Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction De-risking Mass Timber
Course Overview
This presentation explores how insurance can unlock opportunity by aligning risk strategies with sustainability goals. It will provide an analysis of the Canadian and Global insurance market and explain why mass timber has become such a hot topic for insurers. Critical risk mitigation strategies will be discussed as well as various options on how to address many of the more common moisture management problems encountered in construction.
Learning Objectives
Why is Mass Timber a focus area of the insurance industry?
How do I design and position my project to achieve cost effective risk transfer?
What are some of the most common types of insured loss and how do I avoid them?
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Alicia Clendenan SVP – National Director of Sustainable Construction Aon
Alicia is a socially conscious business professional with a passion for complex construction and infrastructure projects. She leads Aon’s Sustainable and Alternative Construction practice across Canada and has more than 15 years of risk and insurance advisory experience. She also serves as Aon’s global mass timber working group chair and is involved in a number of industry initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to insurance for mass timber construction as well as enhancing both the breadth of coverage offered by insurers and improving the industry adopted best practices for risk mitigation in construction.
Unlocking Affordable Timber: Innovations in Structure, Prefabrication, and Code
Course Overview
Bond Tower is a 7-storey mixed-use prototype that asks a critical question: how can mass timber be made cost-effective in the Prairies, where supply chains are limited, demand is low, and timber construction is often reserved for flagship projects. Funded by the Green Construction through Wood Program from Natural Resources Canada, the project develops both prototypes and a built demonstration to advance affordable timber solutions in a region underserved by the current market.
The design leverages nail-laminated timber (NLT) as its primary system, applied in diagrid trusses, floor assemblies, and shear walls. NLT presents a cost-effective alternative to other manufactured products and provides great versatility due to its custom nature. Lateral and gravity-induced forces are carried by a diagrid timber truss fabricated from readily available dimensional lumber and using simple mechanical fasteners. Floor assemblies comprised of NLT are constructed without a concrete topping or proprietary sound attenuation systems, reducing both cost and embodied carbon. Prefabricated wall panels, stairs, and modular service pods further minimize waste and construction time.
Another challenge lies in building code classification. Currently, all structures above six storeys are deemed high-rise, requiring costly and difficult to achieve [in timber] two-hour fire-resistance ratings and fire-safety systems. The Bond Tower design team, working with code consultants, is developing an alternative solution that leverages the inherent 1.25-hour FRR of NLT floor assemblies. This approach suggests a pathway toward a new mid-rise category, making timber projects of seven or eight storeys more financially viable. Alongside a single-stair configuration, which can increase efficiency by reducing non-rentable floor area, these strategies point to a replicable model for affordable timber construction across Canada.
Learning Objectives
Learn how NLT and prefabrication strategies can reduce cost, waste, and construction time, making timber more feasible in the Prairies.
Explore structural detailing approaches that simplify connections and reduce cost, while addressing fire, durability, and acoustic performance in timber design.
Examine how alternative solutions can improve the financial feasibility of 6–8 storey timber projects and support broader code updates across Canada.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Sasa Radulovic, AIBC MAA OAA SAA AAA NSAA FRAIC LEED AP Partner, Architect 5468796 Architecture
Sasa Radulovic co-founded the Winnipeg-based practice 5468796 Architecture with Johanna Hurme in 2007. A talented designer, Sasa guides the office in seeking projects that explore density, affordability, and sustainability through non-traditional means and a dynamic design approach. Recent institutional appointments include Visiting Professor-Morgenstern Chair with the Faculty of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Ken Borton, MAA RAIC Principal 5468796 Architecture
Upcoming…
Oliver Brandt, P.Eng Associate Fast + Epp
Upcoming…
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
Understand the business case drivers for mass timber by evaluating how structure, envelope, schedule, and risk factors influence overall project viability using real project examples (Kelowna office; Vancouver tower planning).
Identify constructability and delivery constraints unique to mass timber (e.g., tolerance coordination with concrete cores, moisture/fire exposure concerns, early planning of penetrations/services) and explain how early integration mitigates these risks.
