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
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
Aspen Art Museum: Creating an Innovative Wood Structure
Course Overview The Aspen Art Museum, designed by architect Shigeru Ban, includes a long-span three-dimensional wood space-frame roof. Ban’s charge was to create a wood space frame with spans of more than 50 feet and cantilevers of 14 feet, in a structural depth of 3 feet. The space frame was to have two planes of intersecting diagonal webs of curved members that undulated up and down to touch the planes of the top and bottom chords with no visible connectors. This case study presentation will describe the design and construction of the wood structure, including paths explored but not chosen for the final design. Learning Objectives Articulate the particular demands associated with creating a 3-dimensional space frame entirely in wood. Recognize the advantages and disadvantages of several wood connection strategies in space-frame structures. Be aware of manufacturing capabilities and limitations that influenced the design of the Aspen Art Museum roof structure. Understand the importance of early engagement of manufacturing and engineering partners in the design process for innovative wood structures. Course Video Speaker Bio Gregory R. Kingsley, PhD, PE President and CEO KL&A Inc. Gregory is the president and CEO of KL&A Inc., Structural Engineers and Builders in Golden, Colorado, a firm of 65 that includes structural engineers, steel detailers, and construction managers. He enjoys working with design architects on innovative structures, especially wood and steel.
