< PreviousFor those at Atrium Ljungberg, the project is one that will be firmly rooted in the environment in which the materials were created. According to the developer, nature-informed aspects will be heavily featured with the overall feel of the area being similar to that of a forest. "We sought to create an urban environment infused with the serenity of a forest, resulting in a dense, open space that bears the distinctively minimal- istic and functional aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The architects innovatively incorporated natural elements into the structures – for instance, green roofs for better insulation and large windows to let in natural light, embodying our vision of a city that thrives in harmony with nature." This consideration is an important one. As the developer explains, a side-benefit of building with this material is the positive impact it has on the wellbeing of residents. "Research has also proven other strong benefits, such as improved well-being for people and a faster, quieter construction process." With any alternative building material, however, concerns will be raised. It is not surprising. For an industry that prides itself on dependency and strong foundations, safety and security are vital considerations. No doubt, questions will be asked on the structural and wider safety aspects of using timber for small to medium sized structures. As Atrium Ljungberg explains, the material is made from fire-proofed timber and has massive structural benefits. "Engineered wood forms a protective char layer on the surface that retains much of its structural strength, contributing to a safer structure." This view is echoed by Think Wood, a provider of commercial, multi-family and single-family home design and build resources to architects, developers, and contractors. Think Wood is run by the Softwood Lumber Board and was established to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products in outdoor, residential and non-residential construction. Programs and ini- tiatives supported by the SLB focus on increasing the demand for softwood lumber products in the United States. According to the group, timber is both a reliable and sustainable choice. “Mass timber is a new category of wood product that can revolutionize how America builds. It is comprised of multiple solid wood panels nailed or glued together, which provide exceptional strength and stability. It’s a strong, low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel. Mass timber building designs are pioneering better places for us to live and work, and new code changes were passed for the 2021 code cycle that allow mass timber buildings up to 18 stories tall.” As a relatively new material in terms of mass production and taller structures, it might come as a surprise to learn that mass timber has been used in a large number of projects across North America. One of the most recent is George Brown Col- lege’s The Arbour. While the project was delayed due to the pandemic, when completed, the 10-story building will provide an exciting alternative within the Toronto skyline. For those at Think Wood, the project will change the way we approach con- struction. “The $134-million project at the college’s Waterfront Campus will use an estimated 3,000 cubic meters (1050 tons) of wood and will include a mass timber research hub, helping to further advance the very technology driving the building’s construction and design. Its environmentally friendly stand- out design, created by Moriyama and Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects, targets net zero emissions.” For the college itself, the COVID delay has not dimmed its belief in the project, or its long-term benefits. Building strong and sustain- able infrastructure will be an important part of our commu- nity’s recovery. That’s why we’re continuing to move forward with The Arbour, Ontario’s first mass-timber, low-carbon insti- tutional building – the future home of our School of Computer Technology, School of Architectural Studies, a childcare center, and a research hub focused on mass-timber construction. This project will create job opportunities for a wide range of skilled workers, while helping establish more environmentally sustainable building practices.” “Mass timber is a new category of wood product that can revolutionize how America builds.” | 80 SEPTEMBER 2023Wood structures have been in existence for over 10,000 years and there is little we do not already know about the material. However, in recent years, we have indeed made exciting dis- coveries about it. Not only is it a viable material for structures far beyond small, residential homes, it has the environmental profile necessary to make it a potential gamechanger for the construction industry. Its steady growth in the sector is no cause for concern. In fact, according to those at White Arkitekter, a forward-thinking architectural design firm with offices around the world, it is something to be welcomed. “Wood combines solidity with light weight and is a material that creates unique opportunities. Not only is wood renew- able, but it also uses less energy to produce and transport than other building materials. In comparison, wood also saves energy when used in buildings. When you add up all the benefits of wood, it emerges as by far the most sustainable building material – provided the wood we use comes from sustainable forestry.” | 81 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONSUPPORTED BY 12 Gordon Barr Ltd BLASTEK ENGINEERING GROUP BOB'S PORTABLE TOILET RENTAL G. WILLIAMS PAVING LTD. KD CONSTRUCTION KEYES SAND & STONE SHARPE LANDSCAPING 20 Bass Installation BERCON RENTALS SCAFOM-RUX 26 Form and Build Supply ABT DRAINS W. R. MEADOWS 32 Hickory Dickory Decks FIBERON 52 Nowland Associates BERRY REFRIGERATION MASTER INTERIORS 62 Bristol Steel & Conveyor Corp AA ANCHOR BOLT CITY STEEL FLINT WELDING 68 Alleguard NEXKEMIA 72 Western Pacific Enterprises ARCTIC ARROW POWERLINE GROUP LTD| 83 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONAN APEIRON MEDIA INC. PUBLICATION APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >