With a full day of seminars and an industry showcase, the Northwest Wood Design Symposium will pack an informational punch for architects, engineers, contractors, developers, code officials, and anyone interested in wood’s exciting design possibilities. During the day, access wood design experts, informative seminars, technical information from manufacturers, engineering consultants, and industry associations, and exhibits featuring a wide range of structural and finishing products.
Amie Sullivan is an associate with KPFF Consulting Engineers, bringing 20 years of structural engineering experience. With project types ranging from office buildings and corporate headquarters to destination resorts and custom residential projects, her portfolio includes elegant structures that feature exposed framing and blended structural systems. Her work on the Federal Center South Building 1202, with ZGF, showcases an extensive use of reclaimed, composite heavy timber framing, and the Brelsford Visitor Center, at Washington State University, features the first commercial use of CLT in Washington State. Both projects received NCSEA Excellence in Structural Engineering awards.
Cheryl Burwell, SE, has 19 years of experience in structural engineering design and review for a variety of building types and structures. Currently she is an Engineering and Technical Codes Manager with the City of Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections. Cheryl holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from UW and a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from UC Berkeley. She serves on SEAW’s Earthquake Engineering Committee, is the ASCE 7-22 Dead and Live Load Subcommittee Chair and is a past SEAW Seattle Chapter Director.
Chris is intrigued by structures and particularly drawn to complex geometries that require a high level of detail. Her work is divided between public and private projects that utilize all building materials, including traditional and those on the cutting-edge of development. She welcomes her clients’ challenges and uses creative and unique solutions to bring architectural concepts to fruition. Chris prides herself on transforming complex problems into sensible and constructible structural systems, providing environmentally responsible building design, and mentoring younger team members. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Civil Engineering from Seattle University and graduated Cum laude.
Chris is intrigued by structures and particularly drawn to complex geometries that require a high level of detail. Her work is divided between public and private projects that utilize all building materials, including traditional and those on the cutting-edge of development. She welcomes her clients’ challenges and uses creative and unique solutions to bring architectural concepts to fruition. Chris prides herself on transforming complex problems into sensible and constructible structural systems, providing environmentally responsible building design, and mentoring younger team members. She received her Bachelor’s of Science Civil Engineering from Seattle University and graduated Cum laude.
Erica Spiritos has long been interested in the design of urban environments in ways that honor the natural resources on which our lives depend. Following her Civil & Environmental Engineering studies at Carnegie Mellon University, she worked on projects ranging from the design and fabrication of household-scale solar desalination systems for families in Gaza, to construction management of an industrial-scale drinking water treatment facility in New York City. In her previous position at Structurlam, Erica helped facilitate solutions to deliver eight mass timber projects, including both the tallest and largest CLT projects in the US. For Swinerton, she provides project-specific design expertise to support appropriate and optimal mass timber design. She leads estimating efforts, VD&C/BIM integration, and procurement of mass timber materials.
n this role, he works to advance Microsoft’s core commitment to sustainability through ongoing technology innovation, program development, policy advancement, and global operational excellence. With a combined background in both environmental science and data science, Lucas is committed to using the power of advanced technology to help transform how society monitors, models, and ultimately manages Earth’s natural resources. He founded Microsoft’s AI for Earth program in 2017
Matt serves as the Director of Government Affairs at Forterra. Matt develops state and federal proposals to create livable, affordable communities and conserve working farms, forests and natural lands across Washington State. He has worked for nearly a decade in government, on campaigns, and as an advocate throughout the Puget Sound region and New York City. Matt holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Washington.
In addition to visual appeal, the relative light weight of an exposed timber structure is a driving factor for the use of mass timber in many buildings. However, mass of structure has an impact on two design criteria that often dictate assembly thickness and floor build-up components: acoustics and vibration. This presentation will present design processes and resources available to designers to aid in the minimization of noise and vibration-related complaints in mass timber buildings. The first portion will review options for mass timber floor/ceiling and wall assemblies from a new inventory of acoustically-tested mass timber assemblies created by WoodWorks. Vibration design parameters and strategies will then be discussed, followed by a preview of a document in development that will provide designers with a complete set of vibration design methods and examples.
