Industry groups publish mass timber guidelines up to 12 storeys

VANCOUVER — New guidelines for 12-storey mass timber buildings have been released by B.C. engineering and architecture groups.

Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) and the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) published new guidelines to clarify the expectations for professional practice for architects and engineers designing mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys.

The groups noted they regularly analyze new construction and design practices so they can provide guidance to engineers and architects who want to use them.

The groups added their guidelines come on the heels of recent legislative changes which allow construction of encapsulated mass timber buildings up to 12 storeys in the province.

“B.C.’s engineers are leading the way in wood innovation, and these joint guidelines outline the necessary standards of professional practice to ensure that engineers working in mass-timber construction are doing so in a way that keeps the public safe, while also demonstrating the social, economic, and environmental benefits of wood infrastructure in creating a more resilient province for future generations,” said Ann English, CEO of EGBC in a statement.

The guidelines include advice on minimum qualifications, professional practice, roles and responsibilities and quality assurance for encapsulated mass timber construction projects. They also identify issues to be taken into consideration, provide sources of information, and, in some instances, design options when providing architectural, building enclosure, fire protection, acoustical, structural, mechanical and electrical design services.

“The public expects that architects remain current with contemporary technