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Wood demonstration project openings and events in BC

External Reference/Copyright
Issue date: 
June 22, 2012
Publisher Name: 
NewsWire
Publisher-Link: 
http://www.newswire.ca

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/998371/b-c-forest-products-industry-recognizes-wood-demonstration-pr...

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The B.C. forest products industry is pleased to recognize the openings and events of three wood demonstration projects in the province this week - North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre, Elkford Community Conference Centre and City of North Vancouver Civic Centre Renovation.  The important innovations demonstrated in each of these milestone projects are intended to accelerate the adoption of the wood design and engineering systems not only in B.C., but also nationally and internationally.

The wood demonstration projects were selected in July 2010 to expand the use of wood products by applying traditional products in non-traditional ways, or creating innovative wood solutions structurally or architecturally. The demonstration buildings introduce and showcase new workable wood solutions that have the greatest potential for commercial viability. The showcasing of innovative wood products and building systems has been supported by the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation (Forestry Innovation Investment), Wood WORKS! BC, FPInnovations, and BC Wood Specialties Group.

"These outstanding projects demonstrate a blend of leading-edge international technologies and B.C. design concepts," explained Mary Tracey, Executive Director, Wood WORKS! BC. "B.C. is entrenching its status as one of the global leaders in wood design and engineering, and innovative uses of wood applications. We applaud and thank the provincial government for its vision and support."

Pat Bell, the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation with the Government of British Columbia, congratulated project teams, forest product suppliers and manufacturers, and the communities on their new buildings. "The projects are part of the original mandate of the Wood Enterprise Coalition (WEC) to champion the province's Wood First Initiative, supporting the movement of innovative products from the lab to the market and promoting wood education and culture. As part of Canada Starts Here - The BC Jobs Plan, we continue to look for innovative ideas to increase the use of a renewable B.C. resource, creating new jobs in our province through new demand for B.C. wood products and expertise."

A common component in all three project innovations is the introduction of mass timber, which is a paradigm shift in the possibilities for wood use in construction projects. Mass timber systems are very large, complete wall, floor and roof sections made from engineered wood products, and can be used in a variety of building types and sizes. These products offer significant benefits in terms of fire, acoustic and structural performance, scale possibilities, rigidity, stability and construction efficiency. They are a valid alternative to steel and concrete as they are lighter, more environmentally-friendly and easier and faster to install.

The demonstration projects also present "multiple function components" to a new degree, such as floor/ceiling panels that provide a structural floor, a finished ceiling, vibration control, acoustic dampening and the integration of services in a single, shipped-to-site, ready-to-install element. The precision and effectiveness of off-site prefabrication using automated and inter-networked design/fabrication technologies is also demonstrated. For example, none of them would have been achievable without the use of computer-numerically controlled fabrication equipment that ensured absolute precision of structural components and connectors.

"The three projects demonstrate that wood is integral to innovative architecture, design and engineering," added Ms. Tracey. "Building designers already recognize the economic, social and environmental benefits of wood, and are now seeing the expanding possibilities for wood using the leading-edge technologies demonstrated in these building systems. Wood is clearly a responsible building choice, and we are excited by the broad range of new possibilities which can address climate-change and other pressing issues we face in the modern world," concluded Ms. Tracey.

PROJECT SUMMARY

North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre
Opening Event on Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The remarkable, new $5.8 million North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre, an addition to the North Vancouver Outdoor School (NVOS) in Brackendale near Squamish, is an 850-square-metre building which reflects the environmental principles it espouses. The facility, set in a magnificent forest with a treehouse aesthetic, includes a welcoming space, nature gallery, exhibition space, assembly/dining hall, and classrooms/learning spaces. The building is both energy and water efficient fitting into the area's ecosystem, and befitting of the centre's purpose for environmental leadership and learning. Using structural mass timber construction to conserve energy and reduce the centre's environmental footprint, it is truly a showcase for wood innovation.

