Green Construction through Wood
Course Overview Green Construction through WoodThe Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program encourages the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects. The renewed program expanded its focus to fund innovative building solutions and schematic designs under key areas of interest including, but not limited to, prefabrication, modular buildings, retrofits, and design for disassembly/adaptability. Accelerating Mass Timber Adoption in Canada Regional experts from WoodWorks, representing jurisdictions from across Canada, offer insights into regional opportunities and lingering obstacles to mass timber adoption, and discuss the strategies developed and presented in the Mass Timber Roadmap recently published by FPAC, CWC, Energy Futures Lab and The Transition Accelerator. Learning Objectives Understand the purpose and impact of the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program, including its role in reducing embodied carbon, enabling innovation, and supporting Canada’s mass timber ecosystem. Identify key barriers and enablers affecting mass timber adoption in Canada, such as technical challenges, regulatory evolution, supply chain capacity, and regional policy differences. Identify regional opportunities and market pathways for expanding mass timber construction, incorporating insights from WoodWorks experts across Canada and the strategic directions presented in the Mass Timber Roadmap. Course Video Speakers Bio Jean-Francois Levasseur Director, Industry Relations & Innovation Programs Natural Resources Canada Graduating from the University of Ottawa’s Chemical Engineering program, Jean-Francois started his career in a variety of increasing roles in Kraft pulp mills, including mill process and environmental engineer positions. He then joined Environment and Climate Change Canada where he led on numerous aspects of environmental regulatory regimes applicable to Canada’s forest sector. At Natural Resources Canada since 2009, he has led in the design and implementation of various funding programs supporting strategic R&D, innovation and capital investments that accelerate the transformation of the Canadian forest sector towards the Bioeconomy: the Pulp & Paper Green Transformation (PPGTP); the Forest Innovation Program (FIP); the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation program (IFIT), and; the Green Construction through Wood program (GCWood). Together, these programs provided more than $1B to support energy efficiency improvements, green energy production, and the commercialization of innovative products, transformative technologies and new wood based green building and mass timber demonstrations. Scott Jackson Director of Conservation Biology Forest Products Association of Canada Steven Street Executive Director WoodWorks Ontario Shawn Keyes Executive Director WoodWorks BC Rory Koska Executive Director WoodWorks Alberta Simon Bellavance Technical Advisor Cecobois David Porter Program Coordinator WoodWorks Atlantic Tim Buhler Director – Programs and Operations Canadian Wood Council
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.
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
