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24 | J UNE 2017 Engineered Wood Products Tucked away in the serenity of B.C's Kootenay Lake on 160 acres is the Yasodhara Ashram Temple of Light, a 3,500-square-foot building created with petal-like pre- fabricated panels featuring a special roof coating. "In the design of the structure, eight glulam arches create the big curves of the petals with a steel oculus, or octa- gon ring, in the middle that holds the structure up," says John Paone, director and senior VP of AHC Group. "The prefab structure then interlocks to the main frame." Paone says the project is unique in the sense that every single piece of wood in the building has been determined on the computer using BIM techniques. "The whole structure was prefabricated off-site across the lake, then shipped to site and assem- bled. The section of the building that does not have petals on it is an all-wood frame and was done on site. Every single member is a different dimension and through the 3D modelling we have cut lists and all design needs. Half the building was built off-site and half was built on site. It's amazing the unique shapes that can be built, yet is all made of wood." Structurlam Projects has become one of the go-to companies for innovative building products and for 2017, that item is the thin panel. "We used to make our thin CLTs that were 35 millimetres, but now they can be customized down to 19 millimetres," says Bill Downing, president. "We have a stable 3-ply panel that can be made into a 10-foot by 40-foot panel and depending on the look required for a structure, we could put a layer of Douglas fir on the outside or a layer of high-grade SPF [Spruce Pine Fir] to achieve a lighter, European look." Because the product is so new, applications are still to be determined, but Downing says people are trying to make efficient wall assemblies for both residen- tial and non-residential buildings. "That includes the structural member like the CLT, the installation, the vapour barrier and all other aspects," he explains. "People are working on new and improved assemblies, but as part of that, the core, thin panel is going to play a major role. This is just on a vertical application but it can also be used in a horizontal structure, replacing standard decking with the thin CLT panel for roofing. We could even cut the product into four-by-eight sheets for people who want to make a shed, among other projects." StructureCraft Builders Inc. brings Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) to the con- struction world with growing success. "DLT is a mass timber product that can be used for floor, wall and roof structures," says Simon Lintz, business development manager. "Historically, it is known as dübelholz in Europe. These solid wood pan- els use hardwood dowels to friction fit pre-milled boards together on edge, creat- ing a panel which is particularly efficient for horizontal spans and allows for much architectural flexibility. DLT is the only all wood mass timber product – in concept, it involves no glue or nails." Lintz says DLT is less expensive to fabricate than other glued products like CLT, and will come in at a lower price point. "It has greater structural efficiency than CLT, by 10 to 20 percent, and the manufacturing cost is lower due to high speed produc- tion and removal of need for gluing." He adds CNC machining creates accurately milled panels in efficient panel spans ready for rapid site installation. DLT also has environmental benefits. "Aside from a minute amount of glue used for finger jointing, DLT does not contain any glue, chemicals, VOCs or metal nails," says Lintz. "The exclusion of glue and nails allows a healthier indoor air quality as there is no off-gassing." When it was time to put the finishing touches to the University of British Columbia Earth System Sciences Building, Sansin was chosen for their superior wood stains. "When people think of massive structures, they tend to think of steel, glass or con- crete," says Sjoerd Bos, VP at Sansin. "But the UBC Earth Systems Sciences Building proves that wood is an incredible, resilient building material that can last for cen- turies. It also conveys a grace and beauty that only gets better over time, especially with durable coatings that let the natural grain shine through." Sansin's KP-12 and Sansin Enviro Stain ENS are featured on the wood ceilings, stairs, beams, posts and roof of the building, which is built to LEED Gold standards. It is considered the largest panelized wood building and the largest application of CLT in North America. "We also installed Sansin Floor, which is a technologically advanced, water-born gymnasium grade floor finish that is UV resistant, washable and low in VOCs," Bos explains. "Sansin Floor provides exceptional clarity that enhances the natural beauty of the floor without the plastic reflection found in acrylics." A Yasodhara Ashram Temple of Light, Kootenay Lake, B.C. Earth Systems Sciences Building, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. + Dowel Laminated Timber from StructureCraft Builders Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY AHC GROUP + STRUCTURECRAFT BUILDERS INC. + THE SANSIN CORPORATION

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