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.
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.
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.
Building Success: The Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre Story
Course Overview This session will explore the transformative journey of the Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre, a project that began as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Led by Two Row Architect and supported by various community partners, the project highlights the innovative use of mass timber to create culturally meaningful and sustainable spaces. Attendees will learn about the collaborative design process, the integration of traditional materials with modern building practices, and the impact of the centre on the local community. The session will also provide insights into accessing technical resources and project support for wood construction through WoodWorks Ontario. Learning Objectives Explore the use of mass timber to create culturally meaningful and sustainable spaces, demonstrated through the Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre. Understand the collaborative design and prefabrication process, integrating community input, modern construction practices, and workflow planning with mass‑timber manufacturers for complex geometries. Course Video Speakers Bio Matthew Hickey Architect Two Row Architect Matthew Hickey is Mohawk from the Six Nations First Nation and is a licensed architect with 12 years of experience working in an on-reserve architecture firm. He received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Calgary and his Bachelor of Design from Ontario College of Art and Design, winning both the Alberta Association of Architects Presidents Medal and the Medal for Best Thesis, respectively. Mr. Hickey’s focus is on regenerative design – encompassing ecological, cultural, and economic principles. His research includes Indigenous history and the adaptation of traditional sustainable technologies to the modern North American climate. He currently instructs at OCAD U, for the OAA and the Canada Green Building Council.
Mass Timber Economics: Why One Line Item Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Course Overview Mass timber buildings are often perceived as premium projects, but assumptions based on a single cost line can be misleading. This session explores the complexities of costing mass timber construction and highlights why a holistic, team-based approach is essential from the earliest stages of design. Attendees will gain insights into common pitfalls for cost consultants and learn how early architectural decisions such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals can significantly influence both cost and structural efficiency. The speakers will emphasize the importance of clear project objectives when setting the initial budget and outline best practices for cost predictability, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers. The session will also examine the role of architects in informing cost decisions, strategies for improved procurement and scheduling, and how to leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase. Learning Objectives Understand the complexities of mass timber costing: Participants will be able to explain why relying on a single cost line item is misleading and identify key factors—such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals—that influence overall project cost and structural efficiency. Apply best practices for cost predictability in mass timber projects: Learners will be able to outline strategies for achieving accurate budgets, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers. Recognize the role of collaboration in successful mass timber delivery: Attendees will be able to describe how architects, developers, and contractors can work together from early design stages to improve procurement, scheduling, and leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase. Course Video Speakers Bio Marlon Bray Executive Vice President Clark Construction Management Inc. Mass timber buildings are often perceived as premium projects, but assumptions based on a single cost line can be misleading. This session explores the complexities of costing mass timber construction and highlights why a holistic, team-based approach is essential from the earliest stages of design. Attendees will gain insights into common pitfalls for cost consultants and learn how early architectural decisions such as grid spacing and aesthetic goals can significantly influence both cost and structural efficiency. The speakers will emphasize the importance of clear project objectives when setting the initial budget and outline best practices for cost predictability, including robust scope management, design reviews, and obtaining competitive bids from multiple timber suppliers. The session will also examine the role of architects in informing cost decisions, strategies for improved procurement and scheduling, and how to leverage mass timber’s expedited on-site phase. Mathieu Fleury Partner Leader Lane Developments Mathieu combines a merchant developer mentality with institutional discipline to drive Leader Lane Developments’ ambitious urban projects. He holds a Masters in Real Estate Finance from The University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience with industry leaders, including Loblaw Properties Limited, Great Gulf, and Dream Unlimited. Over the course of his career, Mathieu has shaped over 15,000 residential units and 7 million square feet of development across Canada. With his entrepreneurial spirit and analytical mindset, he steers Leader Lane’s growth in Toronto’s dynamic mid-rise sector. Mathieu’s strategic leadership ensures each project balances innovation with strong financial performance, delivering communities that enhance the urban experience while maximizing investor value. Jonathan King Principal BNKC Architects Inc. An architect and design leader with nearly 30 years of experience, Jonathan has worked across the full spectrum of residential, institutional, and cultural projects across Canada—from university buildings and theatres to large-scale multi-residential developments. He’s led teams at firms such as Diamond and Schmitt, HOK, and Core Architects, and is now a Principal at BNKC, where he helps steer complex projects from early concept through to completion. Jonathan’s recent work has included multiple mid- and high-rise residential and commercial buildings that integrate new construction technologies—including hybrid and mass timber structures—within tight urban contexts. His background brings a deep understanding of how codes, construction logistics, and market realities shape design decisions. He’s particularly interested in how architects can help unlock the potential of mass timber by working more collaboratively with clients, engineers, and municipalities to address the barriers standing.
