This presentation will explore two unique British Columbia West Coast island projects featuring the collaboration between architectural design and product manufacturing to the construction logistics at these remote sites.

The Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation (KHFN) is located on Gilford Island at Gwayasdums Village, along the central coast of BC. The island is approximately 30km northeast of Port McNeill and is accessible only by boat or float plane. The village has a rich history, and a new building will be placed next to the existing Big House on the shore of water over looking. The form and structure of the Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis Health + Administration was derived from the traditional Big Houses in Gwayasdums Village, and with construction now underway it is scheduled to be completed in January 2022. The Architect will share his values and goals to assist First Nations with their cultural revival while providing a built environment that reflects the community’s unique identity; and designing a highly energy efficient, durable building with a low carbon footprint with minimal impact on the environment. Highlighted in this case study is the collaboration of the Architect and local manufacturer to design into the project aesthetically attractive and naturally durable Western Red Cedar engineered panels – and further explore how the Silva Panel™ was a perfect building material choice for this project, from its salvage from CSA/PEFC Certified Forests, through value-added manufacturing, to ease of installation and zero waste on the job site, and for its performance and durability in extreme environments.

The story behind the Building on a Bluff, a small remote cabin on the West Coast of British Columbia is one of close collaboration between the designers, timber frame manufacturer, structural engineer, and builder-client. As with many Osburn/Clarke projects, the cabin is located on a rugged, off-grid, and primarily boat-accessed site; however, the team-based approach to the detailing, coordination, and construction is what sets it apart. While its footprint is minimal – totalling less than 1250 square feet – the project presented the team with a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding the logistics of the build, which informed the design from the outset. The choice of an exposed timber-frame system gives the building a quintessentially West Coast Modern character, while its hybrid design with a steel substructure and conventional in-fill framing allowed for a flexible, phased approach to the construction. Through the shared lens of the designers and the timber frame manufacturer, we will share how this building on a bluff was developed from preliminary sketches to its current phase of construction, and beyond.

1. Understand the challenges of designing for and building on a remote island site
2. Recognize the value of a collaborative approach to the design, execution, and construction of such a project
3. Understand First Nations cultural revival while providing a built environment that reflects the community’s unique identity
4. Learn about designing a highly energy efficient, durable building with a low carbon footprint and building materials, with minimal impact on the environment.

Dave grew up in Kamloops, BC and is a member of the Xaxl’ip (Fountain) First Nation. Dave has 31 years of experience in the architecture industry and is an award-winning architect. Dave has completed a diverse range of successful projects ranging from First Nation Cultural Centres, health centres, water treatment plants, hirise residential buildings, pedestrian bridges, and the highest LEED Platinum project in the world.

Over 25 years in the industry from log break down to value added wood manufacturing and extensive travel throughout the world,  Richard sees wood material as more than just a building material and rather a living, breathing product that has meaning and significance.   Forests and trees are to be honoured by giving them a second life in the products that we will use for our living spaces, work areas and event centers. He has worked in the capacity of General Manager and Vice President during his career and now owns Silva Timber Products Ltd and manufactures high end wood products for global markets.   While sitting on many committees and Advisory Boards Richard has gained valuable knowledge about the forest and it many levels of management, supply chains and historical evolution on the west coast.   He continues to advocate for value added forest products and the best use of our precious timber.

Having grown up on the West Coast and trained on the East Coast, Besh has a particular interest in the regional specificity of coastal architecture. With an MArch from Dalhousie University, she focused on small-scale residential and recreational projects with Osburn/Clarke for nearly a decade. Besh values a detail-oriented and collaborative approach to design, working closely with clients, consultants, builders, and manufacturers to resolve and execute specific building challenges.

Partner at Island TimberFrame Ltd. On Vancouver Island. With 10 years in the timber frame industry and years of previous framing and general carpentry experience, Carl sees timber frame as a signature element of west coast architecture. In his role at Island Timberframe he works with architects, builders and homeowners to integrate timber components into projects with varied design styles and building requirements.

