Mass Timber Construction
Canada’s leadership in midrise timber frame construction has been built on a strong base of research, code development and practical project experience. In British Columbia, 5- and 6-storey wood-frame buildings were first permitted in 2009, following technical studies and a wider re-evaluation of how timber buildings could be designed to meet higher performance requirements. More than 100 midrise wood-frame projects followed in BC, helping establish the province as a Canadian leader in this sector. This experience later supported broader code changes across Canada, including the acceptance of 5- and 6-storey wood-frame construction in the 2015 National Building Code of Canada.
The development of midrise timber frame in Canada has addressed key technical issues such as structural and seismic design, floor vibration, vertical differential movement, fire safety, acoustic performance, building envelope durability, elevator and stair shaft integration, and prefabrication. Canadian R&D has supported improved design guidance for multi-storey shear walls, podium structures, shrinkage control, fire separations, sound insulation and moisture management. It has also advanced the use of engineered wood products, prefabricated wall and floor systems, and factory-based quality control to improve construction speed, accuracy and performance. As a result, midrise timber frame has become a proven and cost-effective solution for urban housing, particularly in BC, where approximately 80% of 4–6 storey buildings are built using light timber frame.