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Image c/o: KK Law
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
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
Do not ignore the advice of someone who has experience.
Advice
Project teams should share BIM models as part of standard procedure, but be aware that BIM models can rarely be used for fabrication. The manufacturer still needs to produce their own models, often from scratch.
Image c/o: © 2020 Erika Brown Photography
Advice
Problems arise when project designs are not complete enough to schedule.
Advice
Supplier partners can get off the ground running when BIM models are shared, if the engineers/architects sign off on geometry and provide the base model.
Advice
Fully implement BIM standards and sharing between consultant and supplier. Client otherwise pays double: consultants develop models independently, and suppliers interpret and develop the models they need on their own. This duplication of effort costs time and money.
Advice
Innovation is needed around pre-fabricated facades that are quick to erect and keep the mass timber structure dry.
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
Once there are more North American mass timber manufacturers, the mass timber in North America will become more cost competitive compared to the European supply.
Advice
Using structural mass timber as part of the interior finish saves on interior finishing but floor-to-floor acoustic challenges and in-room acoustics must be addressed.
Advice
Detailed fabrication input is limited by construction contract type (unless it is possible to engage a mass timber manufacturer during design).