Companies benefit from off-site prefabrication as the process reduces the number of contractors, labor, materials, time and staging space to coordinate on the job site.  With technological advancements and the direct source for sustainably managed high quality softwood species, discover the benefits of offsite prefabrication from British Columbia through two current case studies.

Located in Beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, California, The Williams “Bread House” accessory dwelling unit captures the scenic mountain views while providing a practical use for the client’s bread making business. The design was inspired by nature’s engineer, the honey bee. The Californian Designer connected with a B.C. Pre-fabricated Housing Manufacturer to provide the building solutions to the challenges of this geometric shape project. This case study examines the collaboration across borders to develop a workable easy to assemble model for construction, and how prefabricated home building has come a long way with a bright future ahead as technology continues to evolve.

Next is a case study of the Tahoe Beach Club and how a Quasi-BIM process between the architect, engineers, steel, and timber allowed the timber engineers to deliver a fabrication-level model without the traditional shop drawing process.

1. Learn about the designing and logistical cost benefits by streamlining the framing process on complicated structures using pre-fabricated home building technology
2. Learn about the benefits of panelized construction, including prefabricated trusses, high-performance wall panel systems and how they are designed, engineered and manufactured in a climate-controlled environment
3. Understand the difference between Structural Grades and Appearance Classes of glulam, and the difference between cladding and veneering glulam beams
4. Learn about Quasi-BIM process between the architect, engineers, steel, and timber allowing the timber engineers to deliver a fabrication-level model without the traditional shop drawing process

Owner at Ulrick Design since 2015, specializing in residential remodels, additions and new home design. I have always had a passion for drawing and building. Residential design was a natural path for me and there is nothing else I would rather be doing. Each project is a new opportunity to learn and grow as a designer. With the loving support of my wife Brooke, the sky is the limit.

With over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry Ray has provided energy efficient panelized custom home packages around the world. Ray was involved with the 1st wood frame home built in Mongolia to Canadian Building Codes. Other projects in Korea, Hawaii, Israel, and Bahamas fit well with his expertise in remote builds. Graduating from a Building Construction Engineering program along with operating a custom home and engineering company has given Ray a comprehensive knowledge of the construction industry.

Kurt has been working with FraserWood in different roles for 20 years now, since the first Hundegger was installed back in 2001. With a passion for heavy timber architecture, digital fabrication and all things CAD he represents FraserWood to architects, builders and engineers in the Western US.

After graduating from the University of Vermont in 2005 Jessie moved to Cape Cod to join a structural engineering firm designing high end residential homes on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and the cape in general. In 2010 Jessie made the move back to Vermont to be closer to family, during that move she went to work for a timber frame company as the engineer on staff, thus starting the love for timber frame engineering. Having an office directly attached to the manufacturing facility provided hands on learning experience as well as allowing her to watch the project go from conceptual to a 3D model, through fabrication, to seeing the timber frames erected on site, often having the ability to also go on site and help raise the timber frame adding invaluable field experience.

In 2011 Jessie decided to attend Norwich University to complete her master’s degree and became a licensed engineer in 2013.

During this time she was introduced to Duncan McElroy who became a resource and mentor in engineering timber frames.  In 2016 Jessie came to Fire Tower looking to continue to advance her timber framing knowledge.

Leading architects, engineers, designers and developers around the world, including here in North America, are increasingly seeking high-quality, custom mass timber products to create sustainable, safe and stunning energy-efficient architecture. In this session you will discover North America’s most advanced, vertically-integrated, multi-species mass timber facility. Through their state-of-the-art 110,000 sf plant in Castlegar, B.C., Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Lumber produces efficient, responsible and safe Cross-Laminated Timber panels (GLT), and Glulam beams that are innovating traditional building practices and significantly reducing the carbon footprints of new buildings. You will also learn about Integrated Delivery Services and how these world class facilities can handle your entire range of fabrication requirements from tree harvest to final installation.

This session will also be about lessons learned on mass timber and other wood-based technologies used on several new B.C. projects. On5, is a four-storey building located in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood uses insulative cross-laminated timber (CLT) assemblies along with a damage-resistant seismic design built to a Passive House standard. Also discussed will be the information resources available to architects and specifiers on wood design and innovation through naturally:wood.

