Advancing North American Mass Timber Projects: Harnessing the Strength of Local Expertise
Course Overview
As global adoption of mass timber construction accelerates, a growing number of solutions are available in the marketplace that can contribute to the success of your project. This session, presented by Simpson Strong-Tie, will explore some of the unique challenges faced by North American projects and some of the domestically developed solutions available to meet those challenges.
Learning Objectives
Understand the need for greater tolerance on concealed beam hangers, the importance of ensuring connectors are easy to install, and the specific requirements for large elements in North American buildings.
Understand the advantages domestic suppliers can bring to your project, including the rapid delivery of hardware to job sites.
Learn about the necessity for effective installation tools and processes tailored to the scale of large North American projects.
Learn about the need for effective moisture mitigation and the systems and strategies that can prevent unnecessary exposure of mass timber to the elements during construction.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/968295117/90544c8a0f?share=copy
Speaker Bio
Adrian Mitchell Chair of Simpson’s internal Mass Timber Focus Market Committee Simpson Strong-Tie
Adrian is a mass timber and off-site business specialist with a principal focus on the rapidly expanding mass timber segment, for which he serves as Chair of Simpson’s internal Mass Timber Focus Market Committee. Adrian has spent the bulk of his 20-year career in the off-site, mass timber, and modular spaces, primarily as a business development leader and private consultant. With professional experiences ranging from heavy civil, oil and gas, high-end custom homes to large-scale mass timber missed-use projects and artificial intelligence in BIM, he has a unique and well-rounded background in wood and steel applications in off-site construction. Adrian is a native of Vancouver, Canada, and a graduate of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s School of Business, he enjoys all the typical Canadian pastimes like playing hockey, building things from wood, and mountain biking.
A Business Case for Tall Wood
Course Overview
This session will present a vision and business case for innovation, sustainability, and affordability for the tallest residential wood tower in the world (proposed in Nova Scotia). Addressing rapid delivery to meet urgent residential needs supported by Bird Construction costing and scheduling.
Learning Objectives
Understand the business case for developing tall residential mass timber buildings, including how sustainability, affordability, and rapid delivery needs are addressed through advanced structural design and innovative project phasing strategies.
Identify the key costing, scheduling, and manufacturing considerations that influence the feasibility of tall wood construction, including lessons learned from previous mass timber projects and the role of integrated project teams in mitigating bottlenecks.
Evaluate how mass timber products such as glulam and CLT can support high‑rise residential development, including insights into supply‑chain innovation, local manufacturing capacity, and the broader economic and environmental impacts of tall wood construction in Atlantic Canada.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046545126
Speaker Bio
Patrick Crabbe Director of Mass Timber Bird Construction
Patrick Crabbe is the Director of Mass Timber at Bird Construction – Bird is a publicly traded, commercial and industrial conglomerate, recognized as a top 5 General Contractor (GC) in Canada.
Patrick is also the leader of a Mass Timber Manufacturing start-up, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. MTC is a sawmill integrated, glulam focused entity, that is currently executing a $2.3M feasibility effort to code approve proprietary high performing mass timber products (made from undervalued-commodity maritime spruce, pine and fir) that will expand the needed capacity of North American mass timber products and positively impact sustainable forestry practises.
Patrick’s professional career has been dedicated to developing markets for high-value structural wood products and working with industry to facilitate the. Through this experience, Patrick has a comprehensive understanding of construction contract methods supply chain solutions to set-up large, complex, mass timber build programs for success.
Patrick is an active member of the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition (led by the World Bank) and a trusted advisor to Infrastructure British Columbia and the Canadian Wood Council.
Joe Nickerson Vice President & Partner Sidewalk Real Estate Development
Joe Nickerson is a leader with a proven history of success managing a variety of real estate portfolios for high-net-worth families in Toronto, Alberta, and British Columbia. Joe has worked at RBC Capital Markets and for both private and public real estate holding companies ranging from $100M to $11B in AUM. Joe holds an MBA with a specialization in Real Estate & Infrastructure from Schulich School of Business and studied Private Equity & Finance at SDA Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
Mass Timber Designs for Rapid Housing Projects
Course Overview
In 2021, YW of Kitchener-Waterloo (YWKW) obtained funding from the federal Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) to construct supportive housing for homeless women in the community. The 41 compact yet accessible 1-bedroom transitional housing units on a narrow parcel of surplus land were designed, constructed, and occupied within 1-year of contract award.
The optimized mass timber design resulted in time and cost savings during construction. These savings helped meet the financial constraints of project while maximizing the climate action response through mass timber’s reduced carbon footprint. Exposed mass timber elements also impart a sense of warmth and well-being rarely seen in austere supportive/affordable housing projects.
