Offsite Manufacturing: Driving Efficiency, Quality, and Sustainable Construction
Course Overview Offsite construction is transforming the building industry by shifting key processes from traditional sites to controlled factory environments. This approach enhances productivity, quality, and sustainability, addressing challenges like labor shortages and environmental impact. The delivery process emphasizes early collaboration, integrated design, and robust project management to optimize efficiency and risk management. Durability and energy efficiency are achieved through advanced material selection, moisture management, and airtight, highly insulated assemblies. Construction logistics, quality control, and commissioning are tailored for offsite methods, ensuring rapid, reliable project delivery. Life cycle analysis shows offsite construction can reduce embodied carbon and waste, supporting climate goals. Canada’s evolving policies and market trends position offsite construction as a key solution for affordable, sustainable housing. Learning Objectives Explain the difference between predesigned and custom steel hangers, and describe situations where a custom connection offers practical advantages in mass timber construction. Describe in plain terms how structural loads travel through a steel hanger assembly, from the supported beam through to the primary supporting member. Recognize why eccentricity occurs in hanger connections and understand, at a conceptual level, how it affects the design of the surrounding structure. Understanding the role the Ontario Structural Wood Association plays in advancing offsite construction in Ontario, including industry coordination, advocacy, and best practices. Course Video Speakers Bio Cassandra Lafond Senior Scientist and Project Leader FPInnovations Cassandra Lafond is a Senior Scientist and Project Leader at FPInnovations, specializing in wood construction systems and industrialized building solutions. Her work combines applied research, innovation, and industry practice to support the advancement of sustainable wood construction. She is particularly focused on the development of practical building solutions that help accelerate the adoption of efficient and scalable offsite construction approaches. Dorian Tung Manager of Technology Assessment FPInnovations Dorian Tung is currently the Manager of Technology Assessment at FPInnovations. Prior to this, he worked as a structural consultant in Canada and the US. As a manager, he has been working with scientists on projects related to structure, seismic, durability, energy, fire, acoustic, and vibration. With the evolving ecosystem, Dorian is active in many working groups to facilitate discussions, remove duplicates, accelerate processes, with the goal to maximize impacts for the forest industry NOW using research data. He is also the editor of the Offsite Wood Construction Handbook published by FPInnovations. Sadegh Mazloomi Senior Scientist FPInnovations Sadegh (pronounced Saa-dek) is a Senior Scientist at FPInnovations working on different timber engineering topics, including building vibration and acoustics, as well as non-destructive testing of mass timber structures. He is also experienced in the development of sampling and testing plans for lumber and engineered wood products.
Scaling Housing With Prefabricated Timber: Regulations-Ready Mid-Rise Prototypes
Course Overview British Columbia faces an urgent housing shortage and mounting pressure to accelerate delivery of multi-unit housing. Recent code changes enabling mass timber up to 18 storeys create a unique opportunity to rethink how housing is designed, permitted, and built. This session will present findings from the Housing Growth Innovation Program’s Prefabricated Timber Housing Systems project. Attendees will learn how pre-engineered, regulations-ready modular timber prototypes can streamline design and approvals, reduce embodied carbon, and speed construction through off-site manufacturing. The session will share strategies for integrating computational design, compliance analytics, and supply-chain insights to create adaptable, scalable mid-rise housing solutions. Geared to architects, developers, policymakers, and builders, participants will gain insight into how prefabrication and digital tools can de-risk projects, reduce permitting delays, and accelerate the delivery of sustainable, affordable homes in B.C. and beyond. Learning Objectives Explain how pre-engineered, regulations-ready prefabricated timber systems can support faster delivery of mid-rise, multi-unit housing under recent B.C. code changes. Identify key structural, building-services, and envelope strategies used in modular mass timber housing prototypes to improve constructability, adaptability, and permitting certainty. Recognize how digital tools, computational design, compliance analytics, and supply-chain benchmarking, can de-risk housing projects and support scalable, low-carbon construction. Course