Award

J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 31 Engineered Wood Products P H OTO G R A P H Y BY R ED T H U N D ER M ED I A /CO U RT E S Y W E S T ER N A RC H R I B As markets evolve, engineered wood products remain a trusted choice by NATALIE BRUCKNER I n a market where uncertainty looms large, particularly with the ever-chang- ing shadow of tariffs, the engineered wood products industry stands resilient. Despite the challenges, experts in the field are not just weathering the storm – they're embracing it. Adaptation, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies are guiding the industry through these turbulent times, paving the way for a future that remains optimistic. ALBERTA'S GROW TH FUELS INNOVATION In Alberta, Francisco Villarroel, project manager at ACQBuilt, sees a strong year ahead for the engineered wood sector. "2025 is looking good so far – better than the tail end of 2024," he says, adding that Canada's natural resource sector is gaining momentum, and Alberta – particularly Calgary and Edmonton – are experiencing record housing growth. "Alberta has been the fastest-growing population in the northern hemisphere," Villarroel notes. This demand has fuelled investment in efficient construction methods, particularly ACQBuilt's off-site construction model, which stream- lines pre-construction, manufacturing, and on-site assembly. Sustainability also continues to be a key focus. "Our centralized framing pro- cess significantly reduces waste," he explains. "We even program our machines to repurpose off-cuts – using them for roof ridge blocks, kitchen backing, and more. Only the smallest remnants end up as scrap." ACQBuilt's flexibility across residential segments brings stability amid market shifts, and the company plans to refine its process to align with emerg- ing trends. "A while back, we started doing exterior finishing on our production builds, the vinyl siding for example. We are looking at bringing some of these things back online as this year goes through," Villarroel says. DEMAND & SOLUTIONS Rory Koska, executive director of WoodWorks A lberta/Canadian Wood Council, says mid-rise construction remains steady, with 90 to 95 percent of their work focused on rental buildings – particularly in Calgary's booming market. Hybrid buildings, he notes, continue to make the most sense when used strategically. A standout project is EV606, a six-storey hybrid steel and nail-laminated tim- ber (NLT) building in Calgary's East Village. The 4,800-square-metre structure will add 44 rental units and two ground-floor commercial spaces. "It's a mix of concrete and engineered wood – very cool," Koska says. Schools are also a major focus, with Alberta's $8.6-billion investment set to deliver more than 100 new and upgraded schools, creating 200,000 student spaces over the next seven years. As for tariffs? "Canadian LSL has no tariffs if used here, but engineered joists from Oregon are another story," he says. While added costs could affect mid-rise projects, Koska sees a silver lining: "This is an opportunity to showcase wood as a cost-effective, local alternative to steel." INNOVATION ON THE HORIZON As the construction landscape shifts, AcoustiTECH is keeping pace. Co-owner André Rioux sees 2025 as a year of adaptation and innovation – strengthening foundations, expanding the sales team, and positioning for future success. "With economic uncertainties, agility is key," says Rioux. As modular, mass timber, and construction in general continue to gain momentum, AcoustiTECH has refined its role, expanding its product portfolio and positioning itself as a trusted broker of acoustic solutions. Existing and new partnerships with industry ADAPTING WITH STRENGTH

• Cover