Introducing Brock Commons: Looking up to the world’s tallest contemporary wood building May 16, 2017 Katie Daniel The Brock Commons Tallwood House at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is nearing completion. This 18-storey timber hybrid residence in Vancouver will be the tallest contemporary mass-wood building on the planet. + Read More

Legal Issues: Dismissal for delay May 11, 2017 In July 2016, the Ontario Court of Appeal delivered judgment in a bizarre case of dismissal of six construction lien actions, and one trust action, for a 15-year delay. What might this mean for your project, should a case ensue? + Read More

Improved project outcomes through better woodworking specifications April 25, 2017 Katie Daniel The creation of drawings and specifications for any construction project is a complicated business. First, the general conditions must be outlined, all appropriate references identified, and contractual obligations listed + Read More

Specifying seismic restraints for nonstructural components April 24, 2017 Katie Daniel Over the past year, this author has witnessed an increase in the design community’s awareness of the seismic requirements set out for Canadian jurisdictions. However, for both new and existing construction, the destructive effects of earthquakes can be of significant concern. + Read More

Building to last with BURs April 21, 2017 Katie Daniel The advantages of a built-up roofing (BUR) assembly include long life, a variety of maintenance options, and outstanding puncture resistance. + Read More

Weatherproofing ICF Walls: Lessons in resiliency from B.C. field testing April 20, 2017 Katie Daniel Successful independent field-testing and code compliance analysis in British Columbia has resulted in the compilation of the first comprehensive set of residential construction details for insulating concrete forms (ICFs) in North America. + Read More

Advancements in efficient stormwater management in vegetated roofing April 19, 2017 Katie Daniel Vegetated roofing has long been recognized as an effective stormwater management tool in urban centres to help store and attenuate runoff from impervious rooftops. + Read More

Spec Matters: What does THAT mean? April 18, 2017 English is complicated, and misinterpretation of written communication is pervasive. Without the added layer of subtleties of speech tone, body language, and context, many written sentences can be easily misinterpreted. This is especially true when it comes to specifications. + Read More

Evolution in sprayed polyurethane foam April 18, 2017 Katie Daniel Growing up in a small town in Northern Ontario, this author was exposed to only one true rivalry—the one between the Montréal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. + Read More

Combating radon with scientific research April 17, 2017 Katie Daniel Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, enters buildings through foundation cracks and other openings in contact with soil and rocks. + Read More