Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building
Course Overview Halsa 230 Royal York is setting new standards as Toronto’s pioneering 9-storey prefabricated mass timber rental building, demonstrating the viability of carbon-neutral communities within Toronto’s Right of Way zoning. Through a case study of the building, this session will present the advantages of integrated design and prefabricated mass timber building systems components. Learning Objectives Explain the integrated design and prefabrication strategies used in mass timber residential construction: Learners will be able to describe how collaborative design, advanced manufacturing, and prefabricated building systems contribute to project efficiency, quality, and scalability. Analyze the technical features and performance benefits of mass timber floor cassettes and curtain wall systems: Learners will understand the structural, acoustic, fire resistance, and thermal properties of the building’s mass timber components, and how these features address common challenges in high-rise construction. Evaluate the sustainability, regulatory, and operational considerations in developing carbon-neutral mass timber buildings: Learners will assess how material sourcing, certification, lifecycle carbon analysis, and code compliance shape the viability and impact of mass timber projects in urban environments. Course Video Speakers Bio Oliver Lang Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, Intelligent City Co-Founder, Principal, LWPAC Oliver Lang is a German-Canadian architect and urban entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience and a recognized leader in design innovation and integration of complex urban projects, mixed-use housing, advanced prefabrication, and green building strategies. He is a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, with a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, and he holds a professional degree (Diplom-Ingenieur Architektur) from the University of Technology Berlin with two-year studies at the ETSA Barcelona UPC. Prior to founding LWPAC in 1998, Oliver researched and practiced in digitally assisted design and fabrication with Smith-Miller & Hawkinson in New York, while teaching digital design at Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania. He subsequently has taught advanced design and digital technology at SCI_ARC, the Berlage Institute, TU Berlin, UTF Santa Maria, and University of British Columbia (UBC). Shawn Keyes VP – Strategic Growth and Business Development Intelligent City Shawn is a structural engineer and commercial executive with more than a decade of experience leading innovation in mass timber and industrialized construction. As Vice President of Strategic Growth at Intelligent City, he leads commercialization, market strategy, and partnerships to scale the company’s prefabricated housing systems. Previously, Shawn served as Executive Director of WoodWorks BC, where he led a strategic transformation that strengthened partnerships, technical leadership, and influence across the development, AEC, and policy sectors. Before that, he spent over six years at Fast + Epp as a Senior Structural Engineer, developing deep technical expertise. Over his career, Shawn has supported more than 150 mass timber and hybrid projects across Canada, and has served on advisory councils for BC Housing, BCIT, the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation, Forestry Innovation Investment, and Natural Resources Canada. He holds an MBA from UBC Sauder, a Master of Engineering from Carleton University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in BC and Ontario.
Design Best Practices for Mid-Rise Light Wood Frame Structures
Course Overview Light wood frame (LWF) construction is an accessible, cost-effective, low-carbon solution for mid-rise multi-family buildings. This session will clarify fundamental differences in approach between traditional low-rise LWF construction and modern mid-rise construction methods. LWF is an attractive option for mid-rise development and participants will gain practical insights into design efficiencies, from meeting seismic demands and other key structural considerations to how engineered wood products and specialty hardware can be used to optimize design. The session will also explore prefabrication strategies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities offsite construction presents for streamlined, higher-quality construction. Whether attendees are new to mid-rise wood design or looking to optimize their next project, this session will share valuable information they can apply to their next mid-rise building. Learning Objectives Distinguish key differences between traditional low-rise and modern mid-rise light wood frame construction, including changes in design loads, seismic requirements, and code updates. Apply practical design strategies to optimize mid-rise wood structures—such as efficient stacked framing, engineered wood products, specialty hardware, and solutions for wood shrinkage and differential movement. Evaluate prefabrication and offsite construction methods for mid-rise projects, identifying both challenges and opportunities to improve construction quality, speed, and coordination. Course Video Speakers Bio Sean Henry Director – Mid-Rise, Principal Tacoma Engineers Sean is the Director of Mid-Rise and a Principal at Tacoma Engineers, bringing 20 years of structural engineering experience to the role. Since joining the firm in 2005, Sean has led the design of a wide range of building types, with a particular focus on mid-rise developments including multi-family, seniors and affordable housing projects. He is especially recognized for his expertise in light wood frame construction with multiple projects designed and built since the adoption of 6 storey wood framed buildings in Ontario. He also has extensive experience with cold-formed steel, structural steel, reinforced concrete, precast, and concrete block building systems. Sean focuses on delivering practical, efficient structural solutions that support design intent while meeting the demands of constructability and cost-effectiveness.
