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.
