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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
Do not ignore the advice of someone who has experience.
Advice
Engage mass timber supplier in DfMA system up front to ensure supplier milestones are met, and milestones and deliverables are agreed upon.
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
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
CLT requires significant pre-construction coordination, for example with modelling. Either hire a specialty firm or specify that the General Contractor (or sub contractors) model and coordinate CLT and MEP.
Advice
Specs should outline General Contractor responsibility for 1) coordinating CLT delivery and storage; and 2) providing 3rd party moisture testing.
Advice
Specs should request written description of moisture protection protocol (submitted prior to CLT delivery), describing protection implementation plan for each stage: — delivery — storage — installation (roof & floor panels) — after installation (walls) — ongoing moisture protection measures until exterior envelope is watertight — remedial measures for panels damaged and/or stained during installation
