The Rise of Mass Timber: How Canada is Building a Greener Future
Etobicoke, Ontario is witnessing the completion of a groundbreaking project: the tallest mass timber residential building in the province. This nine-story structure, named Hälsa, is poised to house 60 apartments within walls and frameworks largely free of carbon-intensive concrete. The project signals a significant shift in Canadian construction, driven by sustainability concerns and innovative building techniques.
Prefabrication: The Key to Scalability
Hälsa’s construction relies heavily on prefabrication. Large wood panels were shipped from British Columbia, complete with windows and cladding, and assembled on-site. This approach, spearheaded by Windmill Development Group, dramatically speeds up construction. According to Stephen Savell of Windmill, prefabrication could reduce building timelines by three to four months.
This efficiency is crucial as Canada aims to double housing construction to approximately 500,000 units annually over the next decade. The federal government has already committed $25 billion to prefabricated housing development, recognizing its potential to address the housing shortage and reduce environmental impact.
Cost Considerations and the Green Premium
Despite its ecological benefits, maintaining cost-competitiveness with traditional construction methods was paramount. Savell emphasized the require to offer pricing comparable to, or even lower than, concrete and steel structures. Hälsa ultimately cost “a few percentage points” more than a conventional concrete building, but is viewed as a prototype for future, more efficient builds.
Beyond Etobicoke: A National Trend
The momentum isn’t limited to Etobicoke. Toronto is experiencing a surge in mass timber construction, rivaling even Vancouver, previously the Canadian leader in this field. The Academic Wood Tower at the University of Toronto, set to open this year, will be the tallest university structure of its kind in Canada, reaching 70 meters in height.
Intelligent City, the British Columbia-based company supplying prefabricated panels for projects like Hälsa, plans to open a facility in Ontario by 2027. This move will address logistical challenges associated with cross-country transportation and further accelerate the adoption of mass timber construction.
Carbon Reduction: Embodied and Operational
Mass timber construction significantly reduces both embodied carbon – emissions from material manufacturing and construction – and operational carbon – emissions from building heating and cooling. Hälsa utilizes geothermal energy, with 12 wells drilled 180 meters underground, to provide sustainable heating and cooling.
The use of wood likewise inherently sequesters carbon, although sustainable forestry practices are essential to ensure long-term environmental benefits.
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes
Changes to Ontario’s Building Code in 2024, allowing for mass timber buildings up to 18 stories, have opened latest market opportunities. The City of Toronto is also committed to sustainable building practices, adhering to the Toronto Green Standard, even amidst provincial efforts to limit municipal environmental regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mass timber? Mass timber is a type of wood construction that uses large, solid wood panels for walls, floors, and roofs. It’s stronger and more fire-resistant than traditional wood framing.
Is mass timber construction sustainable? Yes, mass timber is a sustainable alternative to concrete and steel, as wood sequesters carbon and requires less energy to produce.
Is mass timber fire safe? Mass timber chars on the outside when exposed to fire, creating an insulating layer that protects the inner wood. It often meets or exceeds fire safety requirements.
How does prefabrication impact construction costs? Prefabrication can reduce construction time and labor costs, potentially lowering overall project expenses.
What are the challenges of using mass timber? Logistical challenges, such as transportation and the need for specialized manufacturing facilities, can be hurdles to adoption.
Did you know? Brock Commons at the University of British Columbia, completed in 2017, was one of the first tall wood buildings in North America, demonstrating the viability of mass timber construction.
Pro Tip: When considering mass timber construction, prioritize working with experienced architects and engineers familiar with this building method.
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