Apply project optimization strategies (e.g., floor plate adjustments, balcony strategy, prefabricated wall assemblies, supplier early engagement) to improve cost and schedule competitiveness relative to conventional systems.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Graham Brewster FDirector 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 Inc.
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.
Jerry Calara Technical Manager Alberta WoodWORKS! / CWC
Lessons from “The Timber City”
Course Overview
The presentation explores the innovative approach undertaken by the municipality of Växjö, Sweden, which aligns sustainable construction practices with the development of smart cities. By leveraging wood as a primary building material, this strategy reduces environmental impact, promotes resource efficiency, and supports the circular economy. The presentation details the integration of prefabricated wooden elements and advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and digitalization to optimize urban infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. The strategic framework includes collaboration with industry stakeholders, the transition to open innovation, and the establishment of standards and regulations to support long-term sustainable development. The presentation also addresses the municipality’s role in fostering innovation and market opportunities, aiming to transform Växjö into a leading example of a smart, sustainable city. This study contributes to the broader discourse on urban sustainability, providing actionable insights for policymakers, architects, and urban planners committed to developing resilient and environmentally responsible urban environments.
Learning Objectives
Understanding Sustainable Construction Practices: Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of using wood as a sustainable building material, including its impact on reducing environmental footprints and promoting long-term urban sustainability.
Integration of Technology in Urban Development: Participants will learn how modern technologies such as IoT, AI, and digitalization are transforming construction processes and contributing to the development of smart cities.
Strategic Planning for Smart Cities: The presentation will provide knowledge on the critical components of a smart city, including energy efficiency, resource management, and the use of advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for residents.
Collaboration and Innovation in Urban Development: Attendees will understand the importance of open innovation, collaboration among stakeholders, and the role of municipalities in facilitating sustainable development and market possibilities in the context of sustainable construction and smart cities.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Fredrik Lindblad Professor Linneaus University
Fredrik Lindblad is an accomplished leader with a distinguished career in international business management, strategic development, and logistics. Throughout his career, Fredrik has held key leadership positions globally, including roles at Danzas, DHL, and as the Global Head of Supply Chain at Aramex. Most recently, he served as CEO of Växjö Linnæus Science Park, where he played a crucial role in forging strategic partnerships, driving business growth, and fostering innovation. In addition to his executive roles, Fredrik has held several board-level positions and has been actively engaged as an international consultant, working on projects for governments, NGOs, and non-profit organizations.
Fredrik holds a Doctorate in Industrial Engineering and a Licentiate in Economics from Linnaeus University, where he also serves as an Associate Professor. He is a prolific author, with numerous publications in journals such as the Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration, Forest Products Journal, Management and Technology, Wood Material Science and Engineering, and Construction Management and Economics. His research has made contributions to the fields of logistics, supply chain management, and wood construction technology.
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.
International Perspectives on Sustainable Housing Development
Course Overview
Around the world there is a significant and growing housing shortage that is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This challenge demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, occupant comfort, and efficient land use. This panel discussion brings together three internationally renowned architects: Francine Houben (Mecanoo, the Netherlands), Christophe Ouhayoun (KOZ Architects, France), and Geoff Denton (White Arkitekter, Sweden) to explore their approaches to sustainable housing. Each panelist will share their unique perspective on how to address housing shortages and sustainable densification, offering insights into the latest design strategies, materials, and technologies that can contribute to more resilient and equitable urban environments. Join us for a dynamic conversation that will delve into the future of housing and the role of architecture in creating livable, sustainable cities.
Learning Objectives
Understand how international architects approach sustainable housing development, including wood‑based construction, urban densification, and low‑carbon strategies.
Compare differing regulatory, cultural, and construction‑industry conditions that influence mass timber, modularity, prefabrication, and approval processes in Sweden, France, and Canada.
Identify urban‑design principles used to create healthy, community‑oriented neighborhoods.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Francine Houben Founding Partner, Creative Director Mecanoo, the Netherlands
Francine Houben is founding partner of Mecanoo (1984) and has led the firm to success in The Netherlands and abroad, amassing a portfolio of work that is wide-ranging, inspired by global challenges and with a sustainable view on society.