This presentation shares best practices and lessons learned from this first completed project in Kitchener along with several other similar projects in various stages of design and development.
Learning Objectives
Understand the applications of mass timber in rapid housing projects and the related sustainability benefits.
Analyze the challenges and solutions in designing mass timber housing projects, including regulatory, logistical, and technical aspects.
Evaluate the design considerations and project management strategies essential for successful mass timber housing projects.
Discuss the future potential of mass timber in addressing housing crises, focusing on scalability and adaptability.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046545380
Speaker Bio
Matt Bolen Principal EDGE Architects
Matt Bolen is a Principal at Edge Architects in Waterloo, On. In addition to providing professional consulting services, the firm has been involved in several innovative research/development initiatives.
Matt’s area of expertise is multi-res building design ranging from mid-rise supportive housing to high-rise market rate. His professional interests include mass timber, modular/ prefabrication, and high-performance design.
Matt is a licenced Architect with the OAA and a certified Passive House Designer. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Architecture program & has worked as an adjunct professor at the school since completing his master’s degree in 2009.
Mass Timber: Unlocking the Mysteries of Connection Design and Fabrication
Course Overview
Melissa will discuss the role of the specialty structural engineer in glulam connection design for your project. Tips will be provided to help streamline the work of the project architect and engineer of record, and also highlight specific detailing situations to help construction run more smoothly. Glulam fabrication will be discussed: from chisels to CNC machines. Some examples will be given to see what is possible during this timber connection renaissance, made possible by 3D fabrication models and CNC machines.
Learning Objectives
Mass timber fabrication processes and the role of shop drawings.
Detailing to accommodate for differing tolerances of different trades on the construction site.
Tailoring timber specifications to meet architectural needs.
Information required in construction documents for delegated design of mass timber connections.
New timber connection possibilities through use of CNC Fabrication.
How to communicate scope delineation for multiple suppliers of structural systems on your
project and where are the potential gaps / overlaps.
How involving your mass timber supplier early in the design process can create material and construction efficiencies.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046520006
Speaker Bio
Melissa Kindratsky, P.Eng., LEED® AP BD+C Structural Project Engineer ISL Engineering and Land Services
Melissa Kindratsky, P.Eng., LEED® AP BD+C, is a structural project engineer for ISL Engineering and Land Services. With 400 people in 14 offices in western Canada, ISL established a Buildings Group in 2012 with the acquisition of Cascade Engineering Group, and Melissa joined the growing team in the Canmore office in 2015.
Melissa supports the successful delivery of building engineering to a range of clients, from independent homes owners to internationally renowned architects, timber framers, and mass timber fabricators. With over 15 years of experience in design engineering and construction, Melissa has experience in commercial, residential, and industrial developments of various shapes and sizes. Her material of choice is timber and she focuses most of her time on both concept and detailed design of timber structures. These range from modern developments to repairs of heritage structures and even playgrounds.
She passionately believes that to engineer a structure in wood, one must respect the unique properties of this natural material and even use them to enhance the design, both structurally and architecturally. Close attention is paid to the contribution of the structure to the sustainability features of a building project and these are even more easily achieved when the structure is timber.
Online Tools for Wood Construction – CodeCHEK, FRR & STC & EMTC Calculator
CodeCHEK enables project teams to evaluate code-compliant opportunities for wood construction by assessing key building characteristics, such as height, area, sprinkler presence and more, highlighting potential pathways for alternative solutions, and clarifying where wood elements may be permitted in buildings otherwise required to be of noncombustible construction.
The
FRR & STC (fire-resistance rating & sound transmission class) Tool
helps designers in the determination of generic fire-resistance rating designs of lightweight wood-frame wall, floor, and roof assemblies using the Component Additive Method described in Appendix D of the NBC, which is referenced as an acceptable solution in Section 3.1 of the NBC and can be used for Part 3 and 9 buildings. In addition, the tool provides the sound transmission class (STC) value that is associated with each wall or floor assembly for which STC information is available.
The
Exposed Mass Timber Calculator
helps users assess whether mass timber compartment exposure/encapsulation designs align with the 2025 National Building Code of Canada provisions by evaluating compartment inputs against applicable criteria and generating warnings when configurations are not code-consistent, positioning it as a practical screening and learning aid that complements (but does not replace) detailed code analysis and professional judgment.
Learning Objectives
Evaluate code-compliant opportunities for wood construction using the CodeCHEK tool by analyzing key building parameters (e.g., height, area, and sprinklering) and identifying potential pathways for alternative solutions.
