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Advice
Example of a mainly successful project: Brock Commons — involved a high degree of collaboration: Integrated Design Process — design offered 3-4 options for every connection, which every stakeholder vetted — invested in building a mock-up, where many problems were solved in advance of construction — the design worked with standard panel sizes
Advice
Hire an installer before hiring a manufacturer.
Advice
Mass timber construction is still in the experimental phase. Standardization will happen eventually.
Advice
The installer should be thought of as a consultant and a vital team member. For example, when installers are brought to the table at the design phase and give input into connection details, constructibility improves. However, when the installer is brought on too late, other consultants have already spent the money, and no one wants to add to the cost. The resulting problems need to be solved on site by the installer, adding time and cost.
Advice
A brief list of mass timber advantages in BC: schedule, aesthetics, 3D BIM provides risk mitigation, fast installation times, lower carbon footprint, local materials, reduced foundation loads
Advice
Use hybrid structural systems (timber/steel/concrete) to optimize for the best properties of each.
Advice
Industry research on best practices for water management is needed (eg. tarping, membranes, allowing water penetration and refinishing, etc.).
Advice
Some AHJ’s (authorities having jurisdiction) are unfamiliar with mass timber construction, which increases client risk. New BCBC adoption should help.
Advice
To address the risk of cost escalation, secure a price early from the manufacturer.
Advice
For clients that are unable to pursue DB or CM delivery models (which are said to be more suited to mass timber projects), a combination of pre-construction contractor consultation and DBB helps.
Advice
Cost premiums with mass timber are offset by the more rapid construction process with pre-fabricated construction.
Advice
Mass timber helps address client’s sustainability targets.
Advice
Not all contractors are equally familiar with mass timber requirements but many are eager to gain experience. Pre-qualification for mass timber experience should be undertaken as a selection criteria.
Advice
Specs should outline General Contractor responsibility for 1) coordinating CLT delivery and storage; and 2) providing 3rd party moisture testing.
