The Business Case for Mass Timber
Course Overview Mass timber is redefining how we design and deliver buildings. This session spotlights two projects at the forefront: The Exchange office building in Kelowna and a planned residential tower in Vancouver. Alongside these case studies, the speakers will present a business case analysis, breaking down costs, risks, and opportunities. Together, the speakers will share how mass timber is being applied today, the lessons learned, and why it is becoming a viable choice for development in today’s market. Learning Objectives Understand the business case drivers for mass timber by evaluating how structure, envelope, schedule, and risk factors influence overall project viability using real project examples (Kelowna office; Vancouver tower planning). Identify constructability and delivery constraints unique to mass timber (e.g., tolerance coordination with concrete cores, moisture/fire exposure concerns, early planning of penetrations/services) and explain how early integration mitigates these risks. Apply project optimization strategies (e.g., floor plate adjustments, balcony strategy, prefabricated wall assemblies, supplier early engagement) to improve cost and schedule competitiveness relative to conventional systems. Course Video Speakers Bio Graham Brewster FDirector of Development Wesgroup Properties Graham is Director of Development at Wesgroup Properties, one of Western Canada’s largest private real estate organizations. Graham is leading Wesgroup’s mass timber exploration and execution, with an eye to not only build better buildings, but building the understanding to build a robust and sustainable industry in BC. Tim McLennan CEO Faction Projects Inc. As co-founder and CEO of Faction Projects Inc., Tim oversees a vertically integrated group of companies including Faction Architecture Inc., Faction Construction, and multiple subsidiaries—delivering full-spectrum project services from concept to construction. He leads the company’s long-term strategy, corporate governance, and financial stewardship. His leadership drives innovation across the group’s project delivery platforms—anchoring Faction’s reputation for integrated, regionally responsive, and technically advanced solutions. Neil McGowan Partner, Senior Advisor BTY Group Neill is a Partner at BTY and is responsible for providing planning and cost consulting services to financial institutions, government agencies, real estate developers and contractors. He has over 35 years of experience in British Columbia providing cost and risk advisory services. Neill is a sustainability leader and has led BTY’s team on a wide variety of projects advancing the understanding of capital and life-cycle costs of energy conservation and GHG-reduction measures for government and institutional clients. Jerry Calara Technical Manager Alberta WoodWORKS! / CWC
Early Mass Timber Collaboration: A Journey from Design Assists Pre-Construction through Construction
Course Overview In this session attendees will be taken through the evolution of the mass timber structure design for the Sam Centre at the Calgary Stampede. We will explore the varied forms of collaboration from design and pre-construction through construction to completion. During the talk the value of collaboration will be examined from a design assist trade to the early onboarding of a mass timber erector, to the engagement of a mass timber specialists examining topics from erection tolerances to moisture and construction protection, to storage procedures, to fire retardant impregnation, and the aesthetic and performance outcome of each. Particular attention will be paid to how the process of collaboration at the various stages aided the design and successful execution of the mass timber connection details. A tour of the project could also be offered given its proximity to the conference. The Sam Centre is a year-round immersive experience that brings the ‘world of the Calgary Stampede’ – past, present and future – to life through technology, story-making, and Western hospitality. The use of Mass timber was a key strategy in connecting to the history of the Stampede and its historic structures. Sam Centre is a linear volume characterized by a large horizontal pitched roof. The structure uses a repetitive hybrid steel frame with exposed mass timber beams and a Nail Laminated Timber Roof Deck, adding warmth to the interior and creating a distinct profile offering a modern yet durable nod to traditional barn construction. Creating deep overhanging soffits which mitigate heating and cooling loads, the roof also evokes the welcoming verandahs of traditional Alberta architecture. Learning Objectives Learn how design assist supported the design of the mass timber connections and how those details would be built to ensure the structure was built efficiently and effectively. Learn about the importance of bringing on a mass timber erector early in the design process to ensure that the construction system and any tolerances required are correctly captured in drawings. Understand the value of a collaborative approach between design team, consultants, trades, and building science team to ensure all facets of mass timber construction are noted across project phases. Course Video Speakers Bio Jeff Geldart, AAA, OAA Associate Diamond Schmitt Jeff Geldart believes having a thorough understanding of the client’s goals and objectives is critical to developing a design that best meets their needs and expectations. That understanding becomes the root of any great piece of architecture. If the building does not meet the needs of its occupants, then the rest is superfluous. Throughout his professional career Jeff has worked with both institutional and private sector clients. Some of his more notable institutional projects have included work with Wentworth County and Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. One Developments, Lifetime Developments and Kylemore Communities are among his residential accomplishments. This broad and range of experience has allowed him to enhance his drive for achieving design excellence while at the same time rigorously working to consistently meet schedules, budgets, and ultimately project execution. Jeff demonstrates a phenomenal capability technically, aesthetically, and managerially on his projects. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2019, Jeff has worked as the Senior Architect on the Ottawa Public Library and Library Archives Canada Joint Facility and the Okotoks Arts and Learning Campus in Alberta. Jeff is currently based in Calgary. Mark Grimes, P.Eng, PMP Senior Project Manager EllisDon Mark Grimes is a Senior Project Manager at EllisDon, originally graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering – Mark moved to Canada in 2010 and has spent the last 15 years working primarily in Alberta on a wide range of projects ranging from highrise tower construction to luxury hydrotherapy spas.