Apply the FRR & STC Tool to design compliant assemblies by determining fire-resistance ratings and sound transmission performance of lightweight wood-frame wall, floor, and roof systems using the Component Additive Method.
Assess mass timber exposure and encapsulation strategies using the Exposed Mass Timber Calculator to verify alignment with 2025 National Building Code of Canada provisions and support early-stage design decision-making.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1189075781
Speakers Bio
Noah Fetterly Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards-Fire Canadian Wood Council
Noah Fetterly is a Technical Specialist, Codes and Standards – Fire at the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), where he contributes technical expertise to national code development, fire safety research, and guidance for wood and mass timber construction. He holds a background in Fire Protection Engineering Technology, having graduated from Seneca College, and began his career working with fire alarm systems inspections and testing.
At CWC, Noah supports technical communications, research initiatives, and industry tools related to fire performance and encapsulated mass timber construction, helping ensure alignment with the National Building Code of Canada and related standards. He is an active contributor to technical discussions involving fire safety, mass timber design, and regulatory compliance.
Local Government support for Modern Methods of Construction
Course Overview
Learn how leading cities across BC are supporting the adoption of modern methods of construction. This session will explore what policies and incentives cities have adopted to support mass timber in the planning and development approval process, how building departments are revising their permitting processes to support offsite and prefab construction, and how recent Official Community Plan (OCP) amendments have included more land use categories to support mass timber in mid and high rise applications. It will also examine how mass timber helps meet other City objectives, from low carbon emission goals for new construction to rapid housing targets, and highlight new and exciting projects in each of these cities that are in planning, under construction, or recently completed using mass timber.
Learning Objectives
Identify municipal policies, incentives, and planning tools that support the adoption of mass timber construction.
Understand how permitting and development approval processes are evolving to accommodate offsite, prefabricated, and mass timber construction methods.
Learn how Official Community Plans and land-use policies can create opportunities for mass timber in mid- and high-rise development.
Assess how mass timber construction can help municipalities achieve broader objectives related to housing delivery, sustainability, and emissions reduction.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1209529933
Speakers Bio
Annabelle Hamilton
Executive Director
WoodWorks BC | Canadian Wood Council
Annabelle oversees WoodWorks BC, the market development program of the Canadian Wood Council. After completing her postgraduate degree in Northern Ireland, she worked with several multi-family development companies, managing multi-million-dollar projects across the full lifecycle – from acquisitions and municipal approvals through to construction completion. She now leads the WoodWorks BC team in advancing innovative solutions that support the adoption of wood products in multi-family and non-residential projects across British Columbia.
Scott Groves
Director Corporate Projects Township of Langley
Scott Groves is the Director of Corporate Projects for the Township of Langley, where he leads the planning, design, and delivery of major community buildings and parks projects. An experienced civil engineer, he has spent his career in local government advancing complex capital initiatives, including arenas, community centres, fire halls, civic facilities, and large park and sports infrastructure that serve residents across the region. Before joining the Township of Langley, Scott held senior roles with several Metro Vancouver municipalities, directing capital projects, facilities, and strategic civic lands initiatives, and contributing to Olympic‑related infrastructure and major transportation projects. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is known for his collaborative approach to community building and his commitment to delivering high‑quality public spaces.
Stacy McGhee
Manager, Strategic Facilities Planning District of Saanich
Stacy McGhee is a registered architect in the province of British Columbia. His work experience spans a wide range of building types, project sizes and procurements. Stacy’s work in both public and private sectors has given him a unique perspective of consultant and owner viewpoints enabling him to manage projects with a clearer mandate and sound contractual understanding. Stacy’s private sector work includes luxury hotels, commercial offices, historic renovation and healthcare. Since 2009, Stacy’s public sector work includes six years with the Province of BC working with BC Corrections to modernize facilities and to undertake large, multi-year P3 projects building $200M+ facilities in Surrey and the Okanagan near Oliver. Since joining the District of Saanich in 2015, Stacy has led the District’s Strategic Facilities Planning program which first produced the District’s first Strategic Facilities Master Plan followed by the recommended and prioritized implementations of a replacement for Fire Station #2 and the redevelopment of the Saanich Operations Centre. Stacy is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a LEED registered professional.
Mass Timber Construction at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Course Overview
Canadian Nuclear Labs’ Chalk River Laboratories comprise the largest single complex in Canada’s science and technology community. The site contains more than 50 unique facilities and laboratories including a three new buildings constructed with mass timber.