From Trees to Keys: Scaling Industrialized Wood Construction
Course Overview This session brings together a panel of experts to discuss lessons learned and visions for wood-based manufactured housing solutions. The panel will address key challenges in scaling modular and panelized wood construction, including design for manufacture and assembly, systems integration, workforce transformation, and product standardization. Innovators throughout the supply chain will explore requirements for bringing scalable mass timber housing into the mainstream, from procurement to policy and from urban infill to supply chain readiness. The discussion will focus on how factory-built housing and wood innovation can contribute to addressing Canada’s housing crisis. Learning Objectives Assess practical lessons learned from implementing modular, panelized, and mass-timber housing projects, including challenges related to design coordination, manufacturing constraints, and on-site assembly. Explain how integrated approaches across structure, envelope, and mechanical systems enable scalable, high-performance wood-based housing solutions, drawing on examples from factory-built and turnkey delivery models. Evaluate the roles of standardization, procurement models, workforce capabilities, and policy alignment in advancing wood-based manufactured housing as a viable response to Canada’s housing crisis. Course Video Speakers Bio Hailey Quiquero Technical Manager WoodWorks Ontario Hailey is a structural engineer and has focused her career specializing in sustainable architecture and the advancement of timber building systems. Hailey spent several years of her career in research on the behaviour and fire safety of mass timber, as a structural designer with Entuitive in Toronto, and working to develop affordable housing products built of high-performance timber panels, contributing to the successful completion of several turnkey housing projects with Assembly Corp. (previously R-Hauz). In her current role as a Technical Manager for the Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks program, Hailey works with the team to aid project teams with technical support and to bring resources and education to industry stakeholders, advocating for the successful implementation of a beautiful and sustainable building material in our built environment. Ben Chicoine President Fab Structures Ben Chicoine is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. As the co-founder of Fab Structures, he has built a multi-million dollar company specializing in mass timber and panelized construction, with energy efficiency at its core. Certified in Passive House design, Ben now consults on high-performance building strategies, championing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable construction in Canada. Kyle Power Director of Construction Assembly Corp. Kyle is Director of Construction at Assembly. He brings 15+ years of end-to-end construction management experience with Canada’s largest general contractor. Kyle held key leadership roles in the delivery of several high-profile projects in the GTA, including commercial high rise, complex retail renovations, and high rise residential. He is responsible for successful project construction delivery from the pre-construction planning stages to close-out. Kyle successfully executes the construction of Assembly’s unique end-to-end housing product and the delivery strategy underpinning its mission of creating faster, more sustainable housing. Cara Sloat Mechanical Principal Hammerschlag and Joffe Inc. Cara Sloat brings over 20 years of increasingly complex experience in high-performance mechanical design and energy efficiency expertise to Hammerschlag and Joffe. She has worked extensively with decarbonizing building portfolios, including for Fortune 50 companies, and has worked in high-performance mechanical system design, with a career focus on energy efficiency, energy exchange, and indoor environmental quality. In our current housing crisis, she is also passionate about finding better mechanical solutions for the Canadian housing market. She delivers projects at every scale, and believes every building deserves a quality and well thought out mechanical system. She has LEED certified over half a million square feet of new construction real estate projects, and provided energy audits for over 5 million square feet of commercial properties, identifying millions in potential energy savings.