1. Discover North America’s most advanced manufacturing process of mass timber products including cross-laminated timber panels and glulam beams
2. Learn how Integrated Delivery Services are applied into the fabrication requirements from sustainable tree harvest to manufacturing to final installation
3. Find out about lessons learned on mass timber and other wood based technologies used on several new projects in B.C.
4. Find out about various information resources available to architects and specifiers on wood design and innovation

Robert is the Principal of Timber Engineering Inc. Through his career, Robert has worked on over 600 projects, several of which have received awards, including the Hooded Merganzer Restaurant in Penticton with Nick Bevanda Architect and the Art Gallery of Ontario Galleria Italia with architect Frank Gehry, one of the most complex timber structures ever built. Robert is a long-standing member of the O86 “Engineering Design in Wood” code committee, and a member of the recently formed CLT code committee. Robert is regularly invited to lecture on the subject of timber engineering at national and international symposiums and conferences. Robert is committed to sustainability and energy performance and was involved in the design of the first “Passivhaus” projects in Canada.

Jennifer Raworth is the Director, Marketing and Communications at Forestry Innovation Investment. She has over two decades of forest sector experience in BC, working in marketing and communications roles for government, lumber company and trade association.

Mitch’s enthusiasm for mass timber grows out of his passion for stewardship. With experience in a variety of industries, he adds a unique perspective and voice to Kalesnikoff’s integrated approach. His roles include oversight of Kalesnikoff’s chain of custody certifications, spearheading mass timber sales, and assisting with management of awarded projects. His diverse involvement throughout the production and project delivery processes make him a valuable resource to the Kalesnikoff team as well as prospective customers.

Ken brings a diverse and valuable experience base generated through his 35 year career in the forest industry. As the General Manager of Sales and Marketing for both Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Solid Wood, his Sales and Leadership background reaches markets and customers around the globe. A focus on business development and establishing long-term partnerships with our customers and clients. With a passion for marketing, Ken also brings much expertise in branding and promotion.

The use of Mass Timber in community, commercial, and multi-family projects is becoming mainstream in North America. There are more than 370 buildings in British Columbia using mass timber, and 13 BC communities are leading the way as early adopters to bring mass timber technology for buildings up to 12 storeys. From sustainability to practicality of mass timber solutions, this session will explore the collaboration between a world-renowned fabricator of complex structural mass timber components based in B.C., Structurlam Mass Timber Corp. with the design teams and developers of several new B.C. community projects.

West Kelowna is establishing its first purpose-built city hall/library building to make the Westbank Centre a vibrant civic-centre area that serves the Greater Westside. The construction of the new three-story Pitt Meadows Firehall and emergency operations centre is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2022. The current design and development phases of these Mass Timber projects will be demonstrated.

Langford on Vancouver Island has been ranked #1 Best Community in BC, and #18 Best Community in Canada by Maclean’s Magazine. Their multi-family dwellings are carefully designed to be part of sustainable, livable neighborhoods that are pedestrian-friendly and close to local amenities. Featuring architecture that is vibrant and welcoming, their multiple Mass Timber buildings including Vancouver Island’s first 12-storey mixed-use residential/commercial mass timber tower are the cornerstones of their community. The current construction phases of these buildings will be demonstrated.

1. Explore the development and invigoration of local communities dedicated to building with mass timber –integrating mixed-use residential and commercial spaces in 3 to 12 storey mass timber buildings.
2. Learn about Mass Timber design considerations including Cross-laminated Timber floor assemblies, acoustical performance, fire performance, framing options, panel layouts and built-in sustainability features.
3. Learn more about Mass Timber building systems from a renewable and sustainable building material, to optimized structural performance, to coordinated on-site rapid assembly and superior aesthetic appeal.
4. Gain knowledge on Mass Timber standards for performance-rated Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue-lam, and its applied Digital Design and Manufacturing Technology

Ron brings 31 years of heavy timber experience to the mass timber industry that combines a unique perspective on the evolution of hand built timber construction to the technologically advanced practices utilized in Structurlam’s state of the art production process.  Ron’s expertise is the facilitation of incorporating BIM practices in pragmatic and meaningful ways to ensure efficient construction of complex mass timber structures.