Video Speakers Bio Adrian Watson Principal, Design Director Perkins&Will Adrian Watson is Principal and Design Director at Perkins&Will, where he leads complex, high-profile projects that integrate sustainability, innovation, and design excellence. With over 30 years of experience, Adrian has shaped award-winning buildings and master plans across sectors, including higher education, infrastructure, civic, and housing. In his role as Design Director for the Vancouver and Calgary studios, Adrian leads a team of over 160 architects and designers. He is committed to the development design processes that look to the future, whilst believing that design excellence is attained by doing simple things very well. Yann Tregoat Architect Perkins&Will Originally from France, Yann’s early career was spent in Amsterdam and Paris, working on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Aquatic Centre. Through urban environment and professional exposure, he has developed a strong interest in mass timber and parametric design, as well as innovative sustainable building solutions. Since moving to Vancouver in 2021, he has worked on various mid-to-large-scale projects, from private development to civic buildings. He brings his own life and professional experience from Europe to his work while learning and further expanding his design expertise at Perkins&Will. Yann has two master’s degrees in both Architecture and Structural and Civil Engineering from the Institute of Applied Science of Strasbourg, France. Solomon Fung Associate Principal Introba Solomon Fung is an Associate Principal at the multidisciplinary engineering firm Introba. Based out of their Vancouver office, he brings 15 years of experience to the mechanical team with a diverse project portfolio including mid- and high-rise mixed-use residential buildings, affordable housing, commercial & office buildings, passive house design, and healthcare. With a keen interest in innovation, Solomon leads his team in pursuit of simple solutions that are replicable for the industry. Brent Olund Partner, Principal Credos Brent Olund is a Professional Engineer, a Gold Seal Project Manager, and holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. Brent’s 28 years in the construction industry to date started with industrial, commercial, and marine construction and included many years of focus on residential concrete high-rises, educational buildings, and mass timber construction. Brent is a nationally recognized expert and thought leader in the field of planning and control of mass timber structures, has worked with design teams through validation of several upcoming mass timber building assembly systems, and has designed and patented a new lateral structural system for use in these buildings. Brent believes that the highest purpose of his efforts is helping solve the housing crisis by implementing building systems toward improved productivity of construction. Andrew Blackie Structural Designer ASPECT Structural Engineers Andrew enjoys a diverse engineering background, ranging from adaptive reuse of heritage buildings through to the development of modular construction systems. As a common thread across his body of work, he brings expertise in digital workflows and parametric design to deliver an efficient, modern form of building design. Andrew graduated with a Master’s in Structural & Architectural Engineering from the University of Strathclyde in 2016 and has since gained almost a decade of experience between the UK and Canada. He joined ASPECT in 2025, where he has been developing strategies to deploy mass timber at scale and at pace. Andrew’s focus is bridging the gap between conventional and off-site construction, easing the transition away from carbon-intensive materials through a kit-of-parts approach to building structures. Halil Erhan Professor of Interactive Systems and Design Director of Computational Design Lab SFU School of Interactive Arts and Technology Dr. Halil Erhan completed his undergraduate studies at Middle East Technical University (METU) before earning a master’s degree at Clemson University, where he specialized in integrating 3D models into building design. He received his Ph.D. in Design Computation from Carnegie Mellon University, with a focus on generating design requirements. Currently, Dr. Erhan serves as a professor at Simon Fraser University and leads the Computational Design Laboratory. His interdisciplinary research approaches design as a cognitive and collaborative problem-solving process, aiming to develop effective tools that enhance the capacities of creative practitioners. He and his team create and test innovative, human-centered computational design tools. Dr. Erhan founded a research initiative called “Design Analytics,” which uses data from Performance Predictions to facilitate design space exploration through interactive visualizations. He collaborates with industry partners to encourage the adoption of new tools in the AEC sector.