Timber and Off-Site Construction
Course Overview Join WoodWorks and prefab panel supplier, Ron Anderson + Sons, as they discuss strategies for navigating the world of off-site construction, explaining the challenges and benefits of prefabrication and how they impact the design and construction process. Learn about different strategies for navigating code compliance and coordinating with a prefabricated component supplier. The discussion will also cover common constraints like high seismic forces and high efficiency envelopes and how to address these with off-site construction. This one-hour presentation will provide a deeper understanding of the off-site construction process and its implications for your role in designing and constructing wood buildings. Learning Objectives Learn when off-site construction can deliver cost and schedule savings. Learn how to ensure design coordination and specifications align with project requirements and prefabricated component supplier constraints. Learn how construction strategies and detailing are affected when using prefabricated components and how to ensure successful project outcomes. Course Video Speakers Bio Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director WoodWorks BC Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood frame construction. After university, and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures including the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as a Technical Director for Woodworks BC. Jack Downing President and CEO Ron Anderson and Sons Ltd. Wood Framing Jack’s journey in the framing industry spans over 20 years. He joined RAS in 2012 and his adeptness in orchestrating large sites and coordinating multiple crews immediately made him an invaluable asset to the company. His dedication and strong leadership led to his appointment as President and CEO of RAS in 2019. His journey from a skilled professional to respected industry leader exemplifies the ethos of growth and opportunity that defines RAS’s company culture. Under Jack’s leadership RAS is poised for continuous growth and innovation in the construction industry.
Exploring the Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber for Tallwood Construction
Course Overview This session examines the growing potential of point-supported mass timber systems in tall building construction, contrasting them with traditional timber framing and conventional steel and concrete approaches. It highlights regulator advancements, the role of mass timber in addressing mid-density housing needs, and the structural fundamentals of gravity and lateral systems. Through cost and schedule comparisons, design principles like bi-axial bending and punching shear, and insights from ongoing Canadian codification efforts, the presentation offers a comprehensive overview supported by real-world projects such as VAHA Burrard and BCIT Tall Timber. Learning Objectives Evaluate the opportunities and constraints for point-supported mass timber when compared to traditional timber framing schemes. Analyze the schedule and cost benefits of point-supported mass timber systems versus steel and concrete in tall construction projects. Explore state-of-the-art design methodologies and ongoing efforts towards codification in Canada. Course Video Speakers Bio Carla Dickof, P.Eng., M.A.Sc. Associate Principal | Director of Research & Development Fast+Epp Carla Dickof is the Associate Principal & Director of Research and Development at Fast + Epp, where she leads the Testing Team at Fast + Epp’s R&D hub, Concept Lab, and uses the data gleaned from research programs to regularly contribute to academic journals and conferences. Carla completed her Master’s degree studies at the University of British Columbia, where her thesis research focused on hybrid systems, specifically those combining steel and mass timber (CLT). Her experience as an engineer spans commercial, recreational, educational, and residential projects – and, since joining Fast + Epp in 2012, Carla has gained a robust fluency in all major building materials, including concrete, steel, light-framed wood, heavy timber, and mass timber. Her understanding of building physics and materials brings invaluable insights to her projects. Alejandro Coronado, P.Eng. Technical Advisor WoodWorks BC Alejandro Coronado is a Technical Advisor with a multidisciplinary background spanning contracting, supply, and consulting engineering. With both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from BCIT, Alejandro began his career in single-family residential design and steadily advanced to contribute to landmark projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal, the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. Initially drawn to mass timber for its expressive architectural potential, Alejandro quickly recognized its broader value in addressing today’s social and environmental challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction and simple yet effective structural solutions.
Understanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber
Course Overview In this course, you’ll gain insight into the design and manufacturing considerations involved in using glulam in buildings. As one of the oldest mass timber products used in Canada, glulam offers exceptional flexibility and can be incorporated into a wide range of building types—particularly where curvature and expressive geometry are key. Presenters will outline design and manufacturing strategies for creating efficient structures, showing how glulam can be used not just as columns and beams, but as the primary structure in today’s innovative buildings—whether architecturally driven or focused on value and efficiency. They will also cover the availability of glulam products across Canada and explain how to maximize the value of the timber used. Practical tips will be shared to help designers and specifiers take full advantage of glulam’s attributes in a cost-efficient way. Learning Objectives Participants will learn the design strategies employed when using curvature and geometry in buildings and gain an understanding of what is possible with expressive architecture. Participants will understand the practical constraints of glulam manufacturing, including how to approach the design and specification of glulam members. Participants will learn how different wood species and strength grades are applied in glulam design, and how to use them efficiently for optimal performance. Participants will understand how geometry, fire ratings, and member layups influence the cost-efficiency and design potential of glulam systems. Course Video Speakers Bio Andre Lema Manager of Business Development Western Archrib Andre Lema, a seasoned professional in the wood industry, brings decades of experience and expertise. Starting as a carpenter and advancing through a degree in Construction Engineering at NAIT, Andre has been instrumental in driving the success of Western Archrib. His passion for wood and dedication to fostering client relationships have made him a key figure in the industry. Alejandro Coronado, P.Eng. Technical Advisor WoodWorks BC Alejandro Coronado is a Technical Advisor with a multidisciplinary background spanning contracting, supply, and consulting engineering. With both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from BCIT, Alejandro began his career in single-family residential design and steadily advanced to contribute to landmark projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal, the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. Initially drawn to mass timber for its expressive architectural potential, Alejandro quickly recognized its broader value in addressing today’s social and environmental challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction and simple yet effective structural solutions.
