WoodWorks at the AIA Conference 2025

Mass Timber Builder’s Risk Insurance: Strategies for Success

Presenters: Russ Johnson, Skanska, Jake Concannon, Gallagher Construction Services, and Patrick McBride, Zurich North America

This course explores the landscape of mass timber builder’s risk insurance, with insights from a general contractor, insurance broker, and insurance carrier on how they collaborate to navigate insurance challenges and manage cost considerations to support project success. Attendees will gain a well-rounded understanding of how to procure builder’s risk insurance, how insurance considerations impact design choices, and proactive engagement with insurers that can streamline the process, promote safer building practices, and improve project outcomes.

Senior Living: Code-Compliant Wood Construction and Designing for Wellness

Presenter: Greg Gauthreaux, Perkins Eastman

As the demand for senior housing grows, designers must understand the spectrum of senior living options available and how different levels of care are classified under the International Building Code (IBC). This course provides an in-depth exploration of where wood construction is permitted and special considerations such as how to achieve required fire resistance ratings using wood wall and floor-ceiling assemblies. Additionally, we will delve into some unique design approaches to senior living, focusing on creating environments that promote health and wellness, including biophilic design, which enhances the quality of life for both residents and caregivers.

Incorporating Mass Timber in Hybrid Structures

Presenters: Natalia Escobar, Stantec Architecture and Hercend Mpidi Bita, Timber Engineering

This seminar explores the emerging hybrid construction method combining mass timber and cold-formed steel (CFS) to optimize structural performance and cost-effectiveness. We will examine structural, fire, and acoustic performance benefits, prefabrication advantages, and construction efficiencies. The presentation will also feature a detailed case study of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment project in Boston, MA, showcasing a groundbreaking application of mass timber-CFS hybrid construction in an urban setting. Participants will gain insights into the design considerations, construction sequencing, benefits, and challenges associated with this hybrid structural system.

Optimizing Grids in Mass Timber Buildings

Presenters: Joe Anastasi, OZ Architecture and Chris Kendall, KL&A

Mass timber is transforming how designers approach construction, requiring a deep understanding of material selection, structural efficiency, and detailing. This presentation explores grid optimization strategies for mass timber projects, comparing them to traditional methods and highlighting key design considerations. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, coordination with project stakeholders, and best practices for fire safety, structural performance, and acoustics to ensure project success.

Using Wood Framing to Craft Award-Winning Projects: Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Presenter: Taylor Landry, WoodWorks and additional speakers TBA

Join us for an insightful presentation showcasing a series of award-winning wood and timber-based projects, each exemplifying the sustainable benefits of utilizing wood in construction. Through an exploration of case studies, project team members will delve into the rationale behind selecting wood as the primary building material, examining its environmental advantages and aesthetic appeal. Design innovation typically comes through iteration, and these projects are no exception. They will share unique challenges faced and the lessons learned throughout each project’s lifecycle. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable attributes of wood in construction, the criteria for selecting wood as a material, and the practical insights into successful implementation gleaned from real-world examples

Using Mass Timber in Bush Middle School

Presenter: Brendan Connolly and Ryan Rideout, Mithun and Arizona Dabrusin, DCI

This presentation will look at the design of Bush Middle School, a new three-story building in Seattle, WA. The selection of a mass timber structural system was key to meeting project goals related to indoor air quality, biophilic design, and building performance. The presentation will detail key steps in the design process, with project team members sharing how they verify embodied carbon reductions and how collaboration across disciplines helped integrate sustainable design throughout the project.

Mass Timber Hotels

Presenters: Steve Cavanaugh, DLR Group and Bobby Larson, DLR Group

This course will explore mass timber applications in hospitality projects, including new allowances under the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and the structural and aesthetic advantages that translate between office and hospitality typologies. The presentation will include a look at the prototype building design for a cross-laminated timber (CLT) hotel and related research by The DLR Group in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Marriott International, Coffman Engineers, Friedman Properties, and SmartLam North America, which received a U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to inspire future projects and help resolve common doubts about mass timber as a viable structural option for hotels. Key considerations throughout the presentation include fire protection, acoustics, durability, longevity, and cost.

Type III Fire-Resistant Design and Detailing: Exterior Walls, Intersections, and Balconies

Presenter: Bruce Lindsey, WoodWorks and Taylor Landry, WoodWorks

With an increase in mid-rise wood-frame buildings, more designers are seeking information on codecompliant and constructible detailing. Many are unsure of the code’s requirements for details, specifically at the intersection of rated assemblies and where structure and fire protection meet. This presentation will focus on common detailing issues and areas of misunderstanding of exterior walls and their intersection with rated floor assemblies. Mid-rise wood-frame opportunities and code-specified building sizes will also be reviewed, followed by discussion of detailing code requirements, code compliance, and rationale for approval with an emphasis on constructability and practicality.