In addition to visual appeal, the relative light weight of an exposed timber structure is a driving factor for the use of mass timber in many buildings. However, mass of structure has an impact on two design criteria that often dictate assembly thickness and floor build-up components: acoustics and vibration. This presentation will present design processes and resources available to designers to aid in the minimization of noise and vibration-related complaints in mass timber buildings. The first portion will review options for mass timber floor/ceiling and wall assemblies from a new inventory of acoustically-tested mass timber assemblies created by WoodWorks. Vibration design parameters and strategies will then be discussed, followed by a preview of a document in development that will provide designers with a complete set of vibration design methods and examples.
A joint research project of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, University of British Columbia (UBC), and USDA Forest Products Laboratory was initiated in 2009 to examine the variations of walls with code-allowable openings. Test results from the (8′ x 12′) full-scale wall configurations, in conjunction with the analytical results from a computer model developed by UBC, were used to develop and refine rational design methodologies in accordance with the IBC. This presentation provides an update of that research with a focus on asymmetric piers and multiple openings. Rational design methodologies in accordance with the IBC will be shared.
A joint research project of APA – The Engineered Wood Association, University of British Columbia (UBC), and USDA Forest Products Laboratory was initiated in 2009 to examine the variations of walls with code-allowable openings. Test results from the (8′ x 12′) full-scale wall configurations, in conjunction with the analytical results from a computer model developed by UBC, were used to develop and refine rational design methodologies in accordance with the IBC. This presentation provides an update of that research with a focus on asymmetric piers and multiple openings. Rational design methodologies in accordance with the IBC will be shared.
How do contractors answer the increasing demand for mass timber buildings from architects and ownership groups? Growing this budding industry requires an understanding from both designers and seasoned construction professionals of how to construct efficiently, navigate jurisdictions new to mass timber, and manage the procurement risks to deliver the dream of a new and optimized building system. This session will consider why some mass timber projects never pass the concept stage, what can mitigate risk and improve financial feasibility, and how the development, architectural, engineering, and construction community can achieve success with mass timber projects of various scales and typologies. Particular emphasis will be given to preconstruction coordination, design input from all parties involved, project delivery methods, and how to achieve the highest level of cost efficiency.
How do contractors answer the increasing demand for mass timber buildings from architects and ownership groups? Growing this budding industry requires an understanding from both designers and seasoned construction professionals of how to construct efficiently, navigate jurisdictions new to mass timber, and manage the procurement risks to deliver the dream of a new and optimized building system. This session will consider why some mass timber projects never pass the concept stage, what can mitigate risk and improve financial feasibility, and how the development, architectural, engineering, and construction community can achieve success with mass timber projects of various scales and typologies. Particular emphasis will be given to preconstruction coordination, design input from all parties involved, project delivery methods, and how to achieve the highest level of cost efficiency.
Architects around the world are using mass timber construction systems to build taller wood buildings, incorporate the aesthetic of exposed wood, or increase the amount of prefabrication on their projects. Many use CLT panels and glulam beams as the building structure, often as a carbon-friendly alternative to conventional materials such as steel, masonry and concrete. In this presentation by an Oregon-based CLT manufacturer, successful US. projects will be highlighted to demonstrate the variety of commercial and multi-family applications available for CLT under today’s building codes. Topics will also include CLT manufacturing, benefits such as structural versatility, and potential future uses.
Architects around the world are using mass timber construction systems to build taller wood buildings, incorporate the aesthetic of exposed wood, or increase the amount of prefabrication on their projects. Many use CLT panels and glulam beams as the building structure, often as a carbon-friendly alternative to conventional materials such as steel, masonry and concrete. In this presentation by an Oregon-based CLT manufacturer, successful US. projects will be highlighted to demonstrate the variety of commercial and multi-family applications available for CLT under today’s building codes. Topics will also include CLT manufacturing, benefits such as structural versatility, and potential future uses.
In 2018, the 2015 Seattle Building Code was amended to allow, for the first time on a prescriptive basis, six-story wood-frame multi-family projects in Type III construction. This presentation will provide an overview of the new code provisions and related design topics. Intended for engineers, architects and building officials who want to better understand the associated opportunities for the use of wood in a variety of building types, this session will explore current building code allowances, examples of projects that have utilized the new provisions, and examples of other common building code interpretations by the City. Occupied roof decks, podiums and parking structures will also be reviewed in the context of wood-frame multi-family buildings.
