenges.

The team opted for a fluted NLT profile to enhance visual appeal and improve acoustic performance. Because the panel design differed from prescriptive norms, it required approval as an  alternative solution under the BC Building Code. Extensive analysis was conducted to demonstrate compliance with fire-resistance, vibration, and load-bearing requirements. Informed by existing NLT fire test data, the design team minimized voids between laminations to enhance charring behaviour and performed physical load testing at Okanagan College to confirm strength and stiffness performance.

Complementing the NLT panels is a glulam post-and-beam system that forms the substructure, supported by concrete elevator and stair cores. Together, these elements support a program that includes retail and light industrial space at grade, with two to three storeys of open-plan office space above. A rooftop patio offers sweeping views, reinforcing the project’s appeal to creative businesses and environmentally conscious tenants.

The Exchange
The Exchange
The Exchange

The Exchange also showcases a thoughtful approach to the building envelope, a key factor in achieving Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code—the highest step currently applicable to non-residential buildings in the region. The high-performance envelope includes a combination of weathering steel and corrugated metal cladding, high-performance glass windows, semi-rigid exterior insulation, breathable weather barrier, plywood sheathing, lumber studs, batt insulation, gypsum board and a polyethylene vapour barrier.  The light-frame wood walls contribute to envelope performance in two important ways: 1) wood has lower thermal conductivity than other materials, so thermal bridging is dramatically reduced, and 2) the stud wall configuration allowed for thicker insulation in the cavities between studs.

This integrated approach—combining exposed timber construction, envelope efficiency, and locally supported fabrication—enabled the project team to deliver a space that performs as well technically as it does aesthetically. And with over 90% of the leasable area spoken for at completion, it’s clear that tenants are responding to both the look and the logic of the building.

The Exchange sets a precedent for accessible mass timber construction in smaller markets, particularly in contexts where a streamlined fabrication process and strong design-control loop can help close the gap between sustainable ambition and budgetary constraints.

As Faction Projects continues work on the remaining phases of the development, The Exchange stands as both a technical prototype and a commercial success—proof that high-performance, low-carbon construction can be as practical as it is inspiring.

Read more on The Exchange project here

Mass Timber
Mass Timber
Mass Timber Construction Success Checklist
Exploring the Role of Mass Timber – Industrial Buildings and Warehouse Construction
Canadian Wood Council Applauds Federal Investment in Nova Scotia’s Mass Timber Industry
Encapsulated mass timber construction
Close-up view of stacked wooden logs with visible growth rings and natural cracks, showcasing raw timber texture.
Canada’s Blueprint for Mass Timber Success Unveiled at Parliament Hill
Large-Scale Fire Tests of A Mass Timber Building Structure
Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code
R-Town Vertical 6 – Mass Timber Midrise – Toronto Ontario
R-Town Vertical 6 | Mass Timber Midrise
Advancing Mass Timber Systems in Vancouver Schools
The Exchange
Mass Timber

Mass Timber

Advancements in wood product technology and systems are driving the momentum for innovative buildings in Canada. Products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT)...

Mass Timber Construction Success Checklist

Mass timber construction offers speed, sustainability, and design flexibility – but it also requires a higher level of coordination than traditional structural systems. Its...

Exploring the Role of Mass Timber – Industrial Buildings and Warehouse Construction

The emerging use of mass timber in industrial buildings presents promising opportunities that are shaping the future of construction in this sector. As a sustainable and...

Canadian Wood Council Applauds Federal Investment in Nova Scotia’s Mass Timber Industry

OTTAWA, ON, 21 MAR 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Government of Canada’s strategic investment in Nova Scotia’s mass timber sector, recognizing its...

Encapsulated mass timber construction

In addition to combustible, heavy timber and noncombustible construction, a new construction type is presently being considered for inclusion into the National Building Code...
Close-up view of stacked wooden logs with visible growth rings and natural cracks, showcasing raw timber texture.

Canada’s Blueprint for Mass Timber Success Unveiled at Parliament Hill

June 13, 2024 (Ottawa)– Earlier today, The Transition Accelerator unveiled The Mass Timber Roadmap at the Press Conference Room in the West Block on Parliament Hill. The...

Large-Scale Fire Tests of A Mass Timber Building Structure

The Canadian Wood Council partnered with federal and provincial governments and organizations, as well as key experts, to conduct a series of five fire research burns on a...

Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code

R-Town Vertical 6 – Mass Timber Midrise – Toronto Ontario

R-Town Vertical 6 | Mass Timber Midrise

Advancing Mass Timber Systems in Vancouver Schools

The Exchange

ARCHITECT: Faction Architecture Inc. STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: RJC Engineers DEVELOPER: Faction Projects Inc. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER: Faction Construction BUILDING CODE CONSULTANT:...

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