Structurlam Supplies Mass Timber for Fast-Growing Community, Including the First Buckling-Restrained Braces Within a Timber Frame, in Partnership with Design Build Services and Aspect Structural Engineers
Vancouver, B.C. — Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, the leading mass timber manufacturer in North America, is celebrating the new Terminus at District 56 commercial building in partnership with Design Build Services and Aspect Structural Engineers, now open in Langford, B.C.
The five-story mass timber post-and-beam building contains the first buckling-restrained braces housed within a timber frame. Located on Vancouver Island, the building site of Terminus is one of the highest seismic regions of North America, requiring its lateral system to be highly ductile while allowing the wood to be exposed. The first-of-its-kind construction is one of two projects from Structurlam, Design Build Services and Aspect Structural Engineers in Langford, B.C.
Tallwood 1 at District 56, located adjacent to Terminus, is slated to open in early 2022 as the first 12-story mass timber tower built under the revised 2018 BC Building Code, allowing for provisions for mass timber structures up to 12 stories for interested communities.
Terminus, a LEED-registered building poised to serve residents and businesses, features flexible floor plans with space for lease ranging from 680 square-feet to 13,000 square-feet. The project utilized Structurlam’s CrossLam® CLT and GlulamPLUS® products in tandem with buckling-restrained braces for a warm, striking design.
“The Terminus project sets a high precedent for mass timber construction and meets a variety of structural considerations, including fire ratings, seismic benchmarks and structural performance, all while providing the desired aesthetic,” said Hardy Wentzel, CEO of Structurlam. “The completion of the building is a big win for all involved and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with Design Building Services and Aspect Structural Engineers on Tallwood 1 in the coming months.”
“This building is a perfect example of structure that is driven by both function and design,” said Ilana Danzig, associate principal at Aspect Structural Engineers. “The buckling-restrained braces combined with the modern mass timber create a building that is high-performing without sacrificing on architecture and appearance; in fact, the BRBs and the wood are visually complementary, particularly with the clean and modern detailing used for the mass timber connections.”
Structurlam manufactures mass timber, a sustainable category of building construction featuring structural laminated wood components for walls, roofs, floors, beams and columns. A key economic benefit of mass timber is the ability to design, model and prefabricate the structural elements of a project offsite, accelerating on-site production schedules by up to 25% compared to traditional on-site building with steel and concrete.
Structurlam produces GlulamPLUS® and CrossLam® CLT products for distribution throughout North America. The company is the first manufacturer to bring mass timber to the North American market and the first to introduce CrossLam® CLT in the production of industrial ground protection matting products, used in the energy and power transmission sectors.
About Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation:
Structurlam is the leading North American provider of mass timber solutions for construction and industrial markets in Canada and the U.S. Its structural laminated mass timber and industrial products include CrossLam® CLT cross-laminated panels, and GlulamPLUS® glue-laminated columns and beams. Structurlam is also the first producer in North America to introduce CLT in the production of industrial ground protection matting products. Structurlam’s entire product line is built from North American sustainably harvested softwood lumber, ensuring consistent product and environmental standards. Structurlam collaborates with architects, engineers and industrial OEM customers to create fully integrated solutions that combine design, engineering and a customized project delivery experience. Established in 1962, Structurlam’s world-class reputation is built on innovation, cost-efficiency and quality. Structurlam is based in Penticton, British Columbia and has mass timber production facilities in Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, BC, as well as Conway, Arkansas, in the United States. For more information, visit structurlam.com.
About Aspect Structural Engineers:
ASPECT Structural Engineers is a full-service structural engineering firm with offices in Vancouver, Toronto, and Bern. ASPECT provides innovative solutions in all building materials, with a strong expertise in mass timber. ASPECT also provides services to almost every sub-sector of the mass timber industry including design assist, specialty and construction engineering, offering a unique perspective and understanding of the dependencies and opportunities along the supply chain. The cohesive team of engineers, technicians and support staff bring diverse skills, engineering backgrounds and project portfolios, ranging from athletic facilities to community centers, schools, custom homes, multi-family and commercial developments, among many others. ASPECT delivers design solutions that complement the architectural intent, while always keeping constructability, budget and schedule paramount. For more information, visit aspectengineers.com
About Design Build Services:
Design Build Services (DBS) is a Vancouver Island-based commercial and residential design and build company creating an invigorated, enriched, and diverse community in Langford BC. They embrace the use of mass timber in their projects and are pioneers in the industry for tall timber structures. Working directly with their clients, DBS provides comprehensive services from design inception through to construction completion. Their multifamily dwellings are carefully designed to be part of sustainable, livable neighbourhoods that are pedestrian-friendly and close to local amenities. Fostering homes and communities that are livable, walkable, and enjoyable is their number one priority. DBS doesn’t just build buildings, they make homes for families, seniors, students, and professionals.
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