In 2018, the 2015 Seattle Building Code was amended to allow, for the first time on a prescriptive basis, six-story wood-frame multi-family projects in Type III construction. This presentation will provide an overview of the new code provisions and related design topics. Intended for engineers, architects and building officials who want to better understand the associated opportunities for the use of wood in a variety of building types, this session will explore current building code allowances, examples of projects that have utilized the new provisions, and examples of other common building code interpretations by the City. Occupied roof decks, podiums and parking structures will also be reviewed in the context of wood-frame multi-family buildings.
Larger and taller mass timber buildings are becoming common in North America. These buildings typically utilize CLT or nail-laminated timber (NLT) panels, glulam beams (glulam) and columns, and new engineered timber components to meet the structural and fire requirements associated with greater heights. With these larger wood structures and heavier timber components comes the need for efficient building enclosure assemblies that can be installed quickly on tight sites and are in many cases new and unique to the industry. Prefabricated building enclosure elements are now also commonly used. This presentation shares guidance on building enclosure design and detailing best practices for mass timber buildings. It includes case studies and lessons learned from the design, construction, and monitoring of enclosures for recently completed projects.
Larger and taller mass timber buildings are becoming common in North America. These buildings typically utilize CLT or nail-laminated timber (NLT) panels, glulam beams (glulam) and columns, and new engineered timber components to meet the structural and fire requirements associated with greater heights. With these larger wood structures and heavier timber components comes the need for efficient building enclosure assemblies that can be installed quickly on tight sites and are in many cases new and unique to the industry. Prefabricated building enclosure elements are now also commonly used. This presentation shares guidance on building enclosure design and detailing best practices for mass timber buildings. It includes case studies and lessons learned from the design, construction, and monitoring of enclosures for recently completed projects.
A growing belief among design and construction professionals is that energy efficiency is crucial in building design. This presentation will provide practical information for designing wood-frame multi-family and mixed-use buildings to avoid common comfort-related pitfalls. Discussion will cover design, detailing and installation of high-performing and energy efficient assemblies. Topics will include design concepts, detailing techniques, assemblies, construction inspections, and lessons learned over years of energy-efficient design. Changes to the Seattle energy code and the effect on both light frame and mass timber construction will be discussed. Attendees can expect to gain a better understanding of energy code requirements, and how to meet or exceed them through proper building design.
A growing belief among design and construction professionals is that energy efficiency is crucial in building design. This presentation will provide practical information for designing wood-frame multi-family and mixed-use buildings to avoid common comfort-related pitfalls. Discussion will cover design, detailing and installation of high-performing and energy efficient assemblies. Topics will include design concepts, detailing techniques, assemblies, construction inspections, and lessons learned over years of energy-efficient design. Changes to the Seattle energy code and the effect on both light frame and mass timber construction will be discussed. Attendees can expect to gain a better understanding of energy code requirements, and how to meet or exceed them through proper building design.
Architects around the world are using mass timber construction systems to build taller wood buildings, incorporate the aesthetic of exposed wood, or increase the amount of prefabrication on their projects. Many use CLT panels and glulam beams as the building structure, often as a carbon-friendly alternative to conventional materials such as steel, masonry and concrete. In this presentation by an Oregon-based CLT manufacturer, successful US. projects will be highlighted to demonstrate the variety of commercial and multi-family applications available for CLT under today’s building codes. Topics will also include CLT manufacturing, benefits such as structural versatility, and potential future uses.
Architects around the world are using mass timber construction systems to build taller wood buildings, incorporate the aesthetic of exposed wood, or increase the amount of prefabrication on their projects. Many use CLT panels and glulam beams as the building structure, often as a carbon-friendly alternative to conventional materials such as steel, masonry and concrete. In this presentation by an Oregon-based CLT manufacturer, successful US. projects will be highlighted to demonstrate the variety of commercial and multi-family applications available for CLT under today’s building codes. Topics will also include CLT manufacturing, benefits such as structural versatility, and potential future uses.