Mecanoo combines the disciplines of architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture and interior design to produce unorthodox design solutions born from a strong sensitivity to context and a highly interdisciplinary design process.
Each of her projects illustrates the four fundamental elements of her architectural vision: People, Place, Purpose, Poetry.
Francine Houben was professor of mobility aesthetics at Delft University of Technology and taught at the universities of Harvard, Yale and Mendrisio. As curator of the First International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (2003), she brought the theme of the aesthetics of mobility to the forefront of international design consciousness.
Francine holds Honorary Fellowships of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) and was granted lifelong membership to the Akademie der Künste in Berlin as well as receiving the International Honorary Fellow Award by the Architecture Institute of Taiwan.
In 2014 Francine was named Woman Architect of the Year by the Architects’ Journal and in November 2015 Queen Máxima of The Netherlands presented her with the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prize for her wide-ranging career. Francine was awarded Honorary Doctorates from the Université de Mons, Belgium (2017) and the Utrecht University (2016).
In 2018 she received the BNA Kubus Award for her oeuvre; the International Prize, Prix des Femmes Architectes (2019) and distinguished with the TU Delft Alumnus of the Year (2020). In 2024, King Willem-Alexander appointed Francine Houben as a Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
Christophe Ouhayoun Founding Partner Architect KOZ Architects, France
Christophe Ouhayoun is a graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. He currently serves as a State Architect Advisor in the Aveyron department. In 1999, he co-founded KOZ Architectes with Nicolas Ziesel. A pioneer in wood architecture since 2001, he recently delivered Lot E of the Paris 2024 Athletes’ Village as co-coordinator within the Nexity-Eiffage team.
In addition to his architectural work, he co-founded:
KOZTO, a workshop dedicated to the creation of up-cycled furniture.
PLAN01, a collaborative “”second office”” active from 2003 to 2014, in partnership with Atelier du Pont, BP Architectures, and Philéas.
PLAN02, an integrated environmental consulting firm.
Alongside his private practice, Christophe Ouhayoun works as a visiting professor at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers and at the École spéciale d’architecture de Paris.
Geoff Denton Partner Architect White Arkitekter, Sweden
Geoff Denton is an architect and urban designer who has led residential, educational and mixed-use urban design and architectural projects across the UK, Europe and North America. Educated at Sheffield University in the UK, his career in Sweden notably led him to the role of lead architect for the implementation of Greenwich Millennium Village for Ralph Erskine Architect. This project marked the beginning of his focus on socially and environmentally sustainable urban development and regeneration.
He joined White Arkitekter in 2011 and is now a partner and member of the board of directors. During his time at White he has led award winning urban design projects and was responsible for starting White Arkitekter’s London Studio. The studio has been built on the goal to share knowledge and experience of sustainable development and offsite fabrication methods used throughout the Nordics. Key projects developed during the first years of the London studio include the Climate Innovation District in Leeds and the Gascoigne estate regeneration in London.
Geoff is now based in Stockholm where he works with diverse complex international projects. His approach to architecture is collaborative and he strongly believes that good design solutions are very much about creating places where people feel secure and invigorated.
Design and Construction of Permanent Wood Foundations – The Buildings Show 2025
Course Overview
This session will provide requirements and 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’. Further information on site selection, backfilling, PWF floor systems, air and vapour barriers, insulation techniques, crawl spaces and design requirements for high wind and seismic zones will be discussed. This session will provide attendees with an overview of the design requirements and construction methods for PWF, with a focus on the structural system and building science considerations.
Learning Objectives
Apply the design requirements of CSA S406-16 for permanent wood foundations in housing and small buildings.
Identify key building-science considerations for PWF systems, including drainage, air and vapour control, insulation, and crawl space design.