Challenging Convention With Innovative Timber Applications
Course Overview This dynamic session explores cutting-edge applications of mass timber in Canadian construction through three compelling case studies that showcase how timber is revolutionizing the building industry. Attendees will discover Spearhead’s visionary approach to next-generation manufacturing through their innovative glulam facility in British Columbia. This groundbreaking project challenges conventional thinking and reimagines timber production processes, setting new standards for what’s possible in wood manufacturing. The session will also feature Intelligent City’s remarkable achievement—Canada’s first tall timber Passive House facade. This case study reveals how mass timber building envelopes can deliver exceptional environmental performance while meeting the most demanding energy efficiency standards, creating sustainable structures that perform as beautifully as they look. Finally, the session will present ETRO’s 837 Beatty project, where heritage preservation meets modern timber innovation. This thoughtful integration creates a harmonious dialogue between historical architecture and forward-thinking construction methodologies, demonstrating timber’s versatility across different building contexts. Learning Objectives Describe innovative timber applications across three case studies, including prefabricated mass timber envelope systems on tall wood buildings, next-generation glulam manufacturing, and heritage adaptive reuse with new timber additions. Identify key technical considerations for prefabricated timber building envelopes—panel sizing, air/water tightness strategies, moisture risk reduction through rapid enclosure, and crane sequencing/logistics constraints. Recognize construction and detailing approaches highlighted in the case studies, including NLT and glulam integration, concealed connection strategies (e.g., glued-in rod concepts as discussed), and coordination methods that support efficient, low-carbon timber delivery. Course Video Speakers Bio Shaun St-Amour Retrofit (Revive) Manager ETRO Construction Shaun brings a unique combination of expertise, leadership, and passion for high-performance buildings. With extensive knowledge of high-performance building standards and hands-on experience with sustainable materials and methods, he bridges the gap between design intent and construction execution. Beyond ETRO, Shaun contributes to the Passive House Accelerator, organizes Zero Carbon Building Tours with ZEBx, and hosts building science meet-ups. His expertise plays a key role in driving decarbonization, resiliency, and efficiency in both new and existing buildings. Josh Hall Partner, Director of Business Development Spearhead Josh is a Partner and Director of Business Development at Spearhead, where he helps shape the company’s vision and strategic direction. With over fifteen years of experience spanning architecture, digital fabrication, and commercial construction, his knowledge of design, process, and project delivery plays a key role in guiding Spearhead’s continued growth and evolution. Josh holds a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Architectural Science from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Shawn Keyes VP, Strategic Growth & Business Development Intelligent City Shawn is a structural engineer and commercial executive with more than a decade of experience leading innovation in mass timber and industrialized construction. As Vice President of Strategic Growth at Intelligent City, he leads commercialization, market strategy, and partnerships to scale the company’s prefabricated housing systems. Previously, Shawn served as Executive Director of WoodWorks BC, where he led a strategic transformation that strengthened partnerships, technical leadership, and influence across the development, AEC, and policy sectors. Before that, he spent over six years at Fast + Epp, developing deep expertise in mass timber and hybrid structural systems. Shawn’s teams have supported more than 150 mass timber projects across Canada, and he has served on advisory councils for BC Housing, BCIT, and the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation. He holds an MBA from UBC Sauder, a Master of Engineering from Carleton University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in BC and Ontario.