Lessons from “The Timber City”
Course Overview The presentation explores the innovative approach undertaken by the municipality of Växjö, Sweden, which aligns sustainable construction practices with the development of smart cities. By leveraging wood as a primary building material, this strategy reduces environmental impact, promotes resource efficiency, and supports the circular economy. The presentation details the integration of prefabricated wooden elements and advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and digitalization to optimize urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. The strategic framework includes collaboration with industry stakeholders, the transition to open innovation, and the establishment of standards and regulations to support long-term sustainable development. The presentation also addresses the municipality’s role in fostering innovation and market opportunities, aiming to transform Växjö into a leading example of a smart, sustainable city. This study contributes to the broader discourse on urban sustainability, providing actionable insights for policymakers, architects, and urban planners committed to developing resilient and environmentally responsible urban environments. Learning Objectives Understanding Sustainable Construction Practices: Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of using wood as a sustainable building material, including its impact on reducing environmental footprints and promoting long-term urban sustainability. Integration of Technology in Urban Development: Participants will learn how modern technologies such as IoT, AI, and digitalization are transforming construction processes and contributing to the development of smart cities. Strategic Planning for Smart Cities: The presentation will provide knowledge on the critical components of a smart city, including energy efficiency, resource management, and the use of advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for residents. Collaboration and Innovation in Urban Development: Attendees will understand the importance of open innovation, collaboration among stakeholders, and the role of municipalities in facilitating sustainable development and market possibilities in the context of sustainable construction and smart cities. Course Video Speakers Bio Fredrik Lindblad Professor Linneaus University Fredrik Lindblad is an accomplished leader with a distinguished career in international business management, strategic development, and logistics. Throughout his career, Fredrik has held key leadership positions globally, including roles at Danzas, DHL, and as the Global Head of Supply Chain at Aramex. Most recently, he served as CEO of Växjö Linnæus Science Park, where he played a crucial role in forging strategic partnerships, driving business growth, and fostering innovation. In addition to his executive roles, Fredrik has held several board-level positions and has been actively engaged as an international consultant, working on projects for governments, NGOs, and non-profit organizations. Fredrik holds a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering and a Licentiate in Economics from Linnaeus University, where he also serves as an Associate Professor. He is a prolific author, with numerous publications in journals such as the Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration, Forest Products Journal, Management and Technology, Wood Material Science and Engineering, and Construction Management and Economics. His research has made contributions to the fields of logistics, supply chain management, and wood construction technology.