Quiet by Design
Course Overview Join us for Quiet by Design, an in-depth course exploring how to achieve consistent, high-performing acoustics in mass timber projects. In partnership with AcoustiTECH, a panel of leading acoustic experts will unpack the complexities of flanking (Kij), share best-practice detailing strategies—including bulkheads and wall interfaces—to help you avoid costly construction errors, and present the latest research on lightweight floor and ceiling assemblies for mass timber systems, including GLT. Expect practical design strategies, real-world insights, and clear, actionable guidance to help you choose the right acoustic solutions for your next project. Learning Objectives Understanding and Addressing Flanking (Kij): Gain a clear understanding of how sound transmits through indirect paths and learn proven methods to identify, measure, and control flanking effectively. Best Practices in Acoustic Design: Discover key detailing approaches—such as optimized bulkhead integration and wall interfaces—that enhance acoustic performance, improve Kij values, and minimize costly construction errors. Lightweight Assemblies for Mass Timber Structures: Explore innovative, lightweight floor and ceiling assemblies purpose-designed for mass timber systems, including the latest findings and design guidance for GLT applications. Course Video Speakers Bio Cristian Wallace AcoustiTECH Cristian Wallace has extensive experience in collaborating with architects, builders, acoustic consultants, and other stakeholders. He focuses on delivering tailored acoustical solutions to meet the specific needs of each project. With a hands-on approach, Cristian evaluates every detail to provide efficient, personalized solutions that help clients achieve their vision. His expertise, combined with AcoustiTECH’s proven methods, ensures reliable and effective outcomes in every collaboration. Ben White Senior Acoustical Engineer Aercoustics Engineering Ltd. David Dompierre Senior Noise Consultant SIBE Acoustics Simon Edwards Senior Acoustical Engineer HGC Noise Vibration Acoustics
Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
Course Overview 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 what is possible in 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 superior aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments. Learning Objectives Participants will learn how to create flexible, multi-tenant industrial layouts using mass timber systems that are able to accommodate evolving tenant needs. Participants will gain insight into how early-stage collaboration with mass timber suppliers streamlines design, engineering, and construction processes. Participants will gain insight into the role of mass timber in biophilic design, and how its visual warmth and natural materials contribute to wellness-centred spaces that appeal to tenants. Participants will understand how mass timber can be a cost-competitive alternative to steel, especially in volatile markets, and assess its impact on embodied carbon and sustainability goals. Course Video Speakers Bio Darian Sweeney, B.Sc., B.B.A Chief Operating Officer Bloomington Developments Born and raised in Greater Sudbury, Darian holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Laurentian University – in Biochemistry and Business Administration with a specialization in finance. In December of 2021, he joined Bloomington Developments, a real estate investor and developer in Greater Sudbury with a focus on commercial and industrial assets. While he has had the chance to apply his skills in capital budgeting, asset valuation, financial forecasting, and cost tracking in his time with Bloomington, his first major role with the company was unrelated to his educational background: overseeing the two concurrent mass timber building projects that are the subject of this seminar. Darian now manages all construction projects – whether new builds or renovations – and negotiates all leases across the company’s portfolio, in addition to his roles as primary liaison on legal, administrative, tenant relations, marketing, and business development matters. Patrick Danielson, OAA + AIBC, MRAIC Founder and Principal Danielson Architecture Office Inc. Patrick holds a degree in Biomedical Science and a graduate degree from the School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia. Combining these disciplines, he developed a unique “genetic design” approach — an evolving architectural strategy informed by biological principles. Patrick has expanded this framework through academic research, patented innovations, private sector projects, biological studies, and his experience as a pilot.
