Advice
The timing of contractor engagement impacts the ability to get construction input on structural assembly sequence & detailing.
Focus in
Architect
Phases
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
Fire departments are an overlooked stakeholder.
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
Architectural specs must outline the methodology and responsibility of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination and modelling.
Advice
It is advantageous for the architect to have experience with CLT (but not as critical as for the structural engineer).
Advice
Building with repeated layouts will bring more prefabrication opportunities.
Advice
Prefabrication advantages: — Higher quality components that are more precisely manufactured are produced, which reduces installation time, schedule length, and site deliveries. — Waste on site is reduced, saving disposal costs — Concurrent off site work can take place in controlled conditions. — Change orders are reduced in number — Mass panel penetrations are well lighted up, making MEP runs easier — Negligible shimming and furring and adjustments — Reduced number of fastening steps on site results in the structure being enclosed more quickly
Advice
Use simplified floor plans with stacked units.
Advice
Use HSS tube column connections. This results in smaller cross sections needed for structural purposes and lower column component weight. Additionally, many columns could be installed manually.