Tall Timber and Affordable Housing: A Case Study
Course Overview As cities face growing pressures around affordability, climate resilience, and livability, innovative projects like Catalyst’s 18-storey CLT rental development in North Vancouver offer necessary solutions. Targeted toward architects, engineers, developers, and municipal leaders, this session explores sustainable mass timber construction and affordable housing. Attendees will gain insights into using CLT in construction and the unique challenges. In-depth review of challenges such as structural grid constraints, moisture protection, and prefabricated balcony systems, and how the team transformed these into creative solutions. Furthermore, it will provide insight into integrated mixed-use programming, BIM-enhanced coordination, and the permitting process for tall wood buildings, with practical takeaways for implementing similar projects in other cities. Learning Objectives Identify how and why hybridization is commonly required at height when it comes to mass timber buildings. Explain key technical constraints and solutions for tall CLT buildings, including structural grid/panelization limits, diaphragm load paths to the core, rolling shear considerations, and balcony-to-envelope integration strategies. Apply practical construction and coordination lessons for tall mass timber—moisture management, prefabricated enclosure sequencing, BIM-based clash detection, and early supplier/contractor involvement—to reduce risk and protect the CLT during construction. Course Video Speakers Bio Rhys Leitch Principal Integra Architecture Inc. Rhys Leitch has been a principal at Integra since 2018, he has worked on award-winning projects ranging from sustainable design, high-end single-family, multi-family, and mixed-use residential developments. Originally from Australia, Rhys brings a unique approach to contemporary west coast architecture, paying special attention to the way materials, massing, and design respond to the context of a site. Recently his focus has been CLT mid and high rise projects, pushing the boundaries in different mass timber housing typologies. Sean Binns Project Director Kindred Construction Sean is a proven construction leader with over 20 years of experience delivering major residential and commercial projects across the UK and Canada. As Project Director at Kindred Construction, he leads complex builds and champions innovation in mass timber, Passive House, and modular construction. A mentor and speaker, Sean fosters industry talent through strong partnerships with local universities. Harrison Glotman Principal Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers Harrison Glotman is a Principal at Glotman Simpson with several years of experience working on complex projects across Canada and the U.S. Prior to joining Glotman Simpson, Harrison worked on high-end homes and retrofits in some of the most iconic buildings in New York and San Francisco. He completed his Master of Science in Structural Engineering with a full scholarship to Stanford University where he specialized in seismic engineering. The knowledge gained through this degree has proven to be incredibly valuable in building design on the West Coast.
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 Explain how mass timber systems are being applied in commercial and residential projects to achieve cost competitiveness with concrete construction. Identify key design, supply chain, and construction decisions that influence risk, schedule, and cost outcomes in mass timber buildings. Evaluate the business case drivers – cost, schedule, risk, and market acceptance – that affect developer decision-making for mass timber projects. Course Video Speakers Bio Annabelle Hamilton Executive Director WoodWorks BC Following the completion of her postgraduate degree from Ulster University in Northern Ireland, Annabelle has worked for several multi-family development companies, overseeing various multi-million dollar projects through the project lifecycle from acquisitions and municipal approvals to construction completion. Graham Brewster Director 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 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.
How We Will Make Construction More Affordable
Course Overview Follow a panel of leading developers as they explore innovative strategies to reduce construction costs. Drawing from their extensive portfolios, the panelists will discuss offsite manufacturing, prefabrication, hybrid construction, and repeatable solutions that are transforming the construction industry. Discover practical approaches that streamline project delivery and drive affordability in future developments. Learning Objectives Identify strategies used to reduce construction costs through prefabrication, modular construction, and offsite manufacturing. Explain how hybrid wood systems, including CLT and lightweight panelized assemblies, are applied in mid-rise and multi-residential projects. Evaluate how standardization, repeatable building solutions, and factory-based production can improve housing affordability and project delivery efficiency. Course Video Speakers Bio Samantha Eby Executive Director ReHousing Samantha Eby is the Executive Director of ReHousing, a non-profit organization dedicated to housing creation through applied research, consultation, and education. Her work through ReHousing, developed in partnership with Michael Piper and Janna Levitt, was awarded the 2023 CMHC President’s Medal for Outstanding Housing Research. Samantha holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. As an architect and researcher, she