Emerging Solutions for Mass Timber in Healthcare
Resource Description Healthcare buildings are among the most complex and resource-intensive structures we design and, increasingly, they are being asked to do more. Modern hospitals not only need to support healing for patients and staff, but also to contribute to planetary health by reducing carbon emissions and addressing social and environmental determinants of wellbeing. To meet these goals, hospital design must evolve beyond the “squeezed and standardized” approach that has long defined it. Mass timber is emerging as a credible alternative to conventional systems for larger-scale, high-rise institutional buildings. Recent advancements in material science, manufacturing, engineering, and fire safety have made it possible to consider timber as a structural solution for complex facilities — including hospitals. Recognizing that innovation in healthcare design must be evidence-based, this collaborative study explores the feasibility of using mass timber for a 200+ bed acute care hospital. The multidisciplinary team — including KPMB Architects, PHSA (Provincial Health Services Authority of BC), Fast + Epp, Smith + Andersen, Resource Planning Group, CHM Fire, Hanscomb, AMB Planning, and EllisDon — developed and evaluated a detailed test design for a mass timber inpatient tower suited to the Canadian context. The study examined structure, cost, schedule, lifecycle carbon, code compliance, infection control, and biophilic design as part of a holistic approach to sustainable healthcare infrastructure. Learning Objectives Identify the key drivers that influence structural system selection in healthcare building design. Describe the opportunities, limitations, and specific considerations associated with using mass timber in hospital environments. Summarize findings from an in-progress feasibility study for a mass timber inpatient tower in a Canadian acute care setting. Evaluate the comparative schedule, cost, and lifecycle carbon outcomes identified in the study, and discuss implications for future healthcare projects. Course Video Speakers Bio Chris McQuillan, OAA, AIBC, FRAIC LEED AP Principal KPMB Architects Chris McQuillan, a registered architect and a distinguished Fellow of the RAIC, brings three decades of experience in planning, design and construction for healthcare and biomedical research. He has completed work across Canada, southeast Asia and in the Caribbean. In the healthcare sphere, his experience includes acute, rehabilitation and mental health treatment. Recently, Chris has designed major additions to Burnaby Hospital and Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, a major expansion of the Halifax Infirmary, a new regional hospital in Corner Brook Newfoundland, a provincial specialty hospital for addictions and mental health in St John’s and strategic planning for the phased renovation of Royal Columbian Hospital here in Vancouver. A resident of Toronto, but active across Canada and beyond, Chris joined KPMB Architects in 2024 to propel the growth of the firm’s work in the healthcare sector. Chris’ focus in the design of healthcare facilities is to create healing architecture – for people, for our cities and for the planet. Mass timber must come to be viewed as an indispensable tool to help us achieve that goal. Juan J. Cruz Martinez, M.Arch, M.Des, EDAC, LEED GA Senior Director, Major Capital Projects Provincial Health Services Authority Lisa Miller-Way, C.E.T., LET Director CHM Fire
Efficient Tall Wall Framing using Engineered Wood Products
Course Overview This webinar will explore the basic design principles and best practices for efficient tall wall design using engineered wood products. Discussion will include material selection, design for climate conditions, and a complete design example using freely available software tools. Learning Objectives Understand the design principles and inputs required to size tall wall framing members. Recognize some of the pitfalls of inadequate tall wall design. Learn about easy-to-use tools and software available to simplify this process. Course Video Speaker Bio Steve McManus Senior Engineer Weyerhaeuser Steve McManus, a professional engineer based in Langley, BC, supports Weyerhaeuser’s Trus Joist® Engineered Lumber Products in residential and light commercial construction. He provides technical support, training, and field issue resolution for suppliers, architects, engineers, and building officials across Canada. Steve’s 27 years of experience in the forest industry includes structural design and engineering, forest management, and wood products manufacturing.
