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.