Evaluate site and structural requirements for permanent wood foundations in high wind and seismic regions.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Adam Robertson Co-founder and Principal Sustainatree
Adam completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto and also holds a Master of Applied Science degree from the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. He is the past Chair of the CSA Subcommittee on Permanent Wood Foundations and acted as a primary author and editor during the update and revisions to the Canadian Wood Council’s Permanent Wood Foundations publication. He is the co-founder and principal of Sustainatree Consulting, a small firm specializing in sustainability and engineering design of wood building systems. Prior to opening his own practice, Adam was previously employed by the Canadian Wood Council and has also worked as a consulting structural engineer and within the building development and construction management fields.
Offsite Construction Handbook
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
Understand how offsite construction improves the durability, moisture control, and energy performance of wood building systems.
Identify the structural and sustainability benefits of early design integration in offsite wood construction projects.
Evaluate the role of life-cycle analysis and embodied carbon in positioning offsite wood construction as a solution for sustainable and affordable housing in Canada.
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.
Helen Goodland Principal. Head of Research and Innovation SCIUS Advisory
Helen Goodland is an architect registered in the UK and has an MBA from the University of BC. Helen is firmly committed to achieving truly sustainable buildings within the next decade. She is also passionate about advancing leadership opportunities for women in construction technology. To this end, she participates on numerous boards and committees. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors of Building Transformations (formerly CanBIM), the BC Digital Advisory Council, the BCIT Mass Timber Education Advisory Board and the University of Victoria’s Green Civil Engineering Advisory Council. She is also past chair of the UN Sustainable Buildings Initiative’s Materials Technical Committee.
Adam Robertson Co-founder and Principal Sustainatree
Adam completed his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto and also holds a Master of Applied Science degree from the Department of Wood Science at the University of British Columbia. He is the past Chair of the CSA Subcommittee on Permanent Wood Foundations and acted as a primary author and editor during the update and revisions to the Canadian Wood Council’s Permanent Wood Foundations publication. He is the co-founder and principal of Sustainatree Consulting, a small firm specializing in sustainability and engineering design of wood building systems. Prior to opening his own practice, Adam was previously employed by the Canadian Wood Council and has also worked as a consulting structural engineer and within the building development and construction management fields.
Construction Moisture Management of Mass Timber Buildings
Course Overview
Mass timber buildings are transforming the way we build—but with new materials come new challenges. This session will explore how moisture risks in mass timber construction and how to take a proactive approach to moisture management. Participants will gain practical insights into effective protection strategies during the construction phase and learn how to develop a tailored moisture management plan to safeguard both the mass timber structure and project timelines.
Learning Objectives
Identify key moisture risks specific to mass timber construction and understand how they differ from traditional structural systems.
Apply practical construction-phase moisture protection strategies that align with project sequencing, site conditions, and contractor workflows.
Develop or evaluate a project-specific moisture management plan to protect mass timber elements, reduce delays, and ensure long-term durability.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
David Stanton Associate, Senior Engineer – Building Enclosure RDH Building Science Inc.
David is an Associate and Senior Building Science Engineer in RDH Building Science’s Toronto office. David’s exposure to mass timber projects started with the Brock Commons project in BC as a coop student and then with the Catalyst building in Spokane, WA—a 4-storey mass timber building for Eastern Washington University—when he started working full-time in the Building Science field. Since moving back to Toronto, David has continued to work on large scale mass timber projects, including the Lawson Center for Sustainability and the Academic Wood Tower projects at UofT.
Sean Carroll Senior Superintendent Graham Construction
Sean Carroll is a Senior Superintendent with Graham Construction, bringing over 32 years of experience across Canada, Europe, and the UK. A civil engineer and journeyman carpenter, Sean has led complex projects in the commercial, residential, pharmaceutical, and educational sectors—including several involving advanced Mass Timber construction. Over his 11 years with Graham, split between Alberta and Ontario, Sean has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable building methods, particularly in the use of engineered timber systems. He brings a deep understanding of Mass Timber coordination, sequencing, and tolerances, along with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and team leadership. Known for his hands-on approach and global perspective, Sean combines technical precision with a collaborative leadership style—driving successful project outcomes from concept through completion.