Kimberly Johnston is the Principal of JDa, a Vancouver-based architecture studio founded in 1976 by her father, Douglas Johnston, and Ian Davidson. Kim worked alongside her dad from an early age, learning about all aspects of the family business and developing an architectural practice. In 2005, after becoming an AIBC-registered architect, she took the lead in designing many of the firm’s projects and hasn’t stopped since. Focused primarily on civic and institutional projects under her direction, JDa has become a leader in both fire hall and colocation design in Western Canada. When Kim is not busy designing and managing architectural projects, she can often be found gardening at her East Vancouver home with her husband and business associate, John Botelho, and their dog, Louie.

Matthew is a Building Designer with 13 years of land development and construction experience. He’s a founder of Design Build Services and brings immense creativity and technical knowledge to our projects. He is responsible for overseeing professional engineers and leads our in-house drafting and design team. He uses his vast experience in building systems and layout to deliver innovative structures with outstanding design. He works under Jack James – Architect and supervise the engineers on his behalf

Home to one of the world’s most sustainable and globally-competitive forest sectors, B.C. is actively taking steps to advance the use of wood. New products and systems with unmatched characteristics of sustainability, flexibility, strength, emotional, and technical qualities have expanded wood based designs and products.

The Pier D expansion at the Vancouver International Airport is YVR’s largest terminal expansion since 1996. FraserWood, Cast Connex, and Bush, Bohlman & Partners coordinated to provide the turned and tapered columns along with the custom cast connections. This session will examine the design challenges associated with custom cast connections, as well as transportation and erection of the structure.

Just opened on the beautiful southern Vancouver Island, the Malahat Skywalk is an accessible 650m treetop walk through a beautiful arbutus forest leading to a spectacular gentle spiral ramp that takes you up 40m to a sightseeing lookout offering views of Finlayson Arm and the distant Coast Mountains. This session will also feature the Malahat Skywalk’s design challenges and structural solutions as constructed by Kinsol Timber Systems and the project team.

1. Examine the design challenges with custom cast connections on large wood columns, and the erection of these structures
2. Examine the design challenges, structural solutions and erection process of a 10-storey wood structure skywalk and viewing platform
3. Learn about the manufacturing processes of turned and tapered glulam columns and custom timber components
4. Examine consideration for handling not just round, but tapered wood columns and packaging for transport

Keith has been working with FraserWood for more than 15 years.  A graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Wood Science program, Keith spent time working in sawmills in a quality control capacity before finding FraserWood.  Enticed by the world of digital fabrication, Keith spent several years managing projects from CAD through production.  In 2015, he moved to Sales and Marketing side, helping customers with everything from dry timber sales to fully fabricated packages.

Tarana Haque has been a design engineer with Cast Connex since 2012 specializing in custom casting design and product development. She has designed numerous steel castings for award-winning projects, including the Salesforce Transit Center and Frances Appleton Pedestrian Bridge. Tarana is a registered professional engineer in Ontario, and is currently the Technical Sales Representative for Canada, providing support to architects and engineers who specify Cast Connex products and services.

Steve obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from the University of Victoria, and later completed several courses with the Sauder School of Business (UBC) and the Harvard School of Business, as well as multiple professional development seminars. In 2017, he partnered with colleague Michael Marshall to form Kinsol Timber Systems, a heavy timber carpentry business specializing in the prefabrication and installation of challenging timber structures, where he currently serves as its COO. At Kinsol, Steve oversees all operational activity and often is called on to manage the most complex projects. This includes the management of the production of construction drawings, coordination with suppliers, fabrication, and installation.

Steve brings the in-depth knowledge and extraordinary skillset that this position demands, including construction supervision, conflict resolution, strategic planning and proven leadership skills. Prior to joining Kinsol, Steve held senior positions with Clark Hamilton Enterprises Inc., Construction Inc.

