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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Design and Construction of Permanent Wood Foundations

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 – Specification of Permanent Wood Foundations for Housing and Small Buildings. Topics will include site selection, backfilling, PWF floor systems, air and vapour barriers, insulation techniques, crawl spaces, and design considerations for high wind and seismic zones. The course will give attendees a comprehensive overview of the structural and building science requirements for designing and constructing PWF systems.

Learning Objectives

  1. History of PWF construction.
  2. Wood preservatives and material requirements for PWF.
  3. Overview of pertinent design and construction aspects of PWF.
  4. Standardization of PWF as per CSA S406.

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Adam Robertson, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Co-founder and Principal
Sustainatree Consulting

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.

Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses

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 sustainable and economically competitive alternative, mass timber is redefining what is possible in industrial construction, a field traditionally dominated by prefabricated steel. An analysis of two cutting-edge projects in Sudbury, Ontario, highlights key advantages, including cost competitiveness, reduced embodied carbon, and superior aesthetic appeal. The insights from these two projects present stakeholders with helpful considerations and valuable strategies for integrating mass timber into future developments.

Learning Objectives

  1. Participants will learn how to create flexible, multi-tenant industrial layouts using mass timber systems that are able to accommodate evolving tenant needs.
  2. Participants will gain insight into how early-stage collaboration with mass timber suppliers streamlines design, engineering, and construction processes.
  3. Participants will gain insight into the role of mass timber in biophilic design, and how its visual warmth and natural materials contribute to wellness-centred spaces that appeal to tenants.
  4. Participants will understand how mass timber can be a cost-competitive alternative to steel, especially in volatile markets, and assess its impact on embodied carbon and sustainability goals.

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Darian Sweeney, B.Sc., B.B.A
Chief Operating Officer
Bloomington Developments

Born and raised in Greater Sudbury, Darian holds dual bachelor’s degrees from Laurentian University – in Biochemistry and Business Administration with a specialization in finance. In December of 2021, he joined Bloomington Developments, a real estate investor and developer in Greater Sudbury with a focus on commercial and industrial assets. While he has had the chance to apply his skills in capital budgeting, asset valuation, financial forecasting, and cost tracking in his time with Bloomington, his first major role with the company was unrelated to his educational background: overseeing the two concurrent mass timber building projects that are the subject of this seminar. Darian now manages all construction projects – whether new builds or renovations – and negotiates all leases across the company’s portfolio, in addition to his roles as primary liaison on legal, administrative, tenant relations, marketing, and business development matters.

Patrick Danielson, OAA + AIBC, MRAIC
Founder and Principal
Danielson Architecture Office Inc.

Patrick holds a degree in Biomedical Science and a graduate degree from the School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia. Combining these disciplines, he developed a unique “genetic design” approach — an evolving architectural strategy informed by biological principles. Patrick has expanded this framework through academic research, patented innovations, private sector projects, biological studies, and his experience as a pilot.

Canada’s Wood Industry Welcomes New Build Canada Homes Agency to Drive Rapidly Deployable Housing

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 Prime Minister Mark Carney. Backed by a robust $13 billion investment and a plan to allocate federally owned lands for development, BCH will fast-track the delivery of affordable, sustainable housing nationwide.

“This commitment to factory-built housing and prefabricated building components, including both mass timber and light wood frame systems, directly supports the architects, engineers, and builders we work with every day. It enables them to rapidly deploy quality homes at scale, while meeting Canada’s sustainability and affordability goals,” said Rick Jeffery, President and CEO of CWC.

“We’re especially encouraged by BCH’s plan to adopt a ‘Buy Canadian’ policy and streamline permitting for bulk projects.”

BCH’s first projects will be launched in Dartmouth, Longueuil, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, and Edmonton, with construction expected to begin next year. The agency will also work with the Nunavut Housing Corporation to deliver 700 homes, 30% of which will be built off-site and transported to Nunavut.

In advance of this announcement, the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) with Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) submitted recommendations to the BCH Market Sounding Guide highlighting how wood-based modern methods of construction (MMC)—including mass timber, light wood frame, and modular systems—can reduce build times by up to 50%, cut carbon emissions by 30–60%, and lower long-term operating costs.

The CWC and FPAC urges BCH to implement key recommendations from its submission, including:

  • Loan guarantees and concessional financing for factory expansion.
  • A national “one-window” approval system for factory-built housing.
  • A Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DfMA) pattern library.
  • Indigenous equity and workforce development tied to housing pipelines.