explores the intersection of design, policy frameworks, and ownership models, focusing on their impact on housing projects. In 2020, she was awarded the Canada Council for the Arts Prix de Rome for Emerging Practitioners. Alongside her role at ReHousing, Samantha is a sessional instructor at the University of Toronto and an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Mike Maxwell President Maxwell Building Consultants Mike was drawn to Waterloo for his degree from Laurier University and has seen local real estate development potential ever since. A combination of zoning bylaw rules, site data chart statistics and construction knowledge produce unique results for projects that he is involved with. He loves the math and the problem solving. In an advisory position with local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and CMHC, Mike has created strong partnerships to move the cause of affordable housing forward. Tobias Oriwol Senior Vice President, Investments Tricon Residential Tobias Oriwol is responsible for providing strategic oversight and day-to-day investment management for Tricon Residential’s Canadian purpose-built rental apartment platform, including sourcing new investment opportunities, acquisition execution, and capital raising. Prior to joining Tricon, Tobias worked at Forum Equity Partners in Toronto. Before that, he worked at Brookfield Asset Management, in both Toronto and New York, where he focused on residential housing investments and developments across market rate and affordable rental apartments, student housing, senior housing, and for-sale condominiums. Tobias has a Master’s degree in urban planning from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree in Urban Studies from Stanford University. He is also a two-time Canadian Olympian, having reached the semi-finals in both the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Geoff Cape CEO Assembly Corp (previously R-Hauz) For almost 35 years, Geoff Cape has been at the forefront of promoting urban innovation and environmental sustainability across diverse platforms. As CEO of Assembly Corp, Geoff has a long background in real estate and urban planning. Geoff began with a hammer, framing new builds and restoring century homes off the east coast at the age of 19. He has been a builder, planner, operator, and a long time advocate for sustainable cities, and green infrastructure. Geoff is most well known for starting Evergreen in 1991, and transforming the 42 acre site at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto, into an internationally recognized centre for environmental excellence. Selected in 2018 as a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 1999 as “Top 40 Under 40”, Geoff has also been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of “Canadians who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole.” In 2007, Geoff won the prestigious Schwab Foundation’s “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” award. Geoff was founding Chair of the Sustainability Institute, past Board member of Sustainable Development Technology Canada, and the Peter F. Drucker Foundation Selection Committee. Geoff has been a regular participant and speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and on their “Future of Urban Development Advisory Board” and “Technology Pioneers Selection Committee”. Geoff is a Global Fellow of the Rockefeller Foundation. Geoff lives in the Annex neighbourhood in Toronto with his wife Valerie and three boys Toma, Ben and Sebastien, and cycles to work every day—even in blinding snow storms.
Building Canada’s Future With Wood
Course Overview This session will feature thought leaders in a podcast-style conversation exploring the evolving role of wood in Canadian construction. Through a series of rotating interviews, the discussion will highlight key themes including the rise of mass timber and tallwood buildings, the shift toward offsite construction, and wood’s potential to address the housing affordability crisis. The session offers a forward-looking yet grounded perspective on the opportunities and complexities shaping the industry. Learning Objectives Understand how mass timber and tall wood construction are transitioning from niche applications to mainstream use in Canadian mid- and high-rise buildings. Understand how prefabrication, modularization, and early team integration influence cost, schedule, and risk outcomes in wood construction projects. Explain how mass timber can support institutional, residential, and mixed-use project goals related to sustainability, constructability, and housing delivery. Course Video Speakers Bio Russell Hixson Editor SiteNews Russell Hixson is an award-winning investigative journalist who began his career covering crime and courts in the United States before transitioning into Canada’s construction sector. He spent eight years at the Journal of Commerce, where he developed deep expertise in the industry and its key issues. He has also reported on the federal budget from Ottawa and documented the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while working remotely. Hixson has developed a strong interest in the construction industry and is passionate about sharing its stories through SiteNews, with the goal of engaging and informing a broader audience. Jana Foit Principal, Higher Education Practice Lead Perkins&Will, Vancouver Jana Foit is a Principal and Higher Education Practice Lead at Perkins&Will’s Vancouver studio. With over two decades of experience, she has led numerous mass timber projects, including the Earth Science Building and Gateway Building at the University of British