Explore point-supported mass timber for tall buildings—benefits, design strategies, and real-world insights from VAHA Burrard & BCIT projects.

This session examines the growing potential of point-supported mass timber systems in tall building construction, contrasting them with traditional timber framing and conventional steel and concrete approaches. It highlights regulator advancements, the role of mass timber in addressing mid-density housing needs, and the structural fundamentals of gravity and lateral systems. Through cost and schedule comparisons, design principles like bi-axial bending and punching shear, and insights from ongoing Canadian codification efforts, the presentation offers a comprehensive overview supported by real-world projects such as VAHA Burrard and BCIT Tall Timber.

Learning Outcomes:

• Evaluate the opportunities and constraints for point-supported mass timber when compared to traditional timber framing schemes
• Analyze the schedule and cost benefits of point-supported mass timber systems versus steel and concrete in tall construction projects
• Explore state-of-the-art design methodologies and ongoing efforts towards codification in Canada

Eager to learn more? Check out our free publication, Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber, available now on our Digital Resource Hub: https://cwc.ca/publication/feasibility-of-point-supported-mass-timber/