Adam is a Principal with Aspect Structural Engineers. He has a breadth of hands-on and technical experience, which is largely unique in the field of structural engineering. Prior to and throughout his degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia, he gained experience in the design and construction of timber structures as a carpenter, foreman, estimator, and structural EIT. This enables him to view projects from the perspective of designers, builders, and managers, assisting him in creating cost-effective, constructible, and efficient solutions. Adam is also a certified Passive House Consultant.

Adam returned to the University of British Columbia where he earned a Master’s degree in structural and earthquake engineering. His research focused on the development of timber-concrete composite technology and vibration performance of floors. His work in this area sought to identify high-performance and low-cost connection technology and compare their performance across several mass timber products. The test programme was the largest of its kind and demonstrated the safety, viability, and opportunity for the further implementation of the technology in Canada and around the world.

Adam’s engineering experience covers a wide variety of unique and complex structures utilizing different materials. He is currently Engineer of Record on two unique recreational projects: Malahat Skywalk, nearing completion in Bamberton, BC; and the Sky Spiral at Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, BC, currently in design.

Softwood timbers both solid and engineered in a prefabricated form continue its dramatic growth as a popular building material for its many superior attributes including environmental, strength, technical qualities and aesthetic beauty. Innovations in today’s modern timber structures combine steel and engineered wood integration engineering with unique cladding for a look of solid timber.

In this session we will explore current case studies of spectacular modern timber structures, and through a factory tour visit the production facilities of a modern timber operation located in the scenic interior of British Columbia. Through this virtual live walk through of the manufacturing process, you will explore cutting edge timber frame technology combined with CNC technology and Japanese hand craft skills to deliver the finest quality timber frame construction in North America.  Also discussed will be the critical aspect of the preparation of heavy timbers through the proper drying process as well as timber preservation through a variety of factory finishing options.

1. Explore cutting edge timber frame technology, CNC technology, and Japanese hand craft skills through a walk through of a modern timber operation
2. Learn about combining steel and engineered wood integration with solid timber look cladding
3. Gain knowledge of the preparation of heavy timbers through the proper drying process
4. Gain knowledge of timber preservation through a variety of factory finishing options for large softwood timbers including Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and Pacific Coast Hemlock

Dai is the owner and big picture thinker at Daizen Joinery. He works with clients to bring their project visons to life, applying his design and building experience to create final products that are distinct, functional and sustainable. Dai’s experience has been gained through more than two decades working in the building and timber frame industries in Japan, other parts of Asia and Canada.  He emigrated to Canada from Japan and started Daizen Joinery in 1990 in Parksville, BC, where he focused his efforts on hand timber building and joinery, and exporting frame products to Japanese markets.  Dai relocated his business to the Interior of BC in 2004 where he expanded his company to meet the growing needs of the timber frame industry in North America.  Today, his company serves a client base from across Western Canada, the US Pacific Northwest, California, and Hawaii. His commitment to ongoing professional development and speaking opportunities keep Dai open to new, innovative ideas, and collaboration within the timber frame industry.Top of Form

Joined Daizen in 2012

Juergen came to Daizen Joinery with three decades experience as a Master Timber Framer, having been raised in a timber framing family, himself. His father had a timber frame operation in Juergen’s home country of Germany and he began apprenticing at age 14.

By 21, Juergen had achieved his Master Timber Framer accreditation, and shortly after worked towards a Master of Business Administration. He plied his craft for many years in Europe before making the move to North America in 2007, and eventually came to BC to join the Daizen team.

Juergen has worked in all aspects of timber framing operations and his expertise has gained him teaching positions with master schools throughout Europe and at the University of British Columbia. Since joining Daizen, Juergen’s timber frame business understanding has been applied to a number of workplace processes resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. A typical day for Juergen involves managing manufacturing and production workflow as well as job sites, operating the CNC machine and serving as a customer liaison.

When he is not working, Juergen enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs hiking and exploring the BC Interior and other areas of the province.