A close-up of glulam columns with steel connectors at the bottom, during the construction of the Brock Commons Tallwood House.

Design and construction

Brock Commons Tallwood House, UBC | Photo Credit: KK Law
Light-frame construction beams and roof trusses shown being installed on low-rise residential structure by construction worker with nail gun and fall arrest harness

Light-frame design and construction

For centuries, buildings have been built using the trusted and proven methods of light-frame wood construction. It is now being used to construct a more diverse range of larger and taller building types from schools and health care facilities to commercial office and multifamily projects.

A close-up of a piece of cross-laminated timber.

Mass timber design and construction

Mass timber systems are creating new design opportunities in design and construction, from long-spanning roof structures to timber towers. The strength and versatility of mass timber is what is making taller and larger innovative wood buildings possible.

Glue-laminated timber (Glulam), parallel strand lumber (PSL), and solid-sawn heavy timbers are featured in this exterior view of sweeping glass and wood Surrey Central City Shopping Centre

Hybrid design and construction

Further advancements are being made using hybrid construction systems that incorporate wood. Once the predominant domain of concrete and steel, these hybrid systems are creating new opportunities for sustainable timber-built architecture.

An upper floor of a wood-frame building under construction, with glulam columns and wood floor and ceiling.

Prefabricated design and construction

Factory-built, prefabricated technologies—using both light-frame and mass timber—are offering a nimbler, quicker and more integrated way to construct today’s buildings.

Construction of The Confluence, a multi-purpose civic space. A construction worker walks on roof frame overhead.

Looking wood products?

With the province of British Columbia recognized as a global leader in sustainable forest management, you can specify B.C. forest products with confidence.

The Confluence | Photo credit: Matthew Bolt Photography

A close-up of a table where people are meeting. One person has a pad of paper and a pen, ready to write.

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