The North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre is constructed with cross-laminated timber, a large multi-layer wooden panel made of lumber, and engineered for strength through laminations of different layers placed cross-wise to the adjacent layers. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in the North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre demonstrates the strength and stiffness of CLT, proving it to be a valid alternative to concrete and steel, as the panels are lighter, more environmentally-friendly and easier to install. The centre also features a glulam column and beam super-structure made from engineered timbers consisting of wood laminations that are bonded together with strong, waterproof adhesives, creating an ideal structural component. This project also demonstrates the effectiveness of off-site prefabrication using state-of-the-art design/fabrication technologies, such as computer numerically-controlled equipment to ensure absolute precision of structural components.

  • "We used the natural beauty and warmth of the reclaimed Douglas fir roof structure and exposed glulam beams and columns, to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort for the students and teachers. We then clad the building in vertical cedar slats that were treated with a natural preservative, to allow the building to slowly weather and take on the qualities of the surrounding trees. And finally, we developed a system of structurally reinforced glulam floor beams that were penetrated allowing the mechanical ducting to be hidden from view, and then used CLT panels as the structural floor system. The result is a building that explicitly shows how "wood first" initiatives are not only achievable, but rather, intrinsic in our realization of a more satisfying built environment."

    John Hemsworth
    MAIBC | M.ARCH | B.ENG | LEED AP
    Project Architect
    MCFARLAND MARCEAU ARCHITECTS LTD
     

  • "Structurlam Products is a proud supplier of all FSC glued laminated timbers and CLT floor panels to the North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre.  This LEED Platinum project was a great example of how well our structural products blend in to a unique wilderness- type setting.  Nothing but wood would even make this a reality.  Congratulations to the people and community of Squamish for a great building choice!"

    Colin Chornohus
    AScT
    Branch Manager - International Sales
    Structurlam Products Ltd.
     

  • "The aesthetics of the wood inside the building create a seamless connection to the outside world. With a lighter environmental footprint, our building speaks the language of its purpose."

    John Lewis
    Superintendent of Schools & CEO
    North Vancouver School District

Elkford Community Conference Centre
Opening event on Thursday, June 21, 2012

Set to become a cultural hub for the 2,500 residents of Elkford, the beautiful new $6.4 million Elkford Community Conference Centre is expected to enhance the community's ability to deliver programs and host functions and events. The 1,800 square metre building features a visitor information centre, playschool, commercial kitchen, banquet hall with a stage for the performing arts, multipurpose meeting rooms as well as historical displays. Using structural wood construction to conserve energy and reduce the centre's environmental footprint, it is truly a showcase for wood innovation.

The Elkford Community Conference Centre is constructed with cross-laminated timber, which is a large multi-layer wooden panel as large as 10' X 50' made of lumber, and engineered for strength through laminations of different layers placed cross-wise to the adjacent layers. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall panels in the Elkford Community Conference Centre is the first commercial application in North America. CLT panels are used as the shear walls to resist the high wind load for the building, demonstrating CLTs strength and stiffness, and proving it to be a valid alternative to concrete and steel as the panels are lighter, more environmentally-friendly and easier to install. This project has also used glulam and laminated veneer lumber beams supported on the CLT walls or perimeter columns. Glulam is an engineered wood product comprised of wood laminations that are bonded together with strong, waterproof adhesives, creating an ideal structural component. SIP panels have been used on the roof and external wall cladding due to their highly efficient insulating property. This project also demonstrates the effectiveness of off-site prefabrication using state-of-the-art design/ fabrication technologies, such as computer numerically-controlled equipment to ensure absolute precision of structural components.

  • "The District of Elkford wanted a signature building that reflected the optimism of growth in this Resource/Tourism Community in South Eastern B.C. and incorporating the dynamic forms found in the surrounding mountains. This project has been designed using pre-manufactured wood elements and systems to create the structure, building envelope and the aesthetic in one complete package."

    Douglas Sollows
    AAA| MAA| AIBC| FRAIC
    Douglas Sollows Architect Inc..