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
International Perspectives on Sustainable Housing Development
Course Overview Around the world there is a significant and growing housing shortage that is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This challenge demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, occupant comfort, and efficient land use. This panel discussion brings together three internationally renowned architects: Francine Houben (Mecanoo, the Netherlands), Christophe Ouhayoun (KOZ Architects, France), and Geoff Denton (White Arkitekter, Sweden) to explore their approaches to sustainable housing. Each panelist will share their unique perspective on how to address housing shortages and sustainable densification, offering insights into the latest design strategies, materials, and technologies that can contribute to more resilient and equitable urban environments. Join us for a dynamic conversation that will delve into the future of housing and the role of architecture in creating livable, sustainable cities. Learning Objectives Understand how international architects approach sustainable housing development, including wood‑based construction, urban densification, and low‑carbon strategies. Compare differing regulatory, cultural, and construction‑industry conditions that influence mass timber, modularity, prefabrication, and approval processes in Sweden, France, and Canada. Identify urban‑design principles used to create healthy, community‑oriented neighborhoods. Course Video Speakers Bio Francine Houben Founding Partner, Creative Director Mecanoo, the Netherlands Francine Houben is founding partner of Mecanoo (1984) and has led the firm to success in The Netherlands and abroad, amassing a portfolio of work that is wide-ranging, inspired by global challenges and with a sustainable view on society. Mecanoo combines the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture and interior design to produce unorthodox design solutions born from a strong sensitivity to context and a highly interdisciplinary design process. Each of her projects illustrates the four fundamental elements of her architectural vision: People, Place, Purpose, Poetry. Francine Houben was professor of mobility aesthetics at Delft University of Technology and taught at the universities of Harvard, Yale and Mendrisio. As curator of the First International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (2003), she brought the theme of the aesthetics of mobility to the forefront of international design consciousness. Francine holds Honorary Fellowships of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and was granted lifelong membership to the Akademie der Künste in Berlin as well as receiving the International Honorary Fellow Award by the Architecture Institute of Taiwan. In 2014 Francine was named Woman Architect of the Year by the Architects’ Journal and in November 2015 Queen Máxima of The Netherlands presented her with the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prize for her wide-ranging career. Francine was awarded Honorary Doctorates from the Université de Mons, Belgium (2017) and the Utrecht University (2016). In 2018 she received the BNA Kubus Award for her oeuvre; the International Prize, Prix des Femmes Architectes (2019) and distinguished with the TU Delft Alumnus of the Year (2020). In 2024, King Willem-Alexander appointed Francine Houben as a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Christophe Ouhayoun Founding Partner Architect KOZ Architects, France Christophe Ouhayoun is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. He currently serves as a State Architect Advisor in the Aveyron department. In 1999, he co-founded KOZ Architectes with Nicolas Ziesel. A pioneer in wood architecture since 2001, he recently delivered Lot E of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Village as co-coordinator within the Nexity-Eiffage team. In addition to his architectural work, he co-founded: KOZTO, a workshop dedicated to the creation of up-cycled furniture. PLAN01, a collaborative “”second office”” active from 2003 to 2014, in partnership with Atelier du Pont, BP Architectures, and Philéas. PLAN02, an integrated environmental consulting firm. Alongside his private practice, Christophe Ouhayoun works as a visiting professor at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers and at the École spéciale d’architecture de Paris. Geoff Denton Partner Architect White Arkitekter, Sweden Geoff Denton is an architect and urban designer who has led residential, educational and mixed-use urban design and architectural projects across the UK, Europe and North America. Educated at Sheffield University in the UK, his career in Sweden notably led him to the role of lead architect for the implementation of Greenwich Millennium Village for Ralph Erskine Architect. This project marked the beginning of his focus on socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and regeneration. He joined White Arkitekter in 2011 and is now a partner and member of the board of directors. During his time at White he has led award winning urban design projects and was responsible for starting White Arkitekter’s London Studio. The studio has been built on the goal to share knowledge and experience of sustainable development and offsite fabrication methods used throughout the Nordics. Key projects developed during the first years of the London studio include the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and the Gascoigne estate regeneration in London. Geoff is now based in Stockholm where he works with diverse complex international projects. His approach to architecture is collaborative and he strongly believes that good design solutions are very much about creating places where people feel secure and invigorated.