From Trees to Keys: Scaling Industrialized Wood Construction
Course Overview This session brings together a panel of experts to discuss lessons learned and visions for wood-based manufactured housing solutions. The panel will address key challenges in scaling modular and panelized wood construction, including design for manufacture and assembly, systems integration, workforce transformation, and product standardization. Innovators throughout the supply chain will explore requirements for bringing scalable mass timber housing into the mainstream, from procurement to policy and from urban infill to supply chain readiness. The discussion will focus on how factory-built housing and wood innovation can contribute to addressing Canada’s housing crisis. Learning Objectives Assess practical lessons learned from implementing modular, panelized, and mass-timber housing projects, including challenges related to design coordination, manufacturing constraints, and on-site assembly. Explain how integrated approaches across structure, envelope, and mechanical systems enable scalable, high-performance wood-based housing solutions, drawing on examples from factory-built and turnkey delivery models. Evaluate the roles of standardization, procurement models, workforce capabilities, and policy alignment in advancing wood-based manufactured housing as a viable response to Canada’s housing crisis. Course Video Speakers Bio Hailey Quiquero Technical Manager WoodWorks Ontario Hailey is a structural engineer and has focused her career specializing in sustainable architecture and the advancement of timber building systems. Hailey spent several years of her career in research on the behaviour and fire safety of mass timber, as a structural designer with Entuitive in Toronto, and working to develop affordable housing products built of high-performance timber panels, contributing to the successful completion of several turnkey housing projects with Assembly Corp. (previously R-Hauz). In her current role as a Technical Manager for the Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks program, Hailey works with the team to aid project teams with technical support and to bring resources and education to industry stakeholders, advocating for the successful implementation of a beautiful and sustainable building material in our built environment. Ben Chicoine President Fab Structures Ben Chicoine is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. As the co-founder of Fab Structures, he has built a multi-million dollar company specializing in mass timber and panelized construction, with energy efficiency at its core. Certified in Passive House design, Ben now consults on high-performance building strategies, championing innovative solutions that push the boundaries of sustainable construction in Canada. Kyle Power Director of Construction Assembly Corp. Kyle is Director of Construction at Assembly. He brings 15+ years of end-to-end construction management experience with Canada’s largest general contractor. Kyle held key leadership roles in the delivery of several high-profile projects in the GTA, including commercial high rise, complex retail renovations, and high rise residential. He is responsible for successful project construction delivery from the pre-construction planning stages to close-out. Kyle successfully executes the construction of Assembly’s unique end-to-end housing product and the delivery strategy underpinning its mission of creating faster, more sustainable housing. Cara Sloat Mechanical Principal Hammerschlag and Joffe Inc. Cara Sloat brings over 20 years of increasingly complex experience in high-performance mechanical design and energy efficiency expertise to Hammerschlag and Joffe. She has worked extensively with decarbonizing building portfolios, including for Fortune 50 companies, and has worked in high-performance mechanical system design, with a career focus on energy efficiency, energy exchange, and indoor environmental quality. In our current housing crisis, she is also passionate about finding better mechanical solutions for the Canadian housing market. She delivers projects at every scale, and believes every building deserves a quality and well thought out mechanical system. She has LEED certified over half a million square feet of new construction real estate projects, and provided energy audits for over 5 million square feet of commercial properties, identifying millions in potential energy savings.