Columbia, as well as the BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing project. She is a frequent speaker and panelist on mass timber design and contributes to several industry publications, including the Nail Laminated Timber Design and Construction Guide, the Survey of International Tall Wood Buildings, and the Technical Guide for the Design and Construction of Tall Wood Buildings in Canada. Robert Malczyk Principal Timber Engineering Inc. Robert Malczyk is one of a small number of university-trained specialized timber engineers. After completing his master’s degree at Warsaw University of Technology, he moved to Canada to study under the renowned Professor Borg Madsen at the University of British Columbia. In 1997, he co-founded Equilibrium Consulting Inc., contributing to award-winning projects such as the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Galleria Italia designed by Frank Gehry. In 2021, he co-founded Timber Engineering Inc. He currently works on projects across Canada, the United States, and Asia. His expertise focuses on a systems-based approach to mass timber design, with an emphasis on structural efficiency and energy performance. Andrew Stiffman Vice President, Construction Services Kalesnikoff Andrew Stiffman brings diverse project experience across single-family homes, large-scale passive house developments, and low- to mid-rise mass timber construction. At Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, he oversees the full project lifecycle of prefabricated and mass timber projects, from early-stage discussions through to completion. His background in building science, development management, and hands-on high-performance construction enables him to combine technical expertise with practical delivery, leading multidisciplinary teams to successful project outcomes.
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.
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.
Offsite Construction Handbook
Course Overview Offsite construction is transforming the building industry by shifting key processes from traditional sites to controlled factory environments. This approach enhances productivity, quality, and sustainability, addressing challenges like labor shortages and environmental impact. The delivery process emphasizes early collaboration, integrated design, and robust project management to optimize efficiency and risk management. Durability and energy efficiency are achieved through advanced material selection, moisture management, and airtight, highly insulated assemblies. Construction logistics, quality control, and commissioning are tailored for offsite methods, ensuring rapid, reliable project delivery. Life cycle analysis shows offsite construction can reduce embodied carbon and waste, supporting climate goals. Canada’s evolving policies and market trends position offsite construction as a key solution for affordable, sustainable housing. Learning Objectives Understand how offsite construction improves the durability, moisture control, and energy performance of wood building systems. Identify the structural and sustainability benefits of early design integration in offsite wood construction projects. Evaluate the role of life-cycle analysis and embodied carbon in positioning offsite wood construction as a solution for sustainable and affordable housing in Canada. Course Video Speakers Bio Dorian Tung Manager, Technology Assessment FPInnovations Dorian Tung is currently the Manager of Technology Assessment at FPInnovations. Prior to this, he worked as a structural consultant in Canada and the US. As a manager, he has been working with scientists on projects related to structure, seismic, durability, energy, fire, acoustic, and vibration. With the evolving ecosystem, Dorian is active in many working groups to facilitate discussions, remove duplicates, accelerate processes, with the goal to maximize impacts for the forest industry NOW using research data. He is also the editor of the Offsite Wood Construction Handbook published by FPInnovations. Helen Goodland Principal. Head of Research and Innovation SCIUS Advisory Helen Goodland is an architect registered in the UK and has an MBA from the University of BC. Helen is firmly committed to achieving truly sustainable buildings within the next decade. She is also passionate about advancing leadership opportunities for women in construction technology. To this end, she participates on numerous boards and committees. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors of Building Transformations (formerly CanBIM), the BC Digital Advisory Council, the BCIT Mass Timber Education Advisory Board and the University of Victoria’s Green Civil Engineering Advisory Council. She is also past chair of the UN Sustainable Buildings Initiative’s Materials Technical Committee. Adam Robertson Co-founder and Principal Sustainatree Adam completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto and also holds a Master of Applied Science degree from the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. He is the past Chair of the CSA Subcommittee on Permanent Wood Foundations and acted as a primary author and editor during the update and revisions to the Canadian Wood Council’s Permanent Wood Foundations publication. He is the co-founder and principal of Sustainatree Consulting, a small firm specializing in sustainability and engineering design of wood building systems. Prior to opening his own practice, Adam was previously employed by the Canadian Wood Council and has also worked as a consulting structural engineer and within the building development and construction management fields.
