Award

28 | J U N E 2 0 2 4 Engineered Wood Products Western Archrib's recent expansion includes the acquisition of a 130,000-square-foot facility, with an additional 40,000 square feet added. Lema adds, "We're in the process of commissioning the new manufacturing facility with state-of-the-art machinery and it is scheduled to be fully opera- tional in about 18 months. This will significantly enhance our production capacity to meet the increasing demand for mass timber across North America." Amidst a flurry of projects, Western Archrib is involved in several exciting endeavours, such as a 14-storey academic wood tower at the University of Toronto and the Ādisōke facility, a hybrid steel structure housing the Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada. Lema remarks on the compa- ny's busy schedule and the challenges of meeting demand in this high growth industry, expected to grow at an annual rate of around 14.5 percent annually. "Now more than ever it is important for architects and general contractors to engage early with mass timber manufacturers if they are considering building with mass timber." Another trend being seen is an interest in Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT), as witnessed by International Timberframes, which leads the way in this realm with its Wood100 DLT, a glue and nail-free 100 percent wood product. The recent introduction of a custom-built DLT production line not only boosts capacity but also under- scores the company's dedication to innovation. Swiss Master Timberframer and founder, Sigi Liebmann, notes a surge in activity over the past year, citing increased recognition of mass timber's significance among architects and engi- neers. "Architects and engineers are contacting us early in the design process as they recognize the importance of the expertise upfront," he says. Primarily focused on environmentally- friendly, healthy residential projects, the company is also engaged in larger commer- cial ventures, combining DLT with traditional timber framing and other mass timber. Despite industry challenges like fluctuating lumber prices and skilled manpower shortages, Liebmann emphasizes their proactive approach: "We invest constantly in team training to han- dle complex projects and meet demand." SOUND CHOICE Staying ahead of the curve in innovation is a fun- damental strategy adopted by industry leaders, exemplified by companies such as AcoustiTech. André Rioux, co-owner and VP of sales and market- ing, underscores how the recent housing shortage has catalyzed the construction sector to expedite the delivery of more units while exploring innovative solutions to meet escalating demand. For instance, the increasing popularity of prefabricated and mod- ular wood structures offers a rapid and durable alternative to traditional construction methods. However, as occupants' expectations for acous- tic quality continue to rise, significant innovations have emerged. "Dry systems tailored for light wood frame and mass timber structures incorpo- rate advanced soundproofing materials, ensuring effective sound insulation while streamlining con- struction timelines and reducing overall weight, thereby leading to cost savings," explains Rioux. He adds that, simultaneously, new standards focused on reducing carbon footprints are dic- tating the future of construction. "Upcoming new building codes emphasize low-carbon materials, encourage the use of eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, while guarantee- ing optimal acoustic performance," he says. PROTECTING EWP With more than 35 years of success in large- scale wood construction, Sansin's Precision Coat line is tailored for pre-finishing and machine application. KP-12 is one of the most effective products for engineered wood in the Precision Coat line. It is a penetrating protective under- coat that enhances dimensional stability and protects wood from U V degradation and mois- ture absorption. KP-12 protects wood during the manufacturing and construction process, and dramatically improves topcoat performance. "Mass timber manufacturers, architects, and builders have come to rely on KP-12 as an 'insurance policy' to ensure their engineered wood is protected against damage from weather," explains Sjoerd Bos, Sansin's managing director. "Construction sites can be wet and dirty, and projects are often delayed. The best practice is to apply a penetrat- ing, breathable protective treatment like KP-12 in the factory as part of a comprehensive coat- ing system to protect the investment in wood." Finitec Group.indd 1 Finitec Group.indd 1 2024-05-07 7:49 AM 2024-05-07 7:49 AM

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