A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future
Course Overview With buildings generating 40% of global carbon emissions, we need to achieve net-zero by 2050 to meet the Paris Agreement target and limit global warming to 2°C. Timber sequesters an average of 1.9 metric tons of carbon-dioxide equivalent emissions per cubic meter (Sathre & O’Connor, 2010). While a purely mass timber tall building may not be the most cost-efficient solution, a hybrid structure can maximize the overall use of wood by volume in the most cost-efficient manner. Floor systems in buildings contribute as much as 73% of the environmental impact of a high-rise building’s structure (Lankhorst et al., 2019), making them an excellent target for reducing embodied carbon. DIALOG’s patent- pending Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS) takes advantage of the benefits of cross-laminated timber (CLT) combined with pre-stressed concrete to achieve a 12-metre column-free span. The HTFS is proposed as part of our Hybrid Timber Tower, a 105-storey mixed-use prototype that is being evaluated and tested by DIALOG and EllisDon. The prototype structure consists of the hybrid timber floor, combined with a concrete core and an external steel frame. Fire safety is achieved in the floor panels as the exposed wood chars to form a protective layer, while the non-combustible concrete and steel band continues to support the panel. The exposed CLT panels also provide a biophilic appeal, which has shown to support cognitive function as well as physical and psychological well-being (Vidovich, 2020). DIALOG, EllisDon, FPInnovations and other partners have completed the first phase of small-scale testing on over 40 panels. We are scheduled for fire testing of the panels in Ottawa with NRCan this fall with full scale testing of the 12-meter panels starting in late 2022. Learning Objectives Describe how hybrid mass timber systems—such as the Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS)—reduce embodied carbon and support zero‑carbon goals in high-rise, mixed-use developments. Explain the structural, fire safety, and performance characteristics of hybrid CLT–concrete floor assemblies, including how charring, concrete bands, and steel elements contribute to long-span capability and code compliance. Evaluate the role of multidisciplinary research, prototyping, and large-scale testing in validating hybrid timber technologies for supertall applications, including their impacts on sustainability, biophilia, and cost efficiency. Course Video Speaker Bio Craig Applegath, BSc, BArch, MArchUD, PPOAA, AIBC, NSAA, AIA, FRAIC, LEED® APBD+C Founding Partner & Architect DIALOG Craig Applegath is the founding principal of DIALOG’s Toronto Studio, and a passionate designer who believes in the power of built form to meaningfully improve the wellbeing of communities and the environment they are part of. Since graduating from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design Craig has focused his energies on leading innovative planning and design projects that address the complex challenges facing our communities, as well as on his advocacy of sustainable building design and urban regeneration and symbiosis. Craig’s area of practice includes the master planning and design of institutional projects, including post secondary education, healthcare facilities, as well as the design of innovative mixed-use- facilities. Craig was a founding Board Member of Sustainable Buildings Canada, a Past President of the Ontario Association of Architects, and the current moderator of SymbioticCities.net. Craig has lectured or taught at Harvard, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, as well as at many professional and sector related conferences around the world. In 2001 Craig was made a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada for his contributions to the profession of architecture. In 2017 he was presented with the OALA Honourary Membership Award for his contributions to the cause of landscape architecture in Ontario. Neel Bavishi, PEng, CEM Building Performance Analysis, Associate DIALOG Neel is passionate about applying the art and science of building performance simulation and data-driven design to produce positive outcomes for the built environment. He embraces holistic solutions that minimize the environmental impact of building assets while providing enhanced value to building owners, developers, policymakers, and designers through improved well-being and reduced total cost of ownership. Neel believes that an integrated and collaborative approach that incorporates diverse perspectives is essential for delivering high-performance buildings. A mechanical engineer by training, Neel is well-versed in whole-building energy modelling for both new and existing buildings and lifecycle cost analysis, design optimization, and data visualization. His experience includes developing energy models for green building certification programs, carbon-neutral retrofit studies and district energy strategies, and the development of net-zero energy and emissions policies and standards for municipal, provincial, and federal government bodies. His projects span various asset classes, including recreational facilities, commercial high-rise towers, multi-unit residential buildings, hospitals, data centres, and transit facilities. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario and is a Certified Energy Manager. Cameron Ritchie, PEng, PE, PhD, BSE Structural Engineer, Associate DIALOG Cameron is an Associate on the Structural Engineering team in DIALOG’s Toronto studio. Since graduating with a PhD from the University of Toronto, Cameron has acted as a structural design engineer and project manager across a variety of sectors and project types, including healthcare, institutional, government, and retail. He has experience in all stages of a project delivery, from feasibility studies through construction administration and management. Cameron is DIALOG’s project manager for the hybrid timber floor system (HTFS) research program, working closely with industry partners EllisDon. He is passionate about exploring mass timber wherever possible as a sustainable solution to our building needs.