 

The CWC stands ready to champion this effort and ensure design and construction professionals have the information and support they need to rapidly deploy the sustainable, affordable homes Canadians need.

–30–

The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is a leading force in advancing building codes and standards for wood construction, ensuring market access for Canadian wood products, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable, wood-based construction solutions in the marketplace. As a national federation of associations, the CWC serves as the unifying voice for our members, who represent hundreds of manufacturers across the country.

Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks Program Welcomes BarrierTEK as National Partner

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 collaboration aligns two organizations committed to supporting safe, innovative, and low-carbon construction practices across Canada through education, technical excellence, and strategic market development.

As the construction sector responds to climate imperatives, shifting societal expectations, and progressive building codes, the role of wood in the built environment continues to expand. By combining traditional wood systems with value-added solutions like fire-retardant treatments, project teams can expand the application of wood in diverse building types without compromising performance or design flexibility. This partnership will help raise awareness of the full range of tools and technologies available to support safe, code-compliant wood construction while reinforcing wood’s reputation as a versatile, safe, high-performance building material.

“WoodWorks is proud to collaborate with BarrierTEK to help build industry knowledge and confidence in the proven fire performance of wood construction,” says Martin Richard, Vice President of Market Development and Communications at the Canadian Wood Council. “This partnership supports our broader goal of advancing wood use in all forms by equipping professionals with practical, performance-based solutions.”

 

Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks Program Welcomes BarrierTEK as National Partner

 

“At BarrierTEK, our mission has always been to make fire safety more accessible without compromising the sustainability or affordability of wood construction,” says Ewan Davie, VP Sales at BarrierTEK. “Working alongside WoodWorks allows us to contribute to the national conversation on wood construction and demonstrate how innovation in fireperformance can enhance—not limit—wood’s role in shaping modern construction practices.”

Through shared outreach, resource development, and technical education across the country, this national partnership aims to equip architects, builders, and developers with the knowledge they need to confidently design and build with wood.

About the Canadian Wood Council
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is Canada’s unifying voice for the wood products industry. As a national federation of associations, our members represent hundreds of manufacturers across the country. Our mission is to support our members by accelerating market demand for wood products and championing responsible leadership through excellence in codes, standards, and regulations. We also deliver technical support and knowledge transfer for the construction sector through our market leading WoodWorks program.

About the National WoodWorks Program
The Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks Program a national outreach initiative dedicated to advancing the use of wood in construction by providing educational opportunities and direct technical support. The program helps architects, engineers, developers and other industry professionals expand their capacity for wood design and construction, contributing to a more sustainable built environment.

About BarrierTEK
BarrierTEK is a Canadian company based near Edmonton, Alberta, at the forefront of enhanced fire performance of wood construction since 2010. Their team of chemists, engineers, and researchers collaborates with builders, code officials, and fire prevention authorities to develop cost-effective, non-toxic, factory-applied fire-retardant treatments for dimensional lumber, I-joists, OSB/plywood panels, attic trusses, and sheathing. These solutions meet or exceed Canadian and NFPA fire safety standards—while being LEED‑compliant and compatible with conventional construction processes—and are designed to reduce the risk and severity of high‑intensity fires in both single‑family and multi‑family wood buildings, delivering measurable benefits like lower insurance premiums and enhanced community safety.

Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Tests Program

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 full-scale mass timber structure in Ottawa. The five tests occurred in June 2022. The project supports market acceptance of tall and large mass timber buildings in Canada and encourages the construction of buildings that include mass timber.

With the most certified sustainable forests in the world, Canada is a champion of sustainable forest management and in a position to solidify our global leadership in the bioeconomy and forest sector by advancing mass timber adoption. Mass timber is revolutionizing the building industry as a renewable, nature-based construction material. Recognizing mass timber’s vital role in achieving a low carbon, built environment, the Canadian Wood Council and its partners are dedicated to advancing its adoption.

