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Civic Buildings, Woodworks

Wood Innovation and Design Centre

With a height of 29.5 metres, the Wood Innovation and Design Centre (WIDC) is the tallest contemporary wood building in North America. Located in the city of Prince George in northern British Columbia, the WIDC was conceived as a showcase for local wood products and as a demonstration of the province’s growing expertise in the design and construction of large wood buildings.

The building has eight levels (six storeys, plus a ground floor mezzanine and a rooftop mechanical penthouse). The lower levels will accommodate faculty and students enrolled in the new Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design (MEng), to be launched by the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in January 2016 and the new Centre for Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship to be launched by Emily Carr University of Art and Design in fall 2016. Academic facilities include a research/teaching lab that will support the design, fabrication and testing of wood products; a 75-seat lecture theatre; classrooms; a student lounge; gathering and meeting areas; and a learning resource centre. The upper floors will provide office space for public and private sector organizations associated with the wood industry.

Over the long term, the WIDC will advance wood education and innovation in the province, enhance expertise in wood manufacturing, product development and engineering – all of which will help to expand opportunities for international exports of products and services. In addition, its striking presence in the heart of the city will assist in the revitalization of downtown Prince George.

This case study describes the most important innovations that were implemented to meet design and safety criteria in what is a new class of buildings for British Columbia. These innovations included:

A set of site-specific regulations to ensure life safety and structural integrity;

The use of vertical cross-laminated timber (CLT) elements (including mechanical, elevator and stair shafts) to provide lateral stability to the structure;

The use of double layer CLT floors to meet structural requirements and contribute to acoustic isolation and efficient services distribution;

The use of superimposed (end grain-to-end grain bearing) columns to control shrinkage over the height of the building; and,

The use of high strength proprietary connectors to speed construction and improve structural performance.

CWC, Fire Safety

Fire Safety Design In Buildings

In a recent survey of building specifiers, the majority perceived wood to be the most environmentally friendly building material. Compared to other major building materials, this is due mainly to:

the renewability of wood
the low energy consumption required for production
the low levels of pollutant emission during manufacture

Lately, environmental considerations have acquired more importance in the specification of materials. Technical and economic aspects of building materials have always been primary considerations for specifiers. Increasingly, however, they are considering the environmental effects when selecting appropriate building materials for their designs.

Architects, engineers and designers require accurate information to assess the true environmental consequences of the materials they specify.

The environmental impacts of various building materials have been examined by a Canadian Research Alliance using the internationally accepted method called Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA). The Alliance consists of researchers from the wood, steel and concrete industries as well as university groups and consultants.

CWC, Fire Safety

Fire Safety and Security: A Technical Note on Fire Safety and Security on Construction Sites In British Columbia

The construction phase of any building represents a relatively short period of time in the lifespan of the structure during which a unique set of risk scenarios are present. The risks and hazards found on a construction site differ in both nature and potential impact from those in a completed building. This occurs during a time in which the fire prevention and protection elements that are designed to be part of the completed building are not yet in place.

For these reasons, construction site safety includes some unique challenges. However, an understanding of the hazards and their potential risks is the first step towards fire prevention and mitigation.

While there are many types of hazards and risks that require consideration during the construction of all buildings, this Technical Note focuses solely on fire-related aspects.

CWC, Fire Safety

Fire Safety and Security: A Technical Note on Fire Safety and Security on Construction Sites In Ontario

While there are many types of hazards and risks that require consideration during the construction of all buildings, this Technical Note focuses solely on fire-related aspects.

CWC, Seismic Studies

BP5 – Wood-Frame Construction: Meeting The Challenge of Earthquakes

North American single-family homes are considered by many to be the safest place to be in an earthquake. This is not surprising considering that North American housing is almost synonymous with wood-frame construction. The lightweight and high energy absorbing capabilities of wood framing provides a system strong enough to withstand the effects of powerful earthquakes. Experience from strong earthquakes, in North America and around the world, has shown that well-constructed wood-frame buildings provide safety to their occupants.

CWC, Residential Buildings

BP4 – Wood-Frame Housing: A North-American Marvel

North Americans enjoy the highest standard of safe and comfortable housing in the world. This is not by chance – wood-frame construction is the residential building system of choice and many countries wishing to improve the comfort and security of their citizens are adopting it.

North America is blessed with resources of all kinds. A continuing abundance of forest resources has, since the earliest settlers, encouraged using wood to build housing.

Today, as designers, builders and homeowners pursue safe, energy efficient housing that is easy on the environment and can perform in the face of major challenges like high winds and earthquakes, there are stronger reasons than ever to build with wood.

Wood-frame construction is strong, durable, easy to insulate, easy to renovate and delivers value. It is backed by two hundred years of proven performance and a wealth of research and new product development to make it better than ever. And it is the only major building material that is renewable.

Strong winds… heavy snow loads… high humidity… extreme temperatures – whatever your building challenges, wood-frame housing has proven technical solutions to overcome any problem.

Wood sells houses. In addition to the shelter, warmth and safety provided by the wood structure, buyers recognize and appreciate the aesthetic value of wood for exposed applications like cabinetry, flooring, furniture and moldings.

Not only is wood builder-friendly, it is also environmentally friendly. Wood products take less energy to manufacture, affect the environment less than other materials, and they come from North American forests that are abundant and increasing in size.

CWC, Moisture & Decay

BP3 – Termite Control and Wood-Frame Buildings

Wood products have long been the building materials of choice for home construction in North America. The wood-frame construction system has a solid history of producing housing of the highest standards: It is easy to build, delivers economic value, has excellent strength in earthquake or high-wind conditions, is energy efficient, and is derived from a renewable resource. Modern wood-frame construction includes several types of engineered wood products that are economically viable in multi-story residential buildings and non-residential projects. Moreover, as described in Bulletins No. 1 and 2 in the Building Performance Series, wood framing supplies durability and fire safety performance where environmental and building code requirements are met. This bulletin describes how wood framing can also be used in areas of North America subject to insect attack, a threat to all types of buildings. It builds on the concept of integrated pest management that will provide long-term protection for wood-frame and other buildings against damage caused by insects, specifically Formosan and other subterranean termites. Also included is practical advice for building designers, contractors and owners to assist in assessing risk, and choosing appropriate mitigation measures.

CWC, Fire Safety

BP2 – Fire Safety In Residential Buildings

Since wood-frame construction was first used in the early 1800’s, North Americans have developed and been sheltered by wood-frame building technology — from single family homes and progressing over the decades to larger, multi-storey apartment buildings and townhouses. In fact, over 90% of the 1.5 million homes built in North America each year are constructed using woodframe construction. Wood-frame construction provides North Americans with the world’s highest housing standards. There are many reasons for the success of the wood frame system:

It is easy to build

It has a proven track record

It delivers excellent value

It has a high strength to weight ratio

It is energy efficient

It is one of the safest building systems in extreme conditions like earthquakes

Wood is an abundant renewable resource

In addition, modern wood-frame construction provides a comparable level of fire safety to non-combustible construction. This technical bulletin will discuss some of the basic principles of fire safety, and dispel some myths about what makes residential buildings fire-safe for both single family homes and multi-family residential buildings.

Acoustics, Fire Safety, Partner Content

IBS3 – Fire Resistance and Sound Transmission

Fire is an ever-present danger for building occupants. Research and experience confirm that fire safety in a house or apartment has little to do with the combustibility of the structural materials used in its construction. In fact, the occupants’ safety is far more dependent on their own awareness of fire hazards (open flames, etc.), the contents of their home (furniture, etc.), and the fire protection measures designed into the building. Minimization of sound transmission in single- and multi-family residential buildings is also an important factor to ensure occupant comfort, and is closely related to fire-resistant construction. The intent of this brochure is to demonstrate how wood frame buildings meet code requirements by providing examples of wood-based light frame building systems designed to maximize fire safety and minimize sound transmission.

Codes & Standards, Partner Content

The Historical Development of the Building Size Limits in the National Building Code of Canada

The use of wood is limited in larger and taller buildings by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) based on concern of increased fire risk. The current requirements were developed long ago, under much different conditions than today. Since then the industry’s knowledge of fire science has evolved considerably, fire service equipment and capabilities have improved, detection and suppression systems have advanced, construction materials and techniques have changed significantly, and public awareness and education regarding fire safety has increased.

Having an understanding of the knowledge, capability, materials and methods used to develop the height and area limits and the risks they were intended to mitigate, sets the basis for re-examination of those limits in a current context. This can be achieved through a historical examination of the development of the limits and their bearing on the use of combustible construction in buildings.

Civic Buildings, Woodworks

Administration and Training Facility (Alberta Boilers Safety Association)

The new ABSA facility is located in Edmonton’s Research Park (Figure 1), joining 35 other technology companies and agencies. To accommodate staff and increased visitor traffic, the new ABSA facility has 51 parking spaces on the site and another 49 in the parkade below the building. Completed in May 2006, the ABSA facility utilizes glulam beams and columns to achieve the Building Committee’s design objectives for aesthetics, lighting, energy and environment.

Fire Safety, Partner Content, Tall-Wood Buildings

Fire Safety Challenges of Tall Wood Buildings

Acknowledging the growing importance of designing sustainable buildings and addressing overpopulation concerns, the development of engineered wood products has introduced the possibility of constructing high-rise timber structures that can improve both these conditions. However, as a combustible material, one of the biggest barriers to construction of tall timber buildings is the potential fire risk resulting from the combustible structure. In November 2012, the Fire Protection Research Foundation commissioned the Fire Safety Challenges of Tall Wood Buildings study to address this concern. Phase I of this two-phase study seeks to collect the available knowledge of fire safety in timber structures and identify gaps in knowledge that would further the understanding of fire performance of tall timber buildings. Results of the study, including a summary of timber construction and fire dynamics, is presented herein.

Magazine, Revue

Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 25, issue 102

...office building, the Weliankweyasimk Women’s Shelter, and the Chief Leonard George residential building each reflect cultural knowledge, respond to community needs, and create spaces of safety, continuity, and belonging. Wood...

Assurance with Insurance

...teams better understand the relationship between material selection, fire safety, and insurance outcomes. Developed as an informational reference, Assurance with Insurance supports informed conversations between project stakeholders and insurance providers,...

ProTEKtor II® – High Performance Fire Protectant for Wood Frame & Sheet Components

...(OSB). It outlines how the treatment supports fire safety objectives by reducing flame spread and contributing to improved fire resistance across a range of wood-frame assemblies. Developed as a practical...

AtTEK® – High Performance Fire Protectant for Wood Frame Attic Components

...safety objectives by slowing flame spread and contributing to improved fire performance in vulnerable areas of wood-frame buildings. Developed as a technical reference, the AtTEK® document supports informed decision-making during...

Case Study: Academic Tower University of Toronto

Setting a new standard in Canada’s tallest mass timber structure, Soprema Insonomat system provided an ideal balance of sustainability, safety, and superior sound insulation.

Guide to Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction in the Ontario Building Code

...Hershfield (now Stantec), the guide explains the technical requirements, fire safety principles, and design considerations unique to EMTC, with clear references to relevant OBC articles. It covers everything from structural...

Structural retrofitting techniques and fire safety regulations for structures in glulam

This Rothoblaas document provides an overview of structural retrofitting strategies for glulam buildings, with a focus on meeting fire safety regulations and performance requirements. Intended for engineers, designers, and building...

Environmental Issues

Safe Handling Using common sense and standard safety equipment (personal protection and wood-working machinery) applies when working with any building products. Gloves, dust masks and goggles are appropriate for use...

Finishing Quick Tips

...coating, application recommendations, safety precautions and clean-up. For aged (weathered) wood, remember: For wood that has been previously coated, please read about refinishing. Clean the wood and remove discolourations such...

Mid-Rise Buildings

...meet performance requirements in regard to structural integrity, fire safety, and life safety. That evidence has now also contributed to the addition of new prescriptive provisions for wood construction, as...

Mid-Rise FAQs

...new safety provisions being proposed? Fire safety: Increased level of sprinkler / water protection: More concealed spaces sprinklered Balconies must be sprinklered Greater water supply for fire protection Non-combustible or...

National Model Codes in Canada

...which provide for the health and safety of the public in buildings. Its origins are deeply entrenched within Canadian history and culture and a need to house the growing population...

Construction Sites

The vulnerability of any building in a fire situation is higher during the construction phase when compared to the susceptibility of the building after it has been completed...

Structural Design

A structure must be designed to resist all the loads expected to act on the structure during its service life. Under the effects of the expected applied loads, the structure...

Structural Engineering

Hamilton and Oyster River Fire Halls – Richmond and Comox, BC

The use of wood for the construction of fire halls has always been a viable option within the BC Building Code and is further supported by the fact that wood is a regionally...

Civic Buildings, Woodworks

Brock Commons Tallwood House – University of British Columbia Vancouver Campus

A stunning coastal forest in Vancouver, BC is the gateway to the University of British Columbia (UBC) which has provided inspiration for the institution’s long-standing...

Mass Timber, Residential Buildings, Tall-Wood Buildings, Woodworks

Origine – Pointe-Aux-Lièvres Ecocondos – Quebec City

Over the last couple of years Quebec City has witnessed significant population growth and there has been a construction boom to meet the ever-growing demand for housing. In...

Residential Buildings, Woodworks

Seismic Design with Wood: Solutions for British Columbia Schools

Although seismic events occur all over the world, the areas most susceptible to large earthquakes are those that lie along active fault lines. These fault lines are found at...

Academic Buildings, Seismic Studies, Woodworks

Fire Safety and Insurance In Commercial Buildings

Throughout history, protecting commercial structures from fire has been important. Fire poses risk in terms of safety to occupants, building integrity, business interruption...

Commercial Buildings, CWC, Fire Safety, Insurance

Large-Scale Fire Tests of A Mass Timber Building Structure

The Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test Program (MTDFTP) included two series of experiments: the pilot scale demonstration tests in summer 2021 in Richmond, BC [1] and the...

CWC, Fire Safety, Mass Timber

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories: Case Study and Environmental Impact Analysis This report showcases how Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) delivered three landmark mass timber...

CWC, Industrial Buildings

Tall Wood Course of Construction Site Fire Safety

The vulnerability of any building, regardless of the material used, in a fire situation is higher during the construction phase when compared to the susceptibility of the...

CWC, Fire Safety, Tall-Wood Buildings

Mid-Rise Best Practice Guide Proven Construction Techniques for Five-and Six-Storey Wood-Frame Buildings

When the provincial government changed the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) in 2009 by increasing the permissible height for wood-frame construction from four storeys to...

Mid-Rise Buildings, Residential Buildings, Woodworks

Ontario Tall Wood Reference Guide

The target audience for this technical resource includes building officials, fire service, architects, engineers, builders, code consultants and developers and other parties...

Partner Content, Tall-Wood Buildings

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