  • "The Elkford Community Conference Centre is a showcase project for Structurlam Products.  We supplied the glue-laminated beams and trusses, and the CLT panels.  Structurlam opened its CLT plant one year ago and Elkford was the first time we supplied CLT wall panels.  The building was a challenge but we are very proud of the result, and wish the District of Elkford may years of enjoyment from it."

    Bill Downing
    B.S.F.|MBA| RPF
    President
    Structurlam Products Ltd.
     

  • "The wood use in our new centre provides beautiful aesthetics while supporting the wood industry and wood innovation in our province. This building will play a key role in helping our community grow and prosper, benefitting current and future generations."

    Mayor Dean McKerracher, Elkford

City of North Vancouver Civic Centre Renovation
Public celebration event on Saturday, June 23, 2012

The City of North Vancouver's stunning new Civic Centre Renovation is a 770-square-metre space featuring a one-storey atrium connecting the City Hall to the Library. Visitors are immediately captivated by the modern aesthetic, with large windows and a central skylight flooding the airy space with light; and wood generating warmth, beauty and comfort. The public building is also a showcase for wood innovation, with state-of-the-art design fabrication behind the roof panel system, and an inventive new floor system.

The City of North Vancouver Civic Centre Renovation is constructed with Laminated Strand Lumber (LSL) roof panel systems. LSL is a process which involves cutting wood into thin strands which are then glued together using a steam-injection process. The stranded lumber roof panels provide structural support, architectural beauty, conceal all electrical and mechanical systems and absorb sound. The composite floor system consists of glulam post and beams supporting the concrete floor slab, a first in B.C., Canada and the U.S. This project demonstrates "multiple function components" at a new level, with ceiling/roof panels that integrate services in a single easy-to-install element. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of off-site prefabrication using state-of-the-art design/fabrication technologies, such as computer numerically-controlled equipment to ensure absolute precision of structural components.

  • "Linking two aging concrete buildings with the new innovative wood atrium structure created a new sustainable story for City Hall - a story of a material grown by the sun and connected to the past, present and future of the North Vancouver community and economy."

    Michael Green
    MAIBC| FRAIC| AAA| AIA
    Michael Green Architecture Inc.
     

  • "StructureCraft is pleased to have been involved in the detailing, fabrication and erection of the LSL roof panels and glulam structure. The efficient combination of massive timber and careful craftsmanship really shows off the beauty of wood!"

    Brian Woudstra
    B. Sc. Eng.
    Pre-Construction Manager - City of North Vancouver Civic Centre Renovation
    Business Development Engineer
    StructureCraft Builders
     

  • "The extensive use of wood in the design of the renovated city hall provides a warm welcome to our residents. The use of local, renewable construction materials and connection to the Lonsdale Energy Corporation district energy system demonstrates the City's strong commitment to sustainable practices to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions."

    Mayor Darrell Mussatto, City of North Vancouver

Green Notes

  • Wood is the only major building material that's renewable, sustainable, lightweight, strong, cost- effective and helps reduce our carbon footprint.
  • Wood is an excellent environmental choice for any new construction. It grows naturally, using solar energy. It's renewable and recyclable. Using wood can reduce our carbon footprint through carbon sequestration.
  • Substituting a cubic metre of wood for other construction materials (concrete, blocks or bricks) results in an average saving of 0.7 to 1.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide. (Source: Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management via europeanwood.ca http://europeanwood.ca)
  • Wood products require the least amount of energy to manufacture, leaving a lighter carbon footprint.
  • Wood has superior insulating properties, helping create more energy-efficient building.
  • Wood is beautiful, versatile and a strong performer. Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls and higher buildings, and continue to expand the possibilities for wood use in construction.

Media:

 

For further information:

Mary Tracey
Executive Director - Wood WORKS! BC
250 864 1344 (cell)

www.wood-works.ca
www.wecbc.ca
www.naturallywood.com

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Extpub | by Dr. Radut