Articles from Construction Canada

Revery Architecture is set to construct the PNE Amphitheatre in Vancouver, featuring the world's largest free-span mass timber roof made of more than 2,000 m3 of timber. The design includes a starburst arch roof with intersecting barrel vaults and offers flexible seating arrangements. The project aims for Zero Carbon Building certification and LEED Gold standards, highlighting its sustainability credentials. Once completed, it will serve as Vancouver’s first net-zero carbon cultural project and is slated to host events like the FIFA Fan Festival in 2026.

British Columbia (B.C.) is a leader in mass timber construction, with the highest number of mass timber buildings in North America. Recent amendments to the B.C. Building Code have increased the allowable height for mass timber buildings and expanded the types of permissible structures, facilitating greater design flexibility and cost efficiency. Despite challenges such as scaling up manufacturing and navigating regulatory hurdles, B.C. is investing in local manufacturing and exploring hybrid structural systems to bolster its mass timber industry. The integration of mass timber is poised to enhance sustainability and human well-being while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Six projects in British Columbia have been recognized at the Embodied Carbon Awards for their innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. The awarded projects include a large building with an innovative use of rammed earth and wood-to-wood connections, and a small development turning a historic home into net-zero dwellings. The event emphasizes the significance of embodied carbon, which will comprise a large percentage of building sector emissions by 2050 if current practices continue. This pivotal event celebrates leadership in sustainable construction practices and aims to inspire further industry and governmental actions.

The article discusses the transformative role of AI in sustainable forestry and timber product manufacturing, enabling advancements in timber harvesting, supply chain management, and product tracking. AI helps in demand forecasting and inventory management, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Plywood and cross-laminated timber are highlighted as sustainable materials for various construction projects, exemplified by structures like the Brock Commons Tallwood House in Vancouver. The popularity of tiny homes in Western Canada emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials due to increasing demands for sustainable living.