Fire performances of CLT fire separations with closure (door) or service (pipe) penetrations will be discussed.
Learning Objectives
Beyond the introduction of a new, 18 storey limit, you will:
Basic CLT fire separation performance.
CLT‐penetration interface design principles.
Testing of a CLT wall with a fire door.
Testing of a CLT floor with pipe penetrations.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Conroy Lum Research Leader – Advanced Building Systems FPInnovations
Conroy is a structural engineer by training and oversees the work of the research groups on structural performance, durability, and sustainability in the Advanced Building Systems department of FPInnovations. His research contributions have been in the areas of developing methods for evaluating wood products and structural adhesives, and implementing such methods in standards to support product development and manufacturing.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Light Wood Frame and Mass Timber Hybrid Mid-Rise Construction
Course Overview
55 Franklin in Kitchener, Ontario, is a four-building complex of mid-rise residential buildings that the project team is using as an opportunity to explore new and different strategies for delivering quality affordable housing to our Region. Each of the four buildings will be designed as a prototype exploring different construction methodologies and solutions tested against their sustainability impacts. The first building constructed uses a combination of conventional wood framing and mass timber.
Learning Objectives
Understand the impact of mass timber construction on project timelines and the operational efficiencies it can provide.
Analyze the factors influencing the choice of construction methodologies in mid-rise building projects, with a focus on the efficiency and speed of different methods.
Evaluate the challenges associated with municipal approvals when using new building materials like mass timber, including the need for alternative compliance solutions.
Assess the practical benefits of using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in construction, particularly in terms of labor and time savings during the flooring installation process.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Mike Maxwell President Maxwell Building Consultants
Mike was drawn to Waterloo for his degree from Laurier University and has seen local real estate development potential ever since. A combination of zoning bylaw rules, site data chart statistics and construction knowledge produce unique results for projects that he is involved with. He loves the math and the problem solving. In an advisory position with local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and CMHC, Mike has created strong partnerships to move the cause of affordable housing forward.
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
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.
Delivering Mid-Rise Housing Solutions – Part 1 Light Wood Frame
Course Overview
We are excited to be joined by Ashley Hammerbacher and Seungyeon Hong from s2e Technologies Development Inc a team constructing the 4 storey Eve Park in London Ontario. Eve Park is an innovative net zero community with Phase 1 underway. With the unique building shape, it shows that there are no limits with what offsite prefabrication can’t do.
Learning Objectives
Understand the innovative use of prefabricated light wood construction in creating sustainable residential developments – design choices, construction techniques, and sustainability goals.
Analyze the design and logistical challenges in implementing prefabricated construction systems, including coordination between various stakeholders.
Evaluate the benefits of modular construction in achieving sustainability goals, such as Net Zero Energy standards.
Discuss the role of innovative parking solutions and community design in enhancing the sustainability and livability of residential developments.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Ashley Hammerbacher Managing Director S2E Technologies
Ashley is a Managing Director for the US division of S2E Technologies and is the EVE Park Project Lead. She is currently living and breathing everything EVE Park. Ashley is coordinating and advising on EVE Park where we are reimagining neighbourhoods for green energy along with the future of aut-on-omous vehicles. Ashley holds a Bachelors in Bioengineering and a Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, and has accumulated a breadth of experience in green technology and intelligent mobility.
Seungyeon Hong Modelling and Data Specialist S2E Technologies
Seung is a Modelling and Data Specialist at S2E Technologies. His role includes providing technical analysis on all matters related to buildings. This includes developing physics-based computer simulations to study a building’s behaviour and estimate the associated energy use, which helps guide design decisions and achieve net-zero energy design. Seung had earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering at Carleton University, apprenticed as a timber-framer in South Korea, worked as structural inspector, wrote a thesis on BIM-BEM interworking, and co-led a team of graduate students to win a national Hackathon.
Simplified and Sustainable Acoustic Solutions for High-Performance Mass Timber Buildings
Course Overview
Delivering superior acoustic comfort to building occupants doesn’t have to be complicated. In this panel discussion, presented by an industry-leading manufacturer of acoustic treatments, an acoustic expert, and a LEED GA certified engineer, discover the latest ground-breaking advancements in sound technology that are transforming acoustic design in wood construction.
There are many critical factors to consider when looking at acoustic systems: weight reduction, fire performance, structural height, and environmental sustainability must all be taken into account. The panelists will share system recommendations to help designers achieve better sound performance in mass timber buildings.
Learning Objectives
Identify the latest systems solutions in the marketplace.
Understand how to mitigate flanking paths.
Explore impact sound solutions for exposed mass timber ceilings.
Discuss the benefits of dry vs. wet floor toppings based on a building’s design.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
David Dompierre, P.Eng. Acoustic Engineer SIBE Acoustics
Having been involved in over a hundred successful projects in North America, David was able to develop expertise in the acoustics of numerous construction systems (steel, concrete, light wood frame, mass timber, hybrids, etc.). His position as R&D director at an acoustics laboratory allowed him to gain knowledge of acoustic materials and flooring types.
For several years, he has had the opportunity to share that knowledge with firms, colleges, and universities.
David’s role as a senior noise consultant at SIBE Acoustics is to help developers and professionals with the selection and implementation of acoustic solutions in their projects.
David Gonzalez, LEED® Green Associate™ Solutions Ambassador DCC Solutions
With over 20 years of experience in the building materials industry, David assists construction professionals achieve optimal acoustical performance for the soundproofing of buildings using a dry topping flooring system.
He is a keen green building enthusiast and enjoys acquiring knowledge on environmentally friendly, low carbon and healthy building materials that can contribute to making a positive impact on people’s health, the environment, and the construction industry.
