Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
Course Overview The emerging use of mass timber in industrial buildings presents promising opportunities that are shaping the future of construction in this sector. As a sustainable and economically competitive alternative, mass timber is redefining what is possible in industrial construction, a field traditionally dominated by prefabricated steel. An analysis of two cutting-edge projects in Sudbury, Ontario, highlights key advantages, including cost competitiveness, reduced embodied carbon, and superior aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments. Learning Objectives Participants will learn how to create flexible, multi-tenant industrial layouts using mass timber systems that are able to accommodate evolving tenant needs. Participants will gain insight into how early-stage collaboration with mass timber suppliers streamlines design, engineering, and construction processes. Participants will gain insight into the role of mass timber in biophilic design, and how its visual warmth and natural materials contribute to wellness-centred spaces that appeal to tenants. Participants will understand how mass timber can be a cost-competitive alternative to steel, especially in volatile markets, and assess its impact on embodied carbon and sustainability goals. Course Video Speakers Bio Darian Sweeney, B.Sc., B.B.A Chief Operating Officer Bloomington Developments Born and raised in Greater Sudbury, Darian holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Laurentian University – in Biochemistry and Business Administration with a specialization in finance. In December of 2021, he joined Bloomington Developments, a real estate investor and developer in Greater Sudbury with a focus on commercial and industrial assets. While he has had the chance to apply his skills in capital budgeting, asset valuation, financial forecasting, and cost tracking in his time with Bloomington, his first major role with the company was unrelated to his educational background: overseeing the two concurrent mass timber building projects that are the subject of this seminar. Darian now manages all construction projects – whether new builds or renovations – and negotiates all leases across the company’s portfolio, in addition to his roles as primary liaison on legal, administrative, tenant relations, marketing, and business development matters. Patrick Danielson, OAA + AIBC, MRAIC Founder and Principal Danielson Architecture Office Inc. Patrick holds a degree in Biomedical Science and a graduate degree from the School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia. Combining these disciplines, he developed a unique “genetic design” approach — an evolving architectural strategy informed by biological principles. Patrick has expanded this framework through academic research, patented innovations, private sector projects, biological studies, and his experience as a pilot.
Harnessing Prefabrication: How to Navigate the Design and Construction Process
Course Overview This course offers an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of modular and prefabricated construction. The course will explore how to evaluate and integrate different levels of prefabrication based on project goals, site conditions, and logistical constraints. Key topics include site planning, design coordination, transportation logistics, and navigating regulatory requirements. We’ll also delve into technical considerations—comparing mass timber and drywall fire ratings, evaluating STC performance, and planning for MEP sub-module integration. The session will conclude with strategies for structural design of modular systems and insights on avoiding common post-construction pitfalls. Grounded in lessons learned from a completed multi-family volumetric modular CLT project, this presentation offers practical tools for design professionals, engineers, and developers looking to optimize prefabrication in their projects. Learning Objectives Understand key decision-making criteria for selecting appropriate prefabrication strategies. Apply a framework for integrating prefabrication into project planning and delivery. Recognize technical challenges and solutions in modular design, including fire ratings, acoustics, and MEP coordination. Identify best practices for optimizing structural integration and avoiding post-construction issues. Course Video Speaker Bio Melissa Kindratsky Head of Engineering Kalesnikoff Devin Harding Sales Manager Kalesnikoff
