Advice
Having a design team that understands the entire process, or "vertical integrated design" helps to allay owner hesitancy to "lock in".
Focus in
Engineer
Phases
Advice
Have detailed conversations with concrete subcontractors to stress how important tolerance is. This is the most efficient method of achieving tighter tolerances, as concrete can't share models like steel can, for instance. An as-built survey helps, but adds time.
Advice
Suppliers want to sell you the best option but you need to know what you want first. Bring suppliers in early, but only make decisions once you know what you want.
Advice
Develop and share a water protection plan together with the general contractor. Work with the GC: they care because they have to install. Suppliers may or may not care, and also may not have the necessary facilities (eg. membrane applying station)
Advice
Water damage is a major issue that is not yet adequately solved, and results in schedule slippage. There must be a method to protect the timber products from rain and swelling during construction. Improperly coated connections cause problems.
Advice
Contracts are needed to guarantee supply; either own the fibre or enter into long term contracts. Every stakeholder wants supply predictability.
Advice
There can be challenges if the general contractor is running the show, as the result can be poorer architecturally.
Advice
Avoid locking in to a product for the wrong reasons by hiring (or having on the team) the person with the most knowledge of mass timber: a structural engineer. Ask them for advice on the right product for your application.
Advice
Tighter tolerances may or may not end up saving money in the end.
Advice
Having a concrete core is always a challenge because of the tolerance issue (concrete having large tolerances, mass timber having tight tolerances, and the challenge of trying to match the two together). If concrete is out of plumb, the higher the building, the worse the problem.