Mass timber has well documented performance and aesthetic strengths. However, for certain project types and applications, other, more traditional, building systems such as light wood-frame, steel and concrete can complement mass timber to achieve benefits greater than those offered by one system alone. Considerations such as spans, structural loadings, cost, and code recognition may all help drive the decision to utilize a hybrid structure—and dictate its effectiveness. Based on several project examples and scales, including the proposed Microsoft campus refresh in Redmond, WA, this session will examine the concept of pairing mass timber with other material elements to capture their combined advantages. It will demonstrate how designers can introduce mass timber in measured but purposeful ways to enhance design flexibility while increasing the aesthetic value of a project.
Mass timber has well documented performance and aesthetic strengths. However, for certain project types and applications, other, more traditional, building systems such as light wood-frame, steel and concrete can complement mass timber to achieve benefits greater than those offered by one system alone. Considerations such as spans, structural loadings, cost, and code recognition may all help drive the decision to utilize a hybrid structure—and dictate its effectiveness. Based on several project examples and scales, including the proposed Microsoft campus refresh in Redmond, WA, this session will examine the concept of pairing mass timber with other material elements to capture their combined advantages. It will demonstrate how designers can introduce mass timber in measured but purposeful ways to enhance design flexibility while increasing the aesthetic value of a project.
Mass plywood panels (MPP), a veneer-based engineered wood product, are a recent addition to the mass timber line-up of product options. This presentation will introduce MPPs with an outline of the manufacturing technologies, testing and certification that led to their development, followed by an in-depth look at the applications and requirements associated with their use. Topics will include methods of structural design, code compliance, product size options, and availability.
Mass plywood panels (MPP), a veneer-based engineered wood product, are a recent addition to the mass timber line-up of product options. This presentation will introduce MPPs with an outline of the manufacturing technologies, testing and certification that led to their development, followed by an in-depth look at the applications and requirements associated with their use. Topics will include methods of structural design, code compliance, product size options, and availability.
Wood products take on a seemingly infinite variety of shapes and forms. While many designers are familiar with engineered wood products such as I-joists, wood sheathing and structural composite lumber, it is important to understand the structural requirements associated with each in order to achieve proper performance—especially in mid-rise applications. With an emphasis on products used in commercial and multi-family buildings, this presentation will cover fastening requirements, load capacity and proper detailing.
Wood products take on a seemingly infinite variety of shapes and forms. While many designers are familiar with engineered wood products such as I-joists, wood sheathing and structural composite lumber, it is important to understand the structural requirements associated with each in order to achieve proper performance—especially in mid-rise applications. With an emphasis on products used in commercial and multi-family buildings, this presentation will cover fastening requirements, load capacity and proper detailing.
In 2018, the 2015 Seattle Building Code was amended to allow, for the first time on a prescriptive basis, six-story wood-frame multi-family projects in Type III construction. This presentation will provide an overview of the new code provisions and related design topics. Intended for engineers, architects and building officials who want to better understand the associated opportunities for the use of wood in a variety of building types, this session will explore current building code allowances, examples of projects that have utilized the new provisions, and examples of other common building code interpretations by the City. Occupied roof decks, podiums and parking structures will also be reviewed in the context of wood-frame multi-family buildings.
In 2018, the 2015 Seattle Building Code was amended to allow, for the first time on a prescriptive basis, six-story wood-frame multi-family projects in Type III construction. This presentation will provide an overview of the new code provisions and related design topics. Intended for engineers, architects and building officials who want to better understand the associated opportunities for the use of wood in a variety of building types, this session will explore current building code allowances, examples of projects that have utilized the new provisions, and examples of other common building code interpretations by the City. Occupied roof decks, podiums and parking structures will also be reviewed in the context of wood-frame multi-family buildings.
In 2017, Microsoft announced plans for a multi-year modernization project on its Redmond, WA campus. The project, which will see 17 new buildings ranging from 180,000 to 220,000 square feet and four to five stories, will create healthy, inspiring workplaces that support the needs of Microsoft employees. The new buildings will be building clusters that will be blended together to create a unified campus. One of the main factors driving the design of this project has been material selection and the need to utilize sustainable design strategies to support the symbiosis of people and place while respecting the unique ecology of the region. To help meet these goals, the company has committed to using mass timber in many of the new buildings. In this opening plenary, Microsoft will share the rationale for choosing mass timber and discuss how it will be utilized across the campus redevelopment project.