 

Click here for the final report

 

 

Purpose
The project was designed to support market acceptance of tall and large mass timber buildings in Canada and encourage the construction of buildings that include mass timber. By designing and executing a series of demonstration fire research tests on a full-scale mass timber structure, and collecting data from tests, the project:

  • Demonstrated mass timber fire performance to key stakeholders including building officials, fire service and insurance industry
  • Encouraged building code advancements that will allow for taller and larger wood buildings Support the adoption of the 2020 National Building Code introducing new provisions to allow 12 storey mass timber buildings
  • Supported future code change proposals and the development of alternative solutions
  • Encouraged the development of / provide data and information to support the transition toward performance-based codes, long-term strategy
  • Promoted the adoption of mass timber by developing educational materials for targeted audiences
  • Supported the maximum use of exposed mass timber elements (visual aesthetic), leading to cost competitive projects and health and wellness benefits
  • Demonstrated the ability of different mass timber assemblies to maintain structural integrity under, during and post-construction fire scenarios in a way that is comparable to (or superior to) conventional materials.
  • Supported the transition to Performance-based codes

Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Tests Program

 

Summary of the Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Test #5

 

Objectives
While there is evidence, research, and case studies that demonstrate the comparable, safety and performance of mass timber construction compared to construction using conventional materials like steel and concrete, misconceptions still circulate. By designing and executing a series of demonstration fire research burns on a full-scale mass timber structure, and collecting data from these burns, our objective was to:

  • Showcase, through fire demonstration tests, that mass timber construction is a safe and viable alternative to other more conventional construction systems (steel & concrete) for constructing large or tall buildings;
  • Support the implementation and adoption of the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada;
  • Support future code change proposals to extend the use of mass timber to other building types, heights, and sizes;
  • Support the transition to Performance-based codes;
  • Use the results and finds from the demonstration tests to develop viable solutions to mitigate construction fire risk.

 

Targeted Audiences
Various key stakeholders within the construction sector need to be educated through science-based tests that mass timber building systems can be designed to provide a safe building environment when subjected to fire. The key groups targeted by the project include, but are not limited to:

  • Building Code Officials & Regulators
  • Fire Services Professionals
  • Insurance Professionals
  • Building & Construction Industry
  • Sustainability Specialists
  • Building Occupants & Owners

 

Funders & Stakeholders

  • Natural Resources Canada
  • BC Forestry Innovation Investment
  • Government of British Columbia – Office of Mass Timber Implementation (OMTI)
  • Ontario – Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
  • Alberta – Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development
  • Québec – Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs
  • Canadian Wood Council
  • FPInnovations

 

Full Scale Fire Testing and Research
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) provided support for the technical work and science-based fire tests, as part of its research to inform the advancement of safe and innovative solutions across Canada’s construction industry.

 

Key Consultants & Contractors

  • GHL Consultants Ltd.
  • CHM Fire Consultants Ltd.
  • ISL Engineering
  • Timmerman Timberworks Inc.

 

Key Suppliers & Manufacturers
Five mass timber product manufacturers supplied the mass timber materials:

  1. Western Archrib:
    ◦ Glulam beams and columns
    ◦ Westdek panels for the roof
  2. Element5 Modern Timber Buildings
    ◦ Glulam beams and columns
    ◦ CLT floor
  3. Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation
    ◦ Glulam beams and columns
    ◦ CLT floor and walls
  4. StructureCraft: Timber engineering & Construction:
    ◦ DLT floor and roof
  5. Nordic Structures
    ◦ Glulam beams and columns
    ◦ CLT roof and walls

 

Several key material suppliers also supported the program:

  1. MTC
    ◦ Connectors and fasteners
  2. Rockwool
    ◦ Fire Proof Insulation
  3. Hilti
    ◦ Fireproof material

 

The structure for the Ottawa Fire Test was built by Timmerman Timberworks Inc.

BIM for Wood Buildings – An Introductory Guide

Resource Description

This resource provides educators with an accessible introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of wood construction. It explains core BIM concepts, outlines the implications of adopting BIM, and demonstrates its value for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The guide serves as a clear starting point for teaching BIM practices to students in architecture and engineering, with practical examples to support classroom discussion.

Acknowledgments

Lead Authors
Helen Goodland, RIBA MBA, Scius Advisory Albert Lam, Architectural Technologist AIBC MBA, Scius Advisory Scott Chatterton BIM CP, BIM One

Reviewers
Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These teaching materials were developed by Scius Advisory and BIM One with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited.

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

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

Considerations in the Design & Prefabrication of Mass Timber Buildings for Architects

Considerations in the Design & Prefabrication of Mass Timber Buildings for Architects

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 is organized into four modules that highlight foundational knowledge, technical design considerations, early construction strategies, and sustainability. Together, these modules support students in developing a holistic understanding of how mass timber projects are conceived, designed, and delivered.