Offsite Construction in Ontario: A Practical and Diligent Path Forward
Course Overview From the housing supply deficit to affordability issues and labour challenges, several conditions have been supporting a renewed interest for innovation in construction practices. Offsite construction is often identified as a promising approach to improve the way we build. This session explores the current market characteristics which are conducive to offsite practices, including the consistent shift towards multifamily construction in Ontario. It also identifies the numerous potential benefits of shifting the construction process from site to factory. The speakers will discuss underlying assumptions and conditions and questions such as: Are the promised benefits tangible and quantifiable? Do savings actually reach a project’s bottom line? Do all of the benefits apply to specific applications? Learning Objectives Identify market, labour, and housing conditions in Ontario that are driving interest in offsite and wood-based construction systems. Evaluate the practical benefits and limitations of offsite construction using mass timber and panelized wood systems. Assess when offsite construction provides measurable value at the project level, including cost, schedule, quality, and risk considerations. Course Video Speakers Bio Mike Schmidt President Auto Construct Incorporated A Tool & Die Maker with a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration, Mike understands manufacturing from the ground up. He spent his formative years as an executive in the automotive industry; working for world-class, multinational corporations such as Magna International and ArcelorMittal. In 2017, Mike established Auto Construct Incorporated (ACI), a management consulting firm, to accelerate the industrialization of residential construction. Specializing in the conversion from stick-built to offsite construction, Mike has led and facilitated the growth of several companies to become dominant players in their respective fields. ACI provides education, guidance, and implementation support in the areas of business development, manufacturing systems, technology selection, and factory start-ups. ACI serves a broad range of land developers, construction firms, homebuilders, and manufacturing companies throughout Canada and the United States.
Design Best Practices for Mid-Rise Light Wood Frame Structures
Course Overview Light wood frame (LWF) construction is an accessible, cost-effective, low-carbon solution for mid-rise multi-family buildings. This session will clarify fundamental differences in approach between traditional low-rise LWF construction and modern mid-rise construction methods. LWF is an attractive option for mid-rise development and participants will gain practical insights into design efficiencies, from meeting seismic demands and other key structural considerations to how engineered wood products and specialty hardware can be used to optimize design. The session will also explore prefabrication strategies, highlighting the challenges and opportunities offsite construction presents for streamlined, higher-quality construction. Whether attendees are new to mid-rise wood design or looking to optimize their next project, this session will share valuable information they can apply to their next mid-rise building. Learning Objectives Distinguish key differences between traditional low-rise and modern mid-rise light wood frame construction, including changes in design loads, seismic requirements, and code updates. Apply practical design strategies to optimize mid-rise wood structures—such as efficient stacked framing, engineered wood products, specialty hardware, and solutions for wood shrinkage and differential movement. Evaluate prefabrication and offsite construction methods for mid-rise projects, identifying both challenges and opportunities to improve construction quality, speed, and coordination. Course Video Speakers Bio Sean Henry Director – Mid-Rise, Principal Tacoma Engineers Sean is the Director of Mid-Rise and a Principal at Tacoma Engineers, bringing 20 years of structural engineering experience to the role. Since joining the firm in 2005, Sean has led the design of a wide range of building types, with a particular focus on mid-rise developments including multi-family, seniors and affordable housing projects. He is especially recognized for his expertise in light wood frame construction with multiple projects designed and built since the adoption of 6 storey wood framed buildings in Ontario. He also has extensive experience with cold-formed steel, structural steel, reinforced concrete, precast, and concrete block building systems. Sean focuses on delivering practical, efficient structural solutions that support design intent while meeting the demands of constructability and cost-effectiveness.
