Articles from Construction Canada

The article discusses the challenges and solutions related to moisture management in mass timber construction, specifically in tall wood buildings. It highlights the impact of rain, humidity, and condensation on these structures, and encourages readers to test their knowledge through a quiz. The focus is on how designers ensure that such buildings remain strong and dry despite exposure to moisture.

On October 16, 2025, Russell Snow and Nick Franjic were honored by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for their significant contributions to the construction industry. Russell Snow received the CSI Board Chair Plaque for his exceptional work with the association, as awarded by FY2025 board chair William Sundquist. Nick Franjic was recognized for his leadership at Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and for strengthening ties between CSC and CSI during his 28 years as executive director. He played a key role in renewing the MasterFormat® licensing agreement and advancing industry-standard tools.

Two Canadian industry leaders, Nick Franjic and Russell Snow, were recognized by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) for their contributions to the construction industry. Franjic received an Honorary Membership for his leadership and the strengthening of cross-border partnerships between Canada and the U.S. Russell Snow was awarded the CSI Board Chair Plaque for his contributions to enhancing collaboration between Canadian and U.S. organizations. Their work has significantly impacted the standards for organizing construction information.

The article highlights a quiz from Construction Canada focusing on the fire resistance of modern mass timber. It challenges the common perception that wood is too flammable to be fire-safe, suggesting that timber can indeed outperform steel in certain fire conditions. The quiz aims to educate readers on the fire resilience of mass timber, prompting consideration of its applications in construction.

The article discusses a quiz focused on integrating mass timber in low-rise construction, highlighting the growing trend of using mass timber for sustainable and aesthetic benefits. It invites readers to test their understanding of design, code, and performance considerations associated with mass timber. The quiz is featured in Construction Canada, emphasizing the significance of mass timber in modern architectural practices.

The article presents a quiz that tests readers' knowledge on how using sustainable insulation can reduce Canada's carbon footprint. It links to an article titled 'Reducing Canada’s carbon footprint with sustainable insulation,' aiming to educate readers on the environmental benefits of such insulation solutions. The quiz encourages readers to assess their understanding of sustainable practices in building insulation. The content originally appeared in Construction Canada.

Greenbuild 2025 is an annual event for green building professionals, scheduled for November 4-7, 2025, in Los Angeles, aiming to improve resilience and sustainability in buildings and communities. Attendees will gain insights into sustainable development, connect with industry leaders, and explore innovative solutions. The event offers numerous learning opportunities, including CE credits, and will emphasize social equity and diverse participation.

The Canadian Wood Council and the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction have partnered to promote steel-timber hybrid structural solutions in Canada. This collaboration aims to leverage the strength of steel and the sustainability of timber to enhance structural performance, cost efficiency, and construction speed in larger and taller buildings. Hybrid systems like steel-timber composite floors are particularly beneficial where structural demands are high. This initiative underscores the industry's shift towards more sustainable construction practices.

Fabric structures have transitioned from niche applications to mainstream use due to advancements in design and materials. The shift to using solid I-beams instead of web-truss frames has increased their structural credibility, allowing them to compete with conventional buildings. Innovations in fabric materials, particularly the use of advanced PVC, offer durability and cost-competitiveness. These developments have broadened the application of fabric structures in sports, industrial, and municipal buildings, with improved speed of installation and structural flexibility.

The article discusses the growing trend towards constructing high-performance, net-zero energy-ready buildings. It highlights the importance of advanced building envelopes, efficient systems, and the integration of renewable energy. A quiz is offered to test knowledge on these sustainability strategies within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Mitten has introduced the industry's first black vinyl siding that can withstand extreme heat without warping or fading. Tested in Arizona under harsh conditions, the siding uses a PVDF film to reflect heat and resist UV damage, maintaining its color. This innovation provides a high-performance and cost-effective alternative to metal or wood for achieving a true black exterior. For more information about the product, visit their website.

The article discusses a quiz centered around the importance of sustainability in the construction industry, emphasizing the sector's significant contribution to global CO2 emissions. It highlights the role of sustainable building methods, materials, and construction models in reducing these emissions. The quiz aims to test readers' knowledge of pathways toward achieving a net-zero future by understanding the impact of the built environment. The content invites readers to engage with tools that can help the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in reshaping sustainable construction practices.