  • Module 1 – Introduction & Project Planning Provides an overview of mass timber, highlights the advantages of prefabrication, and outlines key early-stage considerations for optimizing design.
  • Module 2 – Design Optimization Considerations Explores critical aspects of design including structural performance, fire protection, acoustics, and vibration.
  • Module 3 – Early Construction Strategies Focuses on Building Information Modeling (BIM), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), systems integration, and best practices for building envelope and moisture management.
  • Module 4 – Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Examines the importance of carbon accounting, introduces available LCA tools, and discusses broader sustainability and biophilia considerations.

Acknowledgments

Canadian Wood Council

Usage and Citation Guidelines

These teaching materials were developed by university professors with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited.

When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below.

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

Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025

Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025
Woodrise 2025 Registration   |   Official Program   |   Offsite Tours

 

Workshop on Wood Education and Workforce Integration

Date: September 24th, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Duration: 4 hours
Speakers: Alexander Opazo Vega, Blériot Feujofack, Craig Applegath, Ghasan Doudak, Guido Wimmers, Michael David Burnard, Peter Moonen, Pierre Quenneville

 

Description:

This workshop will bring together international experts to explore advancements in wood design and construction education, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and, most importantly, showcasing and discussing innovative solutions. The workshop will feature perspectives on timber engineering education in New Zealand, the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub and its role in shaping Europe’s future workforce, seismic considerations in timber engineering education in Chile, strategies for integrating design, engineering, and construction in North American wood education, as well as workforce integration and the challenges of engaging young professionals in the field. These discussions will also address key strategies for developing and retaining talent within the sector.

An interactive panel discussion will follow, bringing together all speakers to address the complex landscape of wood education and workforce integration. The panel will explore the evolution of curricula, the integration of emerging technologies, and effective strategies for engaging the next generation in wood design and construction. This will also provide the audience with a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the panelists through questions and discussion.

The workshop will conclude with a one-hour roundtable dedicated to shaping an international platform for collaboration. This platform is envisioned to bring together leading experts from around the world, harmonize curricula across institutions, and share high-quality resources to elevate wood education globally. By participating in this roundtable, you will help establish the foundation for a lasting network that fosters innovation, strengthens training, and ensures the next generation of manufacturers, architects, engineers, and builders are well-prepared to design, construct, and maintain advanced wood structures.

In preparation for the workshop, a global survey has been developed to gather insights from educators on wood design and construction. The survey aims to explore current practices, challenges, and technological innovations in wood education. Its findings will provide a data-driven foundation for the workshop discussions, focusing on key topics such as post-secondary education structures, curriculum integration, industry partnerships, and the adoption of new technologies in wood education programs. If you are an educator or professional and would like to share your experiences and perspectives, we invite you to complete the survey by clicking on the following link: Survey Link Here!

This workshop promises to be a pivotal event for shaping the future of wood education, combining academic and industry perspectives to create a unified global approach to training the next generation of professionals in the wood sector.

 

Agenda:

2:00 – 2:10 PM

  • Introduction – Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT;  Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

 

2:10 – 3:45 PM

  • Expert presentations
    • Innovations in Timber Engineering Education: Insights from New Zealand – Dr. Pierre Quenneville, University of Auckland
    • Workforce Integration in Wood Design and Construction: Challenges and Solutions for Engaging Young Professionals – Craig Applegath, DIALOG
    • Empowering Graduates: The Role of the New European Bauhaus Pioneer Hub on Sustainable Built Environment with Renewable Materials – Dr. Michael Burnard, InnoRenew CoE
    • Advancing Timber Engineering Education in Seismic Regions: Insights from Chile’s Academic and Research Initiatives – Dr. Alexander Opazo Vega, University of Bío-Bío
    • Advancing Wood Education in Canada and North America: Integrating Design, Engineering, and Construction – Dr. Ghasan Doudak, University of Ottawa

 

4:15 – 5:00 PM

  • Panel Discussion – Moderated by Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

 

5:00 – 5:55 PM

  • Round Table – Led by Peter Moonen, Canadian Wood Council; Guido Wimmers, BCIT;  Blériot Feujofack, Canadian Wood Council

 

5:55 – 6:00 PM

  • Summary of Activities and Wrap-Up

 

Featuring:

Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025 Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025

Blériot Feujofack

Manager Wood Education
Canadian Wood Council

Peter Moonen

National Sustainability Manager
Canadian Wood Council

Mass Timber Buildings and Fire Safety

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 buildings supports sustainability, promotes health and motivates learning.