These three buildings are the focus of a detailed environmental impact study. This webinar will offer a case study of the three buildings and share the results of the environmental impact study. Topics covered by the presentation include: -Why Wood? (drivers that led CNL to chose mass timber) -Carbon Impact (operational, embodied, sequestered, avoided, and a life cycle assessment) -Procurement (Integrated Project Delivery Method) -Building Performance (construction elements, energy performance, envelope performance, fire performance, durability, resiliency, and potential for adaptive reuse) -Code Requirements (regulatory approvals, permit process)
The projects are considered successful examples of sustainable procurement aligning with the ‘greening government’ strategy which supports the Government’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, and includes a 40% reduction by 2025 for federal facilities.
Learning Objectives
Understand the strategic importance of using mass timber construction at CNL and its alignment with sustainability goals, including carbon reduction and the promotion of sustainable building practices.
Analyze the logistical and engineering challenges associated with implementing mass timber in a large-scale infrastructure project.
Evaluate the benefits of mass timber in the context of operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Discuss the implications of mass timber construction for future building projects in terms of regulatory compliance, market trends, and technological advancements.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/911562291
Speaker Bio
Donald Chong, OAA, MRAIC, B.Arch Design Principal, Associate Vice President HDR
Don has firmly established himself in Toronto’s architecture culture through his inventiveness and investment in placemaking. His project skills volley between the strategic planning of urban and institutional work through to the detailing of finely crafted furniture, as well as research-based design. Don has held numerous design conference speaking engagements, from the Wood at Work Conference to the Architectural League of New York, and has been featured in print publications, such as Design Lines, related to mass timber design.
Susan Croswell, OAA, MRAIC Project Delivery Principal HDR
Susan is a project architect with over 27 years of diversified experience. Her expertise in both architectural design and technology allows her to excel in the profession from concept design through to contract administration. Susan’s ability to deliver complex projects and documentation on time is a hallmark of her work and is achieved through effective leadership and teamwork. She has developed a reputation as a highly competent, efficient, effective and approachable project architect who loves the challenges that each and every project brings to the team. Some of her recent, award-winning projects include the CNL Chalk River Laboratories “New Builds,” Queen’s University John Deutsch University Centre, and Kingston Frontenac Public Library.
Ryan Zizzo, PEng, MASc, LEED AP ND Founder & CEO Mantle Developments
Ryan Zizzo is a professional engineer and Founder & CEO at Mantle Developments, a consultancy focused on climate-smart infrastructure and buildings, based in Toronto. Mantle helps projects go beyond energy efficiency, incorporating resilience, embodied carbon emissions, and life cycle approaches to make projects future-proof and net-zero carbon ready. Ryan is a recognized leader in helping large organizations and governments transition to a low-carbon future. He has directly supported the Government of Canada, several provincial Ministries, the City of Toronto, the YMCA of Greater Toronto, and numerous developers, property managers, and real estate investors.
Vertical Additions: An innovative pathway to delivering more homes
Course Overview
Discover the innovative approach to housing supply undertaken by Pathway Non-Profit Community Developments Inc. of Peel. The Arbor Mill expansion sets a remarkable precedent for other non-profit affordable housing providers who want to build more housing and can do it by adding additional units on top of their existing buildings. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 20-25% of existing buildings can support a vertical addition in wood, which is a comparatively light weight building material.
This novel approach removes the need to find new land to develop and has the added benefit of immediately integrating new residents into an existing supportive community. This project added 6 barrier-free, affordable apartments on top of a 35-year old, occupied residential building using prefabricated mass timber, delivering more affordable housing through the “gentle densification” of existing infrastructure.
In this webinar, the project team will discuss the architectural, structural, and design challenges of the project, including blending prefabricated mass timber construction methods with an older structure built with conventional materials. Key sustainability and construction considerations will also be highlighted. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of the first project teams in North America to pursue this innovative approach to housing delivery.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn how Pathway, a non-profit community developer in Peel Region, created a plan to expand its housing portfolio while addressing tenant needs and priorities.
Participants will gain insights into the design and approval challenges of the project, including navigating site plan approvals, integrating mass timber, and meeting acoustic and fire safety requirements.
Participants will understand the structural considerations for vertical expansions, which include performing load assessments and evaluating structural options.
Participants will understand the mass timber fabricator’s process and the key considerations for successfully integrating prefabricated mass timber components into a project, including early involvement, securing production spots, and managing construction timelines.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1072356677
Speaker Bio
Roman Spektor General Manager Pathway Non-Profit Community Developments Inc. of Peel
Mechanical engineer by profession, Roman has been the General Manager of Pathway for over 25 years and has managed social housing projects for 35 years. Pathway Non-Profit Community Developments Inc. of Peel (Pathway) is an interfaith non-profit corporation that was incorporated in 1988. The Pathway organization is run by a volunteer board made up of members of the three founding congregations. Pathway owns and operates two apartment building in Mississauga constructed in the early 90s. Pathway’s two buildings, Forest Ridge and Arbour Mill, house 230 families and are funded by rental income and a government subsidy.