In 2017, Microsoft announced plans for a multi-year modernization project on its Redmond, WA campus. The project, which will see 17 new buildings ranging from 180,000 to 220,000 square feet and four to five stories, will create healthy, inspiring workplaces that support the needs of Microsoft employees. The new buildings will be building clusters that will be blended together to create a unified campus. One of the main factors driving the design of this project has been material selection and the need to utilize sustainable design strategies to support the symbiosis of people and place while respecting the unique ecology of the region. To help meet these goals, the company has committed to using mass timber in many of the new buildings. In this opening plenary, Microsoft will share the rationale for choosing mass timber and discuss how it will be utilized across the campus redevelopment project.
By pioneering the use of mass timber in tall wood applications, building designers in the Pacific Northwest focused widespread attention on the sustainability and life safety attributes that are now taking wood buildings to greater heights. Policy makers and building officials became involved, and, thanks in large part to efforts in this region, tall wood is now being recognized in building codes across the country. This panel will bring together three distinct viewpoints regarding tall wood buildings: policy, code adoption, and the design community. By discussing tall wood in the context of what’s been done, what’s being done, and what the future may hold, this panel will place a spotlight on mass timber’s tremendous potential to reshape how we think of tall construction.
By pioneering the use of mass timber in tall wood applications, building designers in the Pacific Northwest focused widespread attention on the sustainability and life safety attributes that are now taking wood buildings to greater heights. Policy makers and building officials became involved, and, thanks in large part to efforts in this region, tall wood is now being recognized in building codes across the country. This panel will bring together three distinct viewpoints regarding tall wood buildings: policy, code adoption, and the design community. By discussing tall wood in the context of what’s been done, what’s being done, and what the future may hold, this panel will place a spotlight on mass timber’s tremendous potential to reshape how we think of tall construction.
The 2015 IBC prescriptively recognizes CLT as an acceptable building material in construction types III, IV and V. However, its use as part of a seismic force-resisting system—either as a diaphragm or shear wall—is not yet codified. This panel session will cover three topics key to the structural design, review and approval of CLT buildings. First, it will investigate the use of CLT in shear wall applications. Next, it will explore the use of CLT in horizontal diaphragm applications and the associated detailing requirements. Discussion will then turn to special inspections and structural detailing considerations for CLT, including challenges and solutions.
The 2015 IBC prescriptively recognizes CLT as an acceptable building material in construction types III, IV and V. However, its use as part of a seismic force-resisting system—either as a diaphragm or shear wall—is not yet codified. This panel session will cover three topics key to the structural design, review and approval of CLT buildings. First, it will investigate the use of CLT in shear wall applications. Next, it will explore the use of CLT in horizontal diaphragm applications and the associated detailing requirements. Discussion will then turn to special inspections and structural detailing considerations for CLT, including challenges and solutions.
This presentation is intended to increase awareness of Western Red Cedar uses, properties and performance characteristics. Western Red Cedar grades and product specifications will be reviewed, as will proper installation, finishing and maintenance for a variety of applications. Through brief case study presentations, attendees will gain an appreciation of design trends that leverage cedar’s versatility and the enhanced appeal it brings to institutional, commercial and residential designs. Demonstrating Western Cedar’s value as one of the ‘greenest’ building material available, discussion will include facts about sustainable forests and forest certification systems along with a brief review of Western Red Cedar Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
This presentation is intended to increase awareness of Western Red Cedar uses, properties and performance characteristics. Western Red Cedar grades and product specifications will be reviewed, as will proper installation, finishing and maintenance for a variety of applications. Through brief case study presentations, attendees will gain an appreciation of design trends that leverage cedar’s versatility and the enhanced appeal it brings to institutional, commercial and residential designs. Demonstrating Western Cedar’s value as one of the ‘greenest’ building material available, discussion will include facts about sustainable forests and forest certification systems along with a brief review of Western Red Cedar Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
