In recent years, the rise of mass timber construction in Canadian construction projects has been nothing short of impressive. According to a report by Global News Wire, the global mass timber market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% from 2022 to 2029, and Canada is at the forefront of this trend. This growth can be attributed to a number of factors, such as:
What is Mass Timber?
Mass timber construction involves the use of large, solid wood panels, beams, and columns, which are engineered and laminated together to form building components. These components are assembled on-site using prefabrication techniques, resulting in a faster, more efficient construction process.
One of the main reasons for the rise of mass timber construction is its environmental benefits. The use of wood in construction can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, compared to traditional materials such as concrete and steel. This is due to the fact that trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is then stored in the wood. Additionally, the use of wood in construction can also support the growth of the forest industry, which is a vital component of the Canadian economy.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the country’s mass timber industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia became the country’s first tall wood building in 2019. The 18-storey hybrid mass timber residence is a testament to the strength and durability of mass timber construction, and it has set the standard for future construction projects.
Maple Reinders, an award-winning construction services provider, has been at the forefront of the mass timber construction trend. The company has a long history of constructing sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings, and their expertise in mass timber construction has made them a leader in the industry.
Recently, Maple Reinders has been awarded a $204.8-million contract for the design and construction of the Royal BC Collection and Research Building in Colwood, BC. The 15,200 square-meter building will house the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts and research materials and will be constructed using mass timber. Maple Reinders’ commitment to using innovative construction techniques has made them the ideal choice for this project, and their expertise in mass timber construction ensures that the building will be both sustainable and efficient, with an expected public opening in summer 2026. (https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023TACS0006-000224)
The future of construction in Canada looks promising with the growing popularity of mass timber construction. This sustainable building practice offers not only environmental benefits but also the potential to boost the forest industry. As such, we can expect to see more builders and developers opt for mass timber in their upcoming projects.
View All