Pathway has also created a separate management company and manages other non-profit housing communities. Roman has coordinated with the volunteer board on all aspects of management of the buildings including budgeting, capital work and project management. Through the creation of programs for the residents, Pathway has created inclusive communities where all residents feel welcome.
Cathy has been a partner in the firm Tafler Rylett Architects since 1996 and is involved in all aspects of the firm’s work including client consultation, design, permit application, specifications and contract administration. Cathy is committed to producing thoughtful and environmentally responsible projects that are integrated with the surrounding landscape. The firm designs with a collaborative process, listening to their client’s requirements and budget and input from the surrounding community.
Cathy was chair of the OAA’s Committee on the Environment and is a member of the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (TAEH). The firm’s work includes supportive and affordable housing, offices, institutional and private residential projects. Major projects include supportive housing for Houselink Community Homes, offices for Doctors Without Borders, offices for the U of T Faculty Association, Tiny Treasure Montessori School and affordable housing for Pathway.
Craig Nicoletti, P.Eng. Partner, Structural Engineer Engineering Link Inc.
Craig is a Professional Engineer and Partner for the Structural Division at Engineering Link. He has been with Engineering Link since 2011 and brings more than 20 years of structural engineering expertise to his projects. During his tenure, Craig acquired a diverse portfolio of experience with wood projects that spans all sectors including commercial, recreational, industrial, hospitality, civic, and sporting facilities, in addition to heritage designated sites.
Stephen Balamut, B.Eng. Project Manager Element5
Stephen is a Civil Engineering Graduate of McMaster University. He began with Element5 as a designer and estimator, then moved into his current project manager position where he has overseen over 50 completed mass timber projects, from low- and mid-rise residential, to mixed-use and commercial. As a project manager, Stephen oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of Element5’s mass timber projects. He collaborates closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the structural integrity and sustainability of the mass timber components. Stephen is driven by a passion for contributing to sustainable projects that have a meaningful and lasting impact on people’s lives.
Tallwood 1
Course Overview
Mass timber has garnered a lot of interest in Ontario in recent years and with the recent adoption of the encapsulated mass timber construction requirements into the Ontario Building Code, the path to approvals for these buildings has become less onerous. Building with mass timber has many benefits vs. conventional concrete or steel construction from sustainability to construction time to occupant health. However, cost is often a deterring factor, particularly for developers. There are many considerations that need to be made to make tall mass timber buildings a competitive option and we will share some with you in this presentation using the recently completed Tallwood 1 building in Langford, BC. Tallwood 1 is the first 12-story mass timber-steel hybrid building in Canada and located in one of the highest seismic zones in the country. In addition to sharing lessons learned from this project, we will also discuss how this building may be different if it were to be built in Ontario.
Learning Objectives
Understand the design and construction advantages of using mass timber in tall building projects like Tallwood 1 – structural benefits, aesthetic possibilities, and environmental impact.
Analyze the engineering challenges and solutions involved in the project, focusing on mass timber integration with other construction materials.
Evaluate the implications of prefabrication and modular construction techniques used in the Tallwood 1 project – to enhance construction efficiency, reduce waste, and potentially lower project costs.
Discuss the impact of innovative structural systems like point-supported CLT and hybrid seismic systems on the architectural design and functionality of tall buildings.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046520714
Speaker Bio
Mehrdad Jahangri, P.Eng., Dipl. Ing.(Germany) Principal ASPECT Structural Engineers
Mehrdad is a principal at ASPECT and has more than three decades of international experience on notable, architecturally oriented commercial, educational, recreational, and residential projects. He is internationally recognized for his innovative approach and consulting with North American and international architects. He has a sound knowledge of building physics and sustainable design concepts that allow him to actively engage in sustainable design challenges and decisions. Mehrdad understands the challenge of creating carefully detailed yet efficient structural designs and provides an unparalleled level of service to all his clients.
Eva Chau, P.Eng., M.Eng. Associate ASPECT Structural Engineers
Eva is an Associate at ASPECT and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in Structural and Earthquake Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Over the course of her career, she has worked on a wide range of residential, institutional, civic, and transit projects. Eva is proficient with all major building materials but has been strongly focused on mass timber building for the past 4 years. Eva is passionate about structural engineering and always strives to help clients realize their unique visions and achieve their project goals.
Custom Steel Connections for Mass Timber: Understanding the Basics Step by Step
Course Overview
As mass timber construction continues to grow in popularity, understanding how structural connections work is essential for anyone involved in the design and construction process. This course introduces custom steel hangers as a practical and flexible solution for connecting timber beams and columns, explaining why they are sometimes preferred over off-the-shelf options. Using clear, visual examples, participants will be guided through how forces travel through a connection, what needs to be checked to ensure safety, and how factors like fire performance and moisture are considered in real projects. No advanced engineering background is required to follow along and gain valuable insight into this important aspect of mass timber design.
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.
Identify key real-world considerations for custom steel connections in mass timber, including fire protection strategies and the importance of accounting for wood shrinkage.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1183860319
Speakers Bio
Patrick Geers Senior Structural Designer & Head of Quality Control Western Archrib
Patrick Geers brings over 24 years of expertise in mass timber engineering to his role at Western Archrib, where he leads the design of innovative structural systems and maintains the company’s exceptional quality standards. A passionate carpenter with degrees from both Canadian and German institutions, Patrick combines hands-on craftsmanship with advanced engineering knowledge.
His international career spans positions in Austria and Germany, providing him with unique cross-cultural perspectives on structural design and community-centered architecture. Patrick currently serves on multiple technical committees including the CSA 086 Committee for Wood Design Standards and acts as an industry advisor to the ARTS group at the University of Alberta.
His work focuses on creating sustainable structures that navigate challenging environments while connecting communities. Through his leadership in both technical innovation and quality assurance, Patrick continues to advance the possibilities of mass timber construction for buildings that serve as community anchors and exemplars of sustainable design.
T3 Bayside
Course Overview
Coming Soon
Learning Objectives
Understand the design and sustainability features of the T3 Bayside project, emphasizing mass timber construction.
Analyze the challenges and solutions in implementing mass timber in large-scale commercial projects – logistical, regulatory, and construction.
Evaluate the benefits of mass timber in terms of construction efficiency and workplace environment – understand how mass timber construction impacts project timelines, cost-effectiveness, and creates biophilic, worker-friendly environments.
Discuss the implications of mass timber construction for commercial buildings in urban settings.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046520266
Speaker Bio
Michael Gross Vice President Construction Hines Canada
Michael has become a key member of the Hines Canada platform since returning to Toronto in 2014. He leads several projects, provides support to the business generation team, and takes pride in mentoring junior colleagues.
Michael’s main responsibility has been leading the delivery of Hines’ 13-acre Bayside Toronto mixed-use master planned community which includes 1,300 residential units, 500,000 sq. ft. of office space, and 115,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and several public amenities. He led a trailblazing building code approval effort for the 10-storey T3 Bayside heavy timber office project and leads the design and construction of that project. He also provides senior leadership and guidance to other construction teams across Canada– most recently for the 64-86 Bathurst Multifamily project and T3 Sterling Road.
Michael joined Hines in 2007 to work on the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando Florida after having spent a considerable part of his early career on the development and construction of arts and cultural venues. He is passionate about the quality of the built environment and the livability of cities, and this passion informs his approach to his work at Hines. Michael has served as a Board Member of St. Hilda’s Towers and Lewis Garnsworthy Residence in Toronto and the Mad Cow Theatre in Orlando.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, entertaining, and canoe trips.
Nicola Casciato OAA, MRAIC, AANB Principal WZMH
Since joining the firm in 2005, Nicola has brought a high level of energy and creativity to the design of a number of major projects, including the Durham Consolidated Courthouse, Bay-Adelaide Centre and the Caesar’s Casino in Windsor, Ontario. He joined WZMH as a Senior Designer with experience in institutional, multi-unit residential and recreational buildings. Nicola’s strengths lie within the realm of design with a deeply rooted connection to the architecture of humanism while maintaining a full understanding of the production of contract documents and contract administration. His skills were acquired through six years as an associate at Montgomery Sisam Architects, a distinguished Toronto practice, and four years of formative training at Perkins and Will, an internationally renowned Chicago practice. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the firm, Nicola was appointed a Principal of WZMH in 2010. Nicola has a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Science from Ryerson University.
Jack Keays Principal Vortex Fire
Jack is an accomplished fire safety engineer, building code expert, and mass timber innovator with extensive project experience in Canada, Singapore, the Middle East, and North Africa. He has advanced analytical skills with the ability to recognize and address fire safety challenges while developing practical engineering solutions. With each project, Jack engages both internal and external stakeholders in constructive and collaborative relationships. Jack brings value to each project by taking a holistic approach to fire and life safety and by working closely with a cross section of disciplines to deliver optimal solutions.