Timber and Off-Site Construction
Course Overview Join WoodWorks and prefab panel supplier, Ron Anderson + Sons, as they discuss strategies for navigating the world of off-site construction, explaining the challenges and benefits of prefabrication and how they impact the design and construction process. Learn about different strategies for navigating code compliance and coordinating with a prefabricated component supplier. The discussion will also cover common constraints like high seismic forces and high efficiency envelopes and how to address these with off-site construction. This one-hour presentation will provide a deeper understanding of the off-site construction process and its implications for your role in designing and constructing wood buildings. Learning Objectives Learn when off-site construction can deliver cost and schedule savings. Learn how to ensure design coordination and specifications align with project requirements and prefabricated component supplier constraints. Learn how construction strategies and detailing are affected when using prefabricated components and how to ensure successful project outcomes. Course Video Speakers Bio Derek Ratzlaff, P.Eng., Struct.Eng., PE Technical Director WoodWorks BC Derek began his career in the wood industry in high school working on single and multi-family light wood frame construction. After university, and almost 20 years of structural consulting experience, Derek has worked in all types of wood construction and played key roles in the delivery of iconic BC wood structures including the Richmond Olympic Oval and Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre. He brings his experience in design and construction to support the industry as a Technical Director for Woodworks BC. Jack Downing President and CEO Ron Anderson and Sons Ltd. Wood Framing Jack’s journey in the framing industry spans over 20 years. He joined RAS in 2012 and his adeptness in orchestrating large sites and coordinating multiple crews immediately made him an invaluable asset to the company. His dedication and strong leadership led to his appointment as President and CEO of RAS in 2019. His journey from a skilled professional to respected industry leader exemplifies the ethos of growth and opportunity that defines RAS’s company culture. Under Jack’s leadership RAS is poised for continuous growth and innovation in the construction industry.
Design and Construction of Permanent Wood Foundations
Course Overview This course will provide guidance on the design and construction of permanent wood foundations (PWF) based on the Canadian standard CSA S406-16 – Specification of Permanent Wood Foundations for Housing and Small Buildings. Topics will include site selection, backfilling, PWF floor systems, air and vapour barriers, insulation techniques, crawl spaces, and design considerations for high wind and seismic zones. The course will give attendees a comprehensive overview of the structural and building science requirements for designing and constructing PWF systems. Learning Objectives History of PWF construction. Wood preservatives and material requirements for PWF. Overview of pertinent design and construction aspects of PWF. Standardization of PWF as per CSA S406.
Application of CLT in high‐end custom homes and mixed‐use residential buildings
Course Overview Follow our journey of introducing CLT into high end‐custom homes and mixed‐use residential projects in the Greater Vancouver Area. We’ll explore the differences between light wood‐frame and CLT construction from the design and detailing phase right through to the end of construction. You’ll learn how the coordination, supply, and installation processes differ from conventional light wood‐frame projects and how our two examples were received by the design and construction teams. Learning Objectives Design and detailing considerations. Coordination process with design team. Supply consideration. Response of the industry. Course Video Speaker Bio Mehrdad Jahangiri, P.Eng., Dipl. Ing. (Germany) Founding Principal ASPECT Structural Engineers Mehrdad has over 25 years of international experience on notable, architecturally‐oriented projects. His experience enables him to integrate European codes and practices with the North American market, creating new ways for architects and owners to reach their project aspirations. Mehrdad understands the challenge to create carefully detailed, yet efficient structural designs and provides exceptional service to achieve them. Allison DenToom, P.Eng., P.E, LEED Green Associate ASPECT Structural Engineers Allison’s expertise is with the design of high‐end single‐family residences and multifamily residential buildings. From cozy cabins to 30,000+ sf estates, she is well‐versed in projects of all shapes, sizes, and materials. She is passionate about architecturally expressive structures and prides herself on providing the high level of attention that is required to create the finished project.
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.
