Woodrise | Conference Event | naturally:wood
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Woodrise conference

The Government of British Columbia, FPInnovations and other British Columbia stakeholders are pleased to be hosting the 2025 Woodrise international conference.

Woodrise is an international conference focused on the use of wood in construction and sustainable building practices, attracting experts, professionals, and researchers from around the world. From September 22-26, the city of Vancouver will host the 5th edition of the biannual event on mid- and high-rise timber construction and buildings.

Woodrise offsite technical tours

Discover the world of timber construction through a series of exclusive offsite technical tours during Woodrise. Explore Vancouver and beyond as you visit groundbreaking commercial, community, and residential projects that highlight the beauty, sustainability, and ingenuity of wood in modern architecture. Each tour has a max of 20 participants so book your spot early

Exploring innovation in wood construction: Commercial, community and housing projects

East Vancouver

Join us for an immersive journey through Vancouver’s vibrant East Van, where innovation meets sustainability in mass timber construction. This exclusive tour will take you inside some of the most striking and forward-thinking mass timber buildings, highlighting their architectural beauty, structural ingenuity, and environmental benefits. Discover firsthand how this renewable material is shaping the future of urban development and redefining modern design.

2. Exploring innovation in wood construction: Commercial, community and housing projects

East Vancouver

Join us for an immersive journey through Vancouver’s vibrant East Van, where innovation meets sustainability in mass timber construction. This exclusive tour will take you inside some of the most striking and forward-thinking mass timber buildings, highlighting their architectural beauty, structural ingenuity, and environmental benefits. Discover firsthand how this renewable material is shaping the future of urban development and redefining modern design.

3. Sustainable stroll: Exploring Vancouver’s mass timber homes, offices and restorations by foot and transit

Vancouver

Embark on an exciting and sustainable tour through Vancouver, where you’ll explore the cutting-edge world of mass timber construction. Blending the efficiency of public transportation with the charm of walking, this tour offers a firsthand look at some of the city’s most innovative architectural achievements—from transformative social housing projects to bold commercial restorations.

4. Crafting community: An exploration of North Vancouver’s community timber landmarks

North Vancouver

Join us for an immersive journey through North Vancouver’s trailblazing community buildings, where innovative design and sustainability converge with state-of-the-art mass timber technology. On this tour, you’ll explore a range of rejuvenated structures and prefabricated mass timber buildings, each designed with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. From adaptive reuse projects to LEED-certified and Passive House designs, these landmarks demonstrate the transformative power of wood in creating sustainable, energy-efficient spaces.

You’ll also experience a profound cultural connection as we visit the First Nation-inspired Tsleil-Waututh Administration and Health Centre, where the design reflects the community’s deep ties to nature. Each stop on this tour showcases how mass timber is shaping North Vancouver’s architectural landscape—blending beauty, functionality, and eco-conscious construction for a more resilient future.

5. Legacy of wood: Vancouvers 2010’s vision for sustainable architecture and future Olympic athletes

Vancouver

Join us on an exciting journey through Vancouver’s innovative mass timber projects, where the legacy of the 2010 Winter Olympics continues to inspire sustainable architecture and the development of future Olympic athletes. From the iconic Richmond Oval to cutting-edge community and corporate spaces, discover how these stunning buildings, crafted from locally-sourced wood, are shaping a greener, more sustainable future. Explore how Vancouver 2010’s forward-thinking vision still impacts the city’s architecture and the training grounds of tomorrow’s champions.

6. University of British Columbia sustainability and innovation tour: Exploring wood, energy and design excellence

Vancouver

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has been at the forefront of forest product research and wood use for decades. This unique tour offers an in-depth look at both the cutting-edge research facilities and the impressive mass timber buildings across campus.

7. Squamish: A timber-touched adventure in British Columbia’s natural playground

Squamish region

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Squamish, a scenic drive from downtown Vancouver, where nature’s awe-inspiring beauty meets cutting-edge architecture. This tour showcases the remarkable integration of mass timber in the region’s construction, set against the backdrop of Squamish’s stunning landscapes. From the soaring heights of the Sea to Sky Gondola to pioneering timber developments shaping the community, immerse yourself in the diversified forests and rugged terrain that inspire these sustainable structures. Discover how innovation, sustainability, and the spirit of British Columbia’s coastal environment come together in perfect harmony. Experience the future of architecture, where wood and wilderness converge in an extraordinary setting.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).

8. Wood, innovation and community: A tour of Vancouver Island’s pioneering structures and spaces

Vancouver Island

Embark on an enriching journey across southern Vancouver Island, where you’ll witness the innovative use of mass timber in stunning locations. From the heights of the Malahat Skywalk to the cutting-edge buildings in Victoria, this tour promises an immersive experience into the world of sustainable mass timber construction.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).

6. University of British Columbia sustainability and innovation tour: Exploring wood, energy and design excellence

Vancouver

The University of British Columbia (UBC) has been at the forefront of forest product research and wood use for decades. This unique tour offers an in-depth look at both the cutting-edge research facilities and the impressive mass timber buildings across campus.

The timber trail: Exploring B.C.’s forest, factory and future

Kootenay region

Step into the heart of British Columbia’s Kootenay region, where nature’s beauty and innovation converge. You’ll witness the complete lifecycle of mass timber—a sustainable building material  revolutionizing the construction industry.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to the Kalesnikoff facility, a leading manufacturer known for its expertise in producing advanced mass timber products. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Kalesnikoff is shaping the future of timber construction. Here, you’ll see firsthand how the company transforms wood into high-performance, eco-friendly building materials that are making a lasting impact on both the environment and the industry. From the forest to the factory, this tour offers an exclusive opportunity to explore how mass timber is driving innovation in construction.
Some PPE will be provided (excluding shoes).

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