Lucas Driussi Project Manager Eastern Construction
Lucas Driussi, project manager, is a sought-after project management resource within Eastern Construction, who provides critical leadership and direction to help guide his team and project stake holders through all phases of a project. Lucas has amassed an impressive list of diverse projects, clients, and delivery methods gained over a career that spans more than 15-years in the construction industry.
Starting as a Project Coordinator, then serving stints in the field and estimating, and then taking on the role of Assistant Project Manager and subsequently Project Manager on large-scale projects, Lucas offers extensive expertise with construction management coupled with a strong appreciation for LEAN Construction practices. Currently, Lucas is managing T3 Bayside, a LEED Gold, high-performance, mass timber commercial office building located along Toronto’s waterfront. Once complete, T3 Bayside will be the tallest wood tower constructed in North America.
Innovative Envelope Solutions for Mass Timber
Course Overview
As society strives toward lower-carbon construction and increased operational efficiency of the built environment, we know that a building’s envelope significantly impacts a project’s overall environmental performance. This panel presentation offers attendees a glimpse into three different façade systems being employed in three important mass timber projects in Toronto.
Industrialized exterior wall system for the 1925 Victoria Park project in Toronto, Canada.
From local to global, global to local – the CREE building system is used locally in various markets and continents. 1925 Victoria Park is an example of how you can use this exterior wall system. Since 2010, the CREE building system is constantly evolving and adapting to different markets. Now it is reaching North America. This presentation will give you insights into the project developments, design processes, challenges, and details of the exterior wall of the 1925 Victoria Park project in Toronto, Canada.
Learning Objectives
Understand the integration of wood products in building envelopes and their role in achieving high-performance in mass timber projects.
Analyze the challenges and technological solutions involved in combining wood products with other building materials for envelope construction.
Evaluate the impact of prefabricated wood product systems on construction efficiency and environmental sustainability – in terms of construction timelines, labor efficiency, and carbon footprint reduction.
Discuss the future implications and potential innovations in wood product applications in building envelope systems.
Course Video
https://vimeo.com/1046520905
Speaker Bio
Chris Ertsenian, Dip. Arch. Tech. Associate Moriyama & Teshima Architects
Case study presentation on the façade at Limberlost Place, Georg Brown College’s 10-storey, mass timber, net zero carbon emissions academic building on Toronto’s waterfront.
Chris Ertsenian, a long-standing MTA Associate and Senior Job Captain, facilitates competitive contractor bids, expedites construction, and minimizes change orders by ensuring that the firm’s contract documents optimize constructability and are clear, complete, and well-coordinated. He brings a breadth of experience on a wide range of project types and has been an integral member of the production and quality control team on many highly complex and exacting projects.
Chris is currently serving as Job Captain for Ontario’s first institutional mass timber building, Limberlost Place (formerly “The Arbour”) at George Brown College; managing the consultant team and monitoring construction progress. He is also the Senior Technologist on the University of Waterloo Faculty of Mathematics Academic Building.
Previously, Chris has worked with all of MTA’s partners to realize many major college and university buildings, including the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia Community College’s Sydney Waterfront Campus, Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Urban Innovation, and many more to name a few. He has also worked on several public and cultural projects, such as Place des Arts in the City of Greater Sudbury, the Government of Canada’s Visitor Welcome Centre Phase 1 on Parliament Hill, the City of Surrey (British Columbia) Civic Centre, as well as the Ismaili Centre and Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. With strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects at once, Chris’ impact on MTA’s portfolio is wide-ranging and highly influential.
He authored Moriyama & Teshima Architects’ CADD standards and user manual, as well as more recently authoring MTA’s Drawing Standards and assisting in BIM Standards which exemplify his organizational abilities, attention to detail and comprehensive knowledge of building technologies.
Kelsey Saunders, M.B.Sc., CPHD, LEED® AP BD+C. Project Manager and Building Scientist RDH Building Science Inc.
Case study presentation on the façade at the University of Toronto’s new 4-storey, 346-unit, mass timber student residence at Trinity College.
Kelsey Saunders is a Project Manager and Building Scientist at RDH Building Science and has been in the building science field for nearly 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Architectural Science and a Master of Building Science degree from Ryerson University. She is a Certified Passive House Designer and a LEED AP in Building Design and Construction.
Kelsey’s work is focused on early-stage building enclosure consulting on new construction projects across North America with a particular specialty in low carbon buildings both in terms of operational and embodied carbon. She takes an enclosure-first approach to low carbon design and has worked on many Passive House, Net Zero Carbon, mass timber, and prefabricated panelized enclosure projects.
Kelsey has also been involved in numerous public and private research projects, including a current study of the embodied carbon impact of building enclosure systems in whole life carbon emissions to support early-stage decision making for low carbon design.
Tim Steffinger Structural Consultant specialized in Engineering and System Design CREE Buildings
Case study presentation on the façade at 1925 Victoria Park, an 11-storey, 154-unit mixed-use rental apartment building with ground floor commercial.
Tim Steffinger is a civil engineer from Germany specializing in Engineering and System Design. He studied at the University of Stuttgart and received his master’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural design. At CREE Buildings, he is our expert in exterior wall systems and is constantly improving the CREE System with his expertise and ever-expanding know-how through practical experience and exchange with the international network. As Structural Consultant at CREE, he supports our license partners in the realization of timber hybrid structures and coordinates CREE projects worldwide.
From local to global, global to local – the CREE building system is used locally in various markets and continents. 1925 Victoria Park is an example of how you can use this exterior wall system. Since 2010, the CREE building system is constantly evolving and adapting to different markets. Now it is reaching North America. This presentation will give you insights into the project developments, design processes, challenges, and details of the exterior wall of the 1925 Victoria Park project in Toronto, Canada.
Exploring the Feasibility of Point-Supported Mass Timber for Tallwood Construction
...Learning Objectives 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...
Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building
...building’s mass timber components, and how these features address common challenges in high-rise construction. Evaluate the sustainability, regulatory, and operational considerations in developing carbon-neutral mass timber buildings: Learners will assess...
Overview of the Ottawa Mass Timber Fire Test
...performance of mass timber construction will be reviewed briefly to provide the background necessary to understand how the latest tests support the design of taller and larger mass timber buildings....
Timber for the Masses
...installation of mass timber building structures. Having introduced solid timber construction to the UK market 12 years ago Eurban have considerable experience in the delivery of buildings using mass timber....
Cornerstone Timberframes and BuildingIN: Innovation in Wood Construction and Housing Development
...a traditional residential timber framing business to a multifaceted manufacturer delivering both custom timber frame structures and commercial mass timber projects. Drawing on decades of industry experience, she discusses the...
Early Mass Timber Collaboration: A Journey from Design Assists Pre-Construction through Construction
...onboarding of a mass timber erector, to the engagement of a mass timber specialists examining topics from erection tolerances to moisture and construction protection, to storage procedures, to fire retardant...
...heavy-timber, and cross laminated timber (CLT). Typical components include solid sawn timbers, glue-laminated timbers (glulam), parallel strand lumber (PSL) laminated veneer lumber (LVL) laminated strand (LSL), and CLT. Heavy-timber post...
Sound and Vibration in Mass Timber Buildings: A Practical Guide
...initiatives aimed at helping maximize exposed mass timber while still adhering to code requirements. This webinar will also examine the sound absorptive properties of mass timber, which play a...
With advanced construction technologies and modern mass timber products such as glued-laminated timber, cross-laminated timber and structural composite lumber, building tall with wood is not only achievable but already underway...
Scaling Housing With Prefabricated Timber: Regulations-Ready Mid-Rise Prototypes
...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...
KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence: Pioneering Long-Span Timber Design
...of the building’s superstructure uses timber: long-span hybrid timber-steel trusses in the hangars and conference space, cross-laminated timber (“CLT”) shear walls, mass timber-framed exhibition hall and a curved timber spiral...
Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
...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...
Course Overview This session examines the growing potential of point-supported mass timber systems in tall building construction, contrasting them with traditional timber...
Course Overview Halsa 230 Royal York is setting new standards as Toronto’s pioneering 9-storey prefabricated mass timber rental building, demonstrating the viability of...
Course Overview The presentation will provide an overview of the Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Tests which were conducted during the summer and fall of 2022. Past research...
Course Overview With so many compelling reason to build with mass timber the question is no longer ‘why?’ but ‘how?’. As a construction method in its own right, mass...
Course Overview This session explores two distinct but complementary perspectives on advancing the built environment in Canada. Tanya Bachmeier, CEO of Cornerstone...
Course Overview In this session attendees will be taken through the evolution of the mass timber structure design for the Sam Centre at the Calgary Stampede. We will explore...
Throughout history, wherever wood has been available as a resource, it has found favour as a building material for its durability, strength, cost-competitiveness...
Course Overview Following an introductory overview of building acoustics, the presenter will explore both airborne and impact sound transmission in mass timber buildings....
With advanced construction technologies and modern mass timber products such as glued-laminated timber, cross-laminated timber and structural composite lumber, building tall...
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...
Course Overview Shaped as an aircraft, the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence is a legacy museum and event space for Kelowna’s largest private employer, KF Aerospace. A...
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...
