Tall Wood Feasibility Study: Mass Timber and Concrete explores the economic, construction, and environmental performance of a proposed 12-storey residential development in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Developed through a side-by-side comparison of optimized mass timber and concrete schemes, this study examines how material choice influences project cost, schedule, financial returns, and embodied carbon. Beyond a direct cost comparison, it provides insight into how mass timber can support construction efficiency, earlier occupancy, long-term asset value, and meaningful product differentiation in the rental market. The publication includes detailed analysis of design strategy, risk mitigation, development economics, scheduling, and structural carbon impacts—offering developers, investors, designers, and project teams practical data that demonstrates the viability of tall wood construction at this scale.

As prefabrication and hybrid timber systems become more widely adopted, tolerance coordination has emerged as a critical factor in project success. While components may meet material standards and fabrication targets, misalignment between design intent, manufacturing capability, and site conditions can still lead to fit-up issues, delays, and rework. Understanding Tolerances in Prefabricated Timber Construction introduces a practical framework to help multidisciplinary project teams better define, communicate, and manage tolerances across all stages of a project—from design and fabrication to installation and in-service performance. The publication outlines four core tolerance classes—Material Specification Limits, Standard Manufacturing Capabilities, Framing/System Deviations, and Installation Allowances—and explains how these interact in real-world construction. It also introduces key concepts such as Clearance Fits, designed fitment gaps, Critical to Fit (CTF) features, and Critical Dimensions (CDs), providing a structured approach to improving constructability at critical interface zones. A step-by-step workflow is included to help teams translate broad standards into clearly defined fitment strategies, aligning design intent with manufacturing reality and site execution. This resource is intended for architects, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and developers working with prefabricated and hybrid timber systems. By establishing a shared language around tolerances, it supports better coordination, reduced risk, and more predictable project outcomes.

Second Edition Applicable to the 2024 OBC (O. Reg. 163/24) – In Effect January 1, 2025 Overview The Guide to Mid-Rise Wood Construction in the Ontario Building Code (Second Edition) provides a technical overview of the provisions permitting 5- and 6-storey combustible (wood) construction under the 2024 Ontario Building Code. Developed by WoodWorks Ontario / the Canadian Wood Council, this updated edition reflects O. Reg. 163/24 and recent amendments affecting mid-rise residential (Group C) and office (Group D) buildings. The Guide identifies key requirements, conditions, and limitations associated with mid-rise wood construction and is intended to support architects, engineers, builders, regulators, and code professionals working in Ontario. What’s Included This technical reference outlines: Height and building area limits for 5- and 6-storey wood buildings Fire-resistance requirements for floors, roofs, mezzanines, and loadbearing assemblies Sprinkler system requirements (NFPA 13 vs. 13R) Combustible cladding limitations and compliance pathways Fire blocking and concealed space requirements Fire department access and street-facing provisions Emergency power enhancements Structural and seismic design considerations Mixed-use building permissions and occupancy separation requirements The Guide focuses on new construction and is intended to be used in conjunction with the Ontario Building Code.

This document provides guidance on common and effective procurement delivery methods for mass timber buildings in Canada, outlining how different approaches shape responsibility, decision-making, risk allocation, and communication across project teams. Emphasis is placed on the need for flexibility within procurement frameworks to accommodate the unique requirements of mass timber construction. Intended for owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and developers, the guide supports informed selection and implementation of procurement strategies that help address challenges related to supply, detailing, approvals, and delivery, enabling project teams to achieve coordinated, efficient project outcomes.

This document presents a series of business case studies that explore the financial performance of mass timber projects, providing quantitative data and qualitative insights to help developers and investors assess its economic viability. Each case study measures investment success, challenges, and lessons learned from the developer’s and project team’s perspectives. Moreover, by analyzing strategy, risk, revenue, cost and schedule, these case studies enable direct comparisons between mass timber and traditional construction methods. WoodWorks is seeking developers and owners with completed mass timber projects to share data for analysis, supporting education and training in the mass timber sector. The goal is to continuously expand case studies across various sectors and markets. To participate or learn more, please contact a WoodWorks staff member.

Innovative Strategies for Light-Frame Mid-Rise Buildings in High-Seismic Regions presents a detailed design example and practical guidance for engineers and builders responding to rising seismic demands on Canada’s West Coast. With the 2020 National Building Code of Canada significantly increasing seismic forces—particularly in Vancouver and Vancouver Island—conventional light-wood-frame (dimensional lumber) shearwall systems often no longer meet code requirements without costly additions. This guide, prepared by WHM Structural Engineers for WoodWorks BC and the Canadian Wood Council, explores two high-capacity shearwall solutions: Mid+Std walls, a code-compliant adaptation of Midply construction that achieves roughly 50% greater capacity than standard walls without increasing wall length, and Double Nail walls, a research-based approach using double rows of edge nails to match Mid+Std strength. Combined with lightweight floor topping strategies, these systems enable six-storey light-frame buildings to remain viable and cost-competitive even on poor soils and in the highest seismic regions. Cost analysis shows Mid+Std walls incur about a 30% framing cost increase over baseline, while Double Nail walls add about 20%, both more economical than doubling corridor wall lines. The publication includes complete design calculations, construction considerations, and conceptual connection details to help practitioners implement these strategies confidently. This resource equips designers, contractors, and owners with practical, innovative approaches to maintain the competitiveness of light-frame wood construction while meeting the stringent seismic requirements of the latest building codes.