André Rioux Co-Owner- Business Development AcoustiTECH
André has been working alongside building professionals for 20 years and is recognized for his passion for the field of acoustics and his expert knowledge.
Promoting wood construction across Canada and the US has been a great focus of his, he has participated in various organizations, presented at conferences and been part of innovative projects.
André’s experience with wood construction combined with over 20 years of research and development from AcoustiTECH has resulted in a group that is able to bring invaluable expertise and know-how to the industry.
Elevate Innovate Acoustically Integrate
Course Overview
In this session using specific project case studies, discover the latest ground-breaking advancements in sound technology that are transforming acoustic design in wood construction. There are many critical factors to consider when looking at acoustic systems: weight reduction, fire performance, structural height, on-site sequencing and environmental sustainability must all be taken into account. This session will shed light on the advantages of dry toppings over wet toppings, presenting innovative solutions that not only comply with building codes but also keep the construction process moving forward.
Learning Objectives
Define Basic Acoustic Principles.
Propagation of noise in Wood Construction.
Dry Topping VS Wet Topping.
Case Studies.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Cristian Wallace AcoustiTECH
Cristian Wallace brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a genuine passion for collaborating with Developers, Architects, and Acoustical Engineers. His primary objective is to empower clients by educating them on effective strategies to prevent noise-related problems and encourage sustainable construction methods. AcoustiTECH has evolved into a market leader with over 20 years of extensive research and development. Along with Cristian’s expertise they culminated into a team capable of delivering invaluable insights.
The Role of the Wood Industry in Climate Change Mitigation
Course Overview
This presentation will describe the role of the wood industry in mitigating the impacts the built environment has on climate change. Learn about the importance of embodied carbon in construction and how wood has the ability to influence positive change in the building sector’s decarbonization efforts.
This session will highlight current research programs such as National Research Council Canada’s initiative on Low-carbon assets through life cycle assessment (LCA2) and emerging initiatives such as embodied carbon provisions in municipal and national building standards and codes.
Learning Objectives
These objectives are aligned with key concepts in sustainability, building regulations, and lifecycle assessments within the building sector.
Understanding Embodied Carbon: Objective: To learn what embodied carbon is, how it is relevant to building materials, and its implications for sustainability in construction.
Relevance: Knowing the sources of embodied carbon helps in making informed decisions about material selection to reduce environmental impact.
Role of Wood in Sustainable Construction: Objective: To understand the environmental benefits of using wood in construction, including its properties as a low-carbon material.
Relevance: Grasping why wood is considered a sustainable choice can influence policies, building practices, and material selection, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
Biogenic Carbon Concept: Objective: To comprehend what biogenic carbon is, how it is stored in wood, and the significance of using wood to capture and store carbon.
Relevance: Learning about biogenic carbon can lead to greater appreciation of sustainable forestry and its role in carbon sequestration, promoting the use of renewable resources.
Regulatory Expectations and Future Trends in Building Materials: Objective: To gain insight into future regulatory changes regarding building materials, specifically the focus on reducing embodied carbon.
Relevance: Understanding these regulatory trends prepares professionals to comply with upcoming standards and encourages the adoption of sustainable practices in construction.
These objectives help learners—from construction professionals to students and policy makers—understand critical aspects of sustainability in the building industry, encouraging the implementation of practices that reduce the environmental impact of construction activities.
Course Video
Speaker Bio
Natasha Jeremic, MASc, PEng, LEED GA Manager Codes and Standards – Sustainability Canadian Wood Council
Natasha Jeremic is Manager of Sustainability in the Codes and Standards group at the Canadian Wood Council. She is engaged in strategic building code and standards initiatives related to sustainability, circularity, and durability. Natasha leverages her experience in structural design, building performance, and whole life carbon accounting to demonstrate that wood products are a viable solution for a sustainable and low-carbon built environment.
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
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.
CLT Firewalls
Mass Timber: Unlocking the Mysteries of Connection Design and Fabrication
Tallwood 1
Innovative Envelope Solutions for Mass Timber
Mass Timber Designs for Rapid Housing Projects
Light Wood Frame and Mass Timber Hybrid Mid-Rise Construction
A Business Case for Tall Wood
Delivering Mid-Rise Housing Solutions – Part 1 Light Wood Frame
Simplified and Sustainable Acoustic Solutions for High-Performance Mass Timber Buildings
Elevate Innovate Acoustically Integrate
The Role of the Wood Industry in Climate Change Mitigation
Course Overview Fire performances of CLT fire separations with closure (door) or service (pipe) penetrations will be discussed. Learning Objectives Beyond the introduction of...
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...
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...
Course Overview As society strives toward lower-carbon construction and increased operational efficiency of the built environment, we know that a building’s envelope...
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...
Course Overview 55 Franklin in Kitchener, Ontario, is a four-building complex of mid-rise residential buildings that the project team is using as an opportunity to explore...
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...
Course Overview We are excited to be joined by Ashley Hammerbacher and Seungyeon Hong from s2e Technologies Development Inc a team constructing the 4 storey Eve Park in...
Course Overview Delivering superior acoustic comfort to building occupants doesn’t have to be complicated. In this panel discussion, presented by an industry-leading...
Course Overview In this session using specific project case studies, discover the latest ground-breaking advancements in sound technology that are transforming acoustic...
Course Overview This presentation will describe the role of the wood industry in mitigating the impacts the built environment has on climate change. Learn about the...
Course Overview Coming Soon Learning Objectives Understand the design and sustainability features of the T3 Bayside project, emphasizing mass timber construction. Analyze the...
