Wood Industrial Buildings

Wood use in industrial buildings

This report introduces prefabricated industrial timber buildings and the wide variety of applications for this building structure.

The wood design and construction industries have undergone major changes in the last 25 years. The introduction of computer-aided design and drafting and robotic CNC machinery has transformed the industry.

Today, modern timber buildings arrive on site with all timber pieces pre-cut. Structural members are pieced together in a similar way as a steel building. In fact, in comparison to steel, the construction of a timber building often takes less time and the work of other trades is made easier.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) can be used for walls and roofs to achieve a similar durability to a masonry or concrete wall. When a robust surface is not required, prefabricated timber panels can provide an economical and energy-efficient option.

BC Passive House Factory
Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography, courtesy Hemsworth Architecture
Wood Industrial Buildings Report

The stock of existing and available commercial buildings in northern communities in Western Canada is low, so a new building is often the only available option in this region.

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