Natasha Jeremic Manager, Codes and Standards – Sustainability Canadian Wood Council
Natasha Jeremic is a Professional Engineer in the building industry, with a background in design, building performance, and project management. She is currently the Sustainability Manager for Codes and Standards at the Canadian Wood Council, where she leads strategic initiatives focused on low-carbon construction, energy efficiency, durability, and circularity. Natasha leverages her expertise in structural design, building envelope consulting, and whole life carbon accounting to showcase how wood products contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon built environment. She is passionate about raising awareness of wood’s role as a viable solution in advancing climate-conscious construction.
Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building
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 carbon-neutral communities within Toronto’s Right of Way zoning. Through a case study of the building, this session will present the advantages of integrated design and prefabricated mass timber building systems components.
Learning Objectives
Explain the integrated design and prefabrication strategies used in mass timber residential construction: Learners will be able to describe how collaborative design, advanced manufacturing, and prefabricated building systems contribute to project efficiency, quality, and scalability.
Analyze the technical features and performance benefits of mass timber floor cassettes and curtain wall systems: Learners will understand the structural, acoustic, fire resistance, and thermal properties of the 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 how material sourcing, certification, lifecycle carbon analysis, and code compliance shape the viability and impact of mass timber projects in urban environments.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Oliver Lang Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, Intelligent City Co-Founder, Principal, LWPAC
Oliver Lang is a German-Canadian architect and urban entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience and a recognized leader in design innovation and integration of complex urban projects, mixed-use housing, advanced prefabrication, and green building strategies. He is a graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, with a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, and he holds a professional degree (Diplom-Ingenieur Architektur) from the University of Technology Berlin with two-year studies at the ETSA Barcelona UPC. Prior to founding LWPAC in 1998, Oliver researched and practiced in digitally assisted design and fabrication with Smith-Miller & Hawkinson in New York, while teaching digital design at Princeton University, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania. He subsequently has taught advanced design and digital technology at SCI_ARC, the Berlage Institute, TU Berlin, UTF Santa Maria, and University of British Columbia (UBC).
Shawn Keyes VP – Strategic Growth and Business Development Intelligent City
Shawn is a structural engineer and commercial executive with more than a decade of experience leading innovation in mass timber and industrialized construction. As Vice President of Strategic Growth at Intelligent City, he leads commercialization, market strategy, and partnerships to scale the company’s prefabricated housing systems. Previously, Shawn served as Executive Director of WoodWorks BC, where he led a strategic transformation that strengthened partnerships, technical leadership, and influence across the development, AEC, and policy sectors. Before that, he spent over six years at Fast + Epp as a Senior Structural Engineer, developing deep technical expertise. Over his career, Shawn has supported more than 150 mass timber and hybrid projects across Canada, and has served on advisory councils for BC Housing, BCIT, the BC Office of Mass Timber Implementation, Forestry Innovation Investment, and Natural Resources Canada. He holds an MBA from UBC Sauder, a Master of Engineering from Carleton University, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in BC and Ontario.
The Future of Tall: The Future of Cities
Course Overview
Over the past two decades, tall buildings have enjoyed a major uptake in almost all major cities globally. But is the push for greater urban density and taller buildings creating habitats and patterns of life that are truly sustainability, in terms of social, cultural and economic sustainability, as well as the carbon equation? Through examples from around the world, this session outlines areas where the typology, and cities, need to develop.
Learning Objectives
Understand the sustainability challenges and opportunities in tall building design: Explore how social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influence the development of high-rise structures and urban density.
Identify innovative strategies for integrating mass timber and other sustainable materials in tall buildings: Learn how material choices impact carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and structural performance in high-rise construction.
Analyze global case studies to evaluate future trends in urban development and tall building typologies: Gain insights into design approaches that promote livable, resilient, and sustainable cities.
Course Video
Speakers Bio
Dr. Antony Wood CEO Antony Wood Consulting
Dr. Antony Wood is the former President of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), responsible for leading the Council’s thought leadership, research, and academic initiatives. Prior to this, he was CTBUH chief executive officer (CEO) from 2006-2022. During his sixteen-year tenure as CEO, CTBUH significantly increased its outputs and initiatives across all areas globally. Wood’s PhD dissertation explored the multi-disciplinary aspects of skybridge connections between tall buildings. He is associate editor of the CTBUH Journal and serves on the editorial board of several other journals. He is the author of numerous books and papers in the fields of tall buildings, sustainability, and related fields. Wood has been conference chair and chair of the scientific committee at all CTBUH conferences since 2006. He has also presented at numerous conferences, and lectures regularly around the world.
Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 24, issue 100
Reaching one hundred issues is a milestone worthy of both celebration and reflection. Wood Design & Building, once upon a time called Wood le Bois, began as a modest trade magazine dedicated to showcasing excellence in wood architecture. Over the years we added special features and technical content that helped us grow a loyal readership and community of wood design advocates.
Recently, our cherished print magazine evolved into a digital, multi-media publication. While this transformation involved a small sense of loss for the printed ways of our past, we remain excited by the expanded potential the new format affords, with a reach far wider than we ever imagined at the outset of this journey. So, while the format may have changed, and content options expanded, our purpose has remained remarkably steady. Issue after issue, we have tried to capture not just great buildings, but the innovations, insights, and architectural aspirations that continue to expand wood’s role in contemporary design and construction.
As we look back, there is a sense of gratitude for all that has unfolded across these pages. Past editions captured early explorations in modern timber construction, the resurgence of adaptive reuse, and the steady shift toward high-performance, low-carbon buildings. Today, advances in mass timber systems, hybrid approaches, and industrialized processes are reshaping how buildings come together. Throughout this evolution, wood has been at the center of conversations about sustainability, long-term value, and design expression. The body of work published over the years reflects not only changing technologies but the steady influence of a material with deep cultural and environmental roots.
It is fitting that our 100th issue is also our special awards edition, honouring the winners of the 2025 Wood Design & Building Awards. These celebrated projects are the latest chapter in the architectural story we have been privileged to document for decades. What distinguishes them is not only their accomplishment today, but what they suggest about tomorrow: a more sustainable built environment defined by technical excellence, architectural warmth, and memorable experiences that transcend program or scale.
To everyone who has contributed, read, shared, and championed this publication—thank you. Reaching 100 issues is deeply meaningful, not because of the number alone, but because it represents a sustained conversation within a community that cares about design, innovation, and the future of building. We remain committed to documenting that evolution, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with you, discovering new stories, and celebrating the work yet to come.
Building Confidence in Low Carbon Construction De-risking Mass Timber
Unlocking Affordable Timber: Innovations in Structure, Prefabrication, and Code
The Business Case for Mass Timber
Lessons from “The Timber City”
FRAMEWORK for Success: Prefabricated Wood Systems and Design Innovation
International Perspectives on Sustainable Housing Development
Design and Construction of Permanent Wood Foundations – The Buildings Show 2025
Offsite Construction Handbook
Construction Moisture Management of Mass Timber Buildings
Halsa 230 Royal York: Ontario’s Tallest Mass Timber Residential Building
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 –...
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...
September 15, 2025, Ottawa, ON: The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) welcomes the federal government’s launch of the Build Canada Homes (BCH) agency, announced yesterday by...
Discover the world’s first 10-storey exposed mass timber academic tower at George Brown College. This landmark project proves that sustainable, innovative, and...
Ottawa, Ontario – September 9, 2025 — The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is pleased to welcome BarrierTEK as a new national partner of its WoodWorks program. This...
The Canadian Wood Council partnered with federal and provincial governments and organizations, as well as key experts, to conduct a series of five fire research burns on a...
Resource Description This resource provides educators with an accessible introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of wood construction. It explains...
Resource Description This resource is intended to provide educators with a clear framework for teaching the principles of mass timber design and prefabrication. The content...
Woodrise 2025 Registration | Official Program | Offsite Tours Workshop on Wood Education and Workforce Integration Date: September 24th, 2025 Time: 2...
Course Overview Welcome, this course is a case study of a number of educational buildings in both the United States and Canada and how wood used in the construction of these...
Course Overview This course is a case study of a number of educational buildings in both the United States and Canada and how wood used in the construction of these buildings...
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...