Learning Objectives

  1. How wood was used to create a healthy learning environment.
  2. How wood was used to create a sense of wellbeing by creating warm inviting interiors with large open spaces.
  3. Examines the use of wood in the construction of 20 different educational buildings from elementary and high schools to university research facilities and showcase buildings.

Course Video

Speakers Bio

Steve Craft, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Co-founder
CHM Fire Consultants – Ottawa, ON

Dr. Steven Craft is a Principal Engineer with CHM Fire Consultants Ltd, which he co-founded in 2011, and an Adjunct Professor in the Fire Safety Engineering Program at Carleton University. He has an undergraduate degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick and a Ph.D. in Fire Safety Engineering from Carleton University. Dr. Craft teaches courses in Wood Engineering, Fire Dynamics, and Wood Structures and Fire Safety at Carleton University. As well, he is active in Canadian and international codes and standards work, including chairing a task group under CSA O86, Canada’s Wood Design Standard, on fire resistance and a task group under ULC’s Fire Test Committee on exterior fire tests.

Wood in Education

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 supports sustainability, promotes health and motivates learning.

Learning Objectives

  1. How wood was used to create a healthy learning environment.
  2. How wood was used to create a sense of wellbeing by creating warm inviting interiors with large open spaces.
  3. Examines the use of wood in the construction of 20 different educational buildings from elementary and high schools to university research facilities and showcase buildings.

Course Video

Speaker Bio

Coming soon

The Future of Tall: The Future of Cities
Wood Design & Building Magazine, vol 24, issue 100
Design and Construction of Permanent Wood Foundations
Mass Timber Industrial Buildings and Warehouses
Canada’s Wood Industry Welcomes New Build Canada Homes Agency to Drive Rapidly Deployable Housing
Canadian Wood Council’s WoodWorks Program Welcomes BarrierTEK as National Partner
Mass Timber Demonstration Fire Tests Program
BIM for Wood Buildings – An Introductory Guide
Considerations in the Design & Prefabrication of Mass Timber Buildings for Architects
Considerations in the Design & Prefabrication of Mass Timber Buildings for Architects
Wood Education and Workforce Integration Concurrent Workshop @ Woodrise 2025
Mass Timber Buildings and Fire Safety
Wood in Education

Vertical Additions: An innovative pathway to delivering more homes

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Overview of the Canadian Mass Timber Technical Guide

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Mass Timber Construction at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

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Inspired Design

Course Overview This presentation explores the art and science of inspired structural design, emphasizing how engineering can harmonize beauty, efficiency, and...

A Zero Carbon Hybrid Wood Supertall Future

Course Overview With buildings generating 40% of global carbon emissions, we need to achieve net-zero by 2050 to meet the Paris Agreement target and limit global warming to...

Delivering Mid-Rise Housing Solutions – Part 2 Mass Timber

Course Overview WoodWorks Ontario proudly presents Delivering Mid-Rise Housing Solutions Part 2: Mass Timber. YWKW is a supportive housing project that obtained funding from...

Canadian Wood Council Applauds Nova Scotia’s Prioritization of Wood Products for Construction and Heating in Public Buildings

OTTAWA, ON, 18 July 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Province of Nova Scotia’s recent announcement regarding the prioritization of wood products for...

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...

Mass Timber Construction Success Checklist

Mass timber construction offers speed, sustainability, and design flexibility – but it also requires a higher level of coordination than traditional structural systems. Its...

2025 Wood Design & Building Awards Call for Submissions Now Open

OTTAWA, ON, 23 APR 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council is accepting submissions for the 2025 Wood Design & Building Awards. Now in its 41st year, this annual program...

Canadian Wood Council releases new Environmental Product Declarations for 5 Canadian manufactured wood products

OTTAWA, ON, 1 APR 2025 – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is pleased to announce the release of five new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for Canadian softwood...

CLT Firewalls

Course Overview Fire performances of CLT fire separations with closure (door) or service (pipe) penetrations will be discussed. Learning Objectives Beyond the introduction of...

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