FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation
Course Overview This presentation explores the transformative impact of prefabricated light wood frame construction systems in multi-residential development, focusing on VanMar’s FRAMEWORK methodology and its application in the new 150 Wissler Road project in Waterloo. FRAMEWORK is a highly efficient, panelized light wood frame system designed for buildings up to six storeys, delivering rapid, sustainable, and cost-effective construction that meets and exceeds energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets. The session will highlight VanMar’s extensive experience in affordable housing, the advantages of offsite prefabrication, and the collaborative process that accelerates project delivery. Learning Objectives Participants will understand the benefits of prefabricated wood frame construction for multi-residential buildings. Participants will understand the FRAMEWORK system’s approach to speed, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Participants will be shown how collaborative offsite construction methods accelerated the 150 Wissler Road project. Participants will learn strategies for overcoming design challenges and achieving efficiencies in fire walls, shafts, and acoustics. Course Video Speakers Bio Jordan Zekveld Director of Preconstruction VanMar Constrcutors ON Jordan is a construction and development professional with deep experience in estimating, preconstruction, and cost strategy for multi-unit residential projects. At VanMar Constructors, he helps developers, REITs, and non-profits bring condominium, rental, and affordable housing projects from concept to construction. Drawing on VanMar’s integrated design-build expertise, Jordan leads collaborative preconstruction processes that align design intent, feasibility, and cost efficiency. His experience spans concrete high-rise and innovative mid-rise wood-frame developments, including the Framework system — VanMar’s sustainable, fast, and cost-effective building solution. With a focus on clarity, constructability, and long-term value, Jordan works at the intersection of planning, design, and execution to help deliver housing that’s efficient, affordable, and built to last. Mike Philips Executive Director Ontario Structural Wood Association (OSWA) Mike Phillips has served as Executive Director of OSWA since 2008. Under his leadership, the association has evolved from a truss-fabricator-focused group into Ontario’s leading voice for structural wood component manufacturing. Today, the province is home to 70 certified truss plants and 40 wood-panel manufacturers, with engineered wood products now the preferred choice for floor systems. At the same time, Ontario’s building code has never been more prepared to accommodate advanced wood-construction methods. Mike is a strong advocate for the industrialization of construction and the expanding role of off-site building systems—critical drivers of wood construction’s future growth. Paul Marchesani Operations Manager Panelized Building Solutions Inc. Paul Marchesani is the Vice President of Panelized Building Solutions Inc., a family run business where he plays a key leadership role in driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and project execution across the company. Known for his strong work ethic, hands-on approach, and deep industry knowledge, Paul oversees day-to-day operations while supporting long-term planning that aligns with the company’s vision. Before joining Panelized Building Solutions, Paul held key roles in project management and operations within manufacturing and construction environments, where he oversaw production teams, implemented process improvements, and helped streamline workflow efficiencies. His ability to manage both people and complex technical projects made him a natural fit for leadership. Respected by colleagues, clients, and trade partners alike, Paul combines technical expertise with strong leadership, making him an essential pillar of the company’s continued success.
Construction Moisture Management of Mass Timber Buildings
Course Overview Mass timber buildings are transforming the way we build—but with new materials come new challenges. This session will explore how moisture risks in mass timber construction and how to take a proactive approach to moisture management. Participants will gain practical insights into effective protection strategies during the construction phase and learn how to develop a tailored moisture management plan to safeguard both the mass timber structure and project timelines. Learning Objectives Identify key moisture risks specific to mass timber construction and understand how they differ from traditional structural systems. Apply practical construction-phase moisture protection strategies that align with project sequencing, site conditions, and contractor workflows. Develop or evaluate a project-specific moisture management plan to protect mass timber elements, reduce delays, and ensure long-term durability. Course Video Speakers Bio David Stanton Associate, Senior Engineer – Building Enclosure RDH Building Science Inc. David is an Associate and Senior Building Science Engineer in RDH Building Science’s Toronto office. David’s exposure to mass timber projects started with the Brock Commons project in BC as a coop student and then with the Catalyst building in Spokane, WA—a 4-storey mass timber building for Eastern Washington University—when he started working full-time in the Building Science field. Since moving back to Toronto, David has continued to work on large scale mass timber projects, including the Lawson Center for Sustainability and the Academic Wood Tower projects at UofT. Sean Carroll Senior Superintendent Graham Construction Sean Carroll is a Senior Superintendent with Graham Construction, bringing over 32 years of experience across Canada, Europe, and the UK. A civil engineer and journeyman carpenter, Sean has led complex projects in the commercial, residential, pharmaceutical, and educational sectors—including several involving advanced Mass Timber construction. Over his 11 years with Graham, split between Alberta and Ontario, Sean has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable building methods, particularly in the use of engineered timber systems. He brings a deep understanding of Mass Timber coordination, sequencing, and tolerances, along with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and team leadership. Known for his hands-on approach and global perspective, Sean combines technical precision with a collaborative leadership style—driving successful project outcomes from concept through completion. Natasha Jeremic Manager, Codes and Standards – Sustainability Canadian Wood Council Natasha Jeremic is a Professional Engineer in the building industry, with a background in design, building performance, and project management. She is currently the Sustainability Manager for Codes and Standards at the Canadian Wood Council, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on low-carbon construction, energy efficiency, durability, and circularity. Natasha leverages her expertise in structural design, building envelope consulting, and whole life carbon accounting to showcase how wood products contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon built environment. She is passionate about raising awareness of wood’s role as a viable solution in advancing climate-conscious construction.
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
