CONFERENCE DAY ONE | SEPTEMBER 24
Download the Full Event Guide to see the expert speakers, a full in-depth 3-day agenda, the hours of networking opportunities, and how you can get involved in the discussion - all in one document!
7:00 am Check-In & Coffee
8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Navigating the Manufacturing Landscape
8:10 am Addressing the Challenges of Supplying Rapid Market Growth and Insights into North American Manufacturing Capacity
Synopsis
- Addressing the market growth expected based on projects in design
- Overviewing manufacturer capacity and capabilities across North America and Europe, and how that is set to evolve over the next 12-18 months
- Exploring the concept of different mass timber supply chains and how this can lead to improved costs and market flexibility
8:50 am Navigating the Sustainability of Timber Supply Chains to Maximize Environmental Benefits of Your Project
Synopsis
- Analyze responsible sourcing options to ensure minimized environmental footprint and enhanced sustainability outcomes
- Understanding sustainability metrics like FSC certification and biogenics to empower stakeholders to make more informed decisions that maximize the environmental benefits while minimizing ecological harm: What are the myths to be wary of?
- Discussing how to account for scope 3 emissions in your decision making process to maximize sustainability of the overall project delivery
10:10 am Morning Refreshments & Speed Networking
Track 1: Navigating the Changing Project Landscape
Next-Gen Project Evolution
10:40 am Evaluating the Evolution from First to Second Generation Mass Timber Projects to Inform Industry Developments
Synopsis
- Understanding how dynamics of early tall mass timber projects have influenced the design and construction approaches of subsequent projects: How can lessons learned also be transposed to other novel project types?
- Examining the complexities and demands of connection design in taller mass timber buildings, particularly regarding fire performance and securing code approval
- Exploring regulatory and jurisdictional considerations for increasing height in mass timber buildings without covering the timber to add additional fire proofing
11:20 am Understanding the Fundamentals of Engineering Design for Hybrid Projects to Ensure Clarity Around Material Variances
Synopsis
- Establishing differences in performance characteristics of different materials to determine the right engineering and connections for mixed materials
- Understanding the regulatory and code considerations for hybrid projects to ensure compliance with building codes and standards
- Highlighting the sequencing and coordination implications of hybrid construction methods in the field to define best practice for trades and installers alike
12:00 pm Unlocking the Economics in Small-Scale Mass Timber Projects to Determine Project Viability
Synopsis
- Mapping the process of adopting mass timber on a smaller scale to expand the industry footprint
- Assessing the economics for small scale sourcing to meet the minimum order clause, yet present it as a viable option
- Sharing best practise across a smaller, less experienced team to bridge the gap in knowledge and enhance project outcomes
Track 2: Managing Risk in Project Delivery
Creating Supportive Collaboration
10:40 am Establishing Strategies to Get Buy In from Local Code Officials to Embrace Timber
Synopsis
- Discussing the most impactful evidence to present to code officials to get buy in and alleviate their fears
- Explore the process behind getting sufficient research and testing data with more innovative design options to secure local code official buy in
- Identifying the partnerships that can be formed to support the expansion of mass timber within local contexts
11:20 am Panel Discussion: Optimizing a Collaborative Design Process to Establish Effective Project Communication
Synopsis
- Exploring the benefits of partnering with timber manufacturers earlier in the design process
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of architects, engineers, and other stakeholders at different stages of the project, including points of handoff and transition: How can that differ depending on the timber manufacturer?
- Establishing the early decisions that need to be made to maximize the potential of timber for your project
12:00 pm Exploring Best Practice in MEP Coordination with Mass Timber Design to Improve Project Efficiency
Synopsis
- Discussing the primary challenges with MEPF and timber coordination: How can you educate partners quickly on the additional considerations in this setting?
- Building a robust, iterative, yet efficient process for coordination between all trades that minimizes scope gaps in design
- Understanding how the process changes when coordinating tolerances and ensuring compatibility between prefabricated systems and onsite construction
12:40 pm Networking Lunch
Structural Developments
1:40 pm Case Study: Combining Modern Day Technology with Traditional Joinery to Develop Efficient & Cost-Effective All- Timber Diagrid Connections
Synopsis
- Understand how parametric modeling can be utilized to analyze the efficiency, and potential hierarchy, of various diagrid structural systems
- Exploring how combining current CNC cutting technology and traditional Japanese joinery can create all timber connections (e.g. no steel) given variations in diagrid member sizing
- Assessing how the cost of all-timber diagrid connections compare to traditional steel connections that utilize steel plates/components
2:20 pm Exploring the Use of Point Support Systems to Increase Flexibility Within Multifamily Projects
Synopsis
- Investigating the difference between point-supported and beam-supported systems, and understanding their applicability in different project contexts
- Exploring strategies to balance structural requirements with unit design and functionality goals when using a point-system
- Exploring how innovations in floor-column connections are enabling the use of point-systems in taller wood structures and what the challenges are that you still need to look out for
3:00 pm Uncovering Efficient Solutions That Balance Acoustic Performance with Structural & Fire Design Requirements for Higher Quality Multi-Family Buildings
Synopsis
- Identifying and addressing concerns of sound transmission at transition points between walls and decks early in design
- Considering the latest research and developments in acoustic panels and joinery to achieve optimal performance for your project when using innovative construction approaches: What are the unknowns that you still need to be aware of?
- Finding cost-efficient solutions that balance acoustics with other structural and fire design requirements for your project
Logistical Bottlenecks
1:40 pm Optimizing Timber Transportation & Just-in Time Delivery to Increase Project Efficiency
Synopsis
- Effectively translating sequencing of timber elements to shipping logistics, to efficiently time deliveries and ensure productivity on-site
- Creating effective mitigation plans to tackle potential disruptions in shipping logistics, such as delays at border crossings
- Exploring effective protective materials and or processes to prevent damage to members upon transportation
2:20 pm Streamlining Coordination & Installation On-Site to Maximize Potential Speed of Delivery
Synopsis
- Defining the process of engaging installers and other trade partners in early installation coordination
- Examining strategies for optimizing onsite materials handling, from maximizing space utilization in staging areas to building crane utilization plans
- Understanding the holistic nature of budgeting, including factors beyond material costs, such as crane time and installation labor
3:00 pm Exploring QA/QC Practices for Mass Timber Structures to Minimize Costly Errors & Reduce Risk
Synopsis
- Identify and discuss issues that are unique to mass timber which need to be accounted for in your project’s quality management plan
- Mapping the critical onsite safety and quality challenges associated with the mass timber installation
- Defining comprehensive QA/QC protocols from fabrication facility through field to ensure robust checks at every stage of the process
- Fostering adherence to timber specific quality protocols to minimize field-based incidents
3:40 pm Afternoon Refreshments & Networking
Building the Business Case
4:20 pm Overcoming Pushback Due to the Perceived High-Cost Associated with Mass Timber to Ensure Maximum Client Buy-in
Synopsis
- Identifying pivotal barriers in initial cost predictions to establish the toolkit to overcome critical bottlenecks
- Leveraging historic project data and manufacturer insights to reduce inflated costs, and help cement timber in the project trajectory
- Understanding project trade-offs you can utilize to help timber pencil as a viable option
4:40 pm How to Successfully Cost Manage a Mass Timber Project
Synopsis
- Vetting subcontractors and choosing effective procurement models to ensure reliable project outcomes
- Establishing a pre-design budget with timber pricing dynamics leading to accurate cost projections and reduced budget overruns
- Managing project costs through benchmarking to ensure better expense tracking and effective resource allocation