Low‐Rise Commercial Mass Timber Design Case Study

Resource Description

This case study presents a 3-storey mass timber office building designed with a Glulam post-and-beam main structural system supporting CLT floor and roof panels. It has been developed as a teaching resource for educators, providing comprehensive engineering calculations for the primary structure, detailed analyses and design of CLT shear walls, and full calculations for all major connections.

To support practical learning, sample construction documents are included at the end of the case study, offering concrete examples of how the design can be implemented. The resource is complemented by a fully detailed architectural and structural Revit model, giving educators a complete digital representation of the project that can be used in teaching or demonstration settings. An accompanying Design Example further illustrates the application of design principles, helping students connect theory with real-world practice.

This material is intended to facilitate the instruction of advanced mass timber construction concepts, supporting both the theoretical understanding and practical skills of students. By integrating structural calculations, construction documentation, and digital modeling, it provides educators with a comprehensive, ready-to-use resource for teaching wood-based building design and construction.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors
Structural Design: Carla Dickof, P.Eeng. M.Sc. Fast+Epp
Architectural Design: George Brown College Architectural Technology Program,CADE3002, Class of 2021 – Co-op Students

Reviewers
Structural Design: Nick Bevilacqua, P.Eng, Struct Eng, Fast+Epp
Reed Kelterborn Canadian Wood Council
Yang Du Canadian Wood Council
Ali Mikael Canadian Wood Council
Architectural Design: Dr. Hoda Ganji George Brown College

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These resources were developed collaboratively by Fast+Epp, the Canadian Wood Council, and contributors from George Brown College. They reflect current design and construction practice and were created to support teaching and learning in wood design and architecture.

The resources remain the intellectual property of the respective authors and are provided free of charge for educational purposes. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of an academic setting is strictly prohibited.

When these resources are used in a context that requires citation, please use the following format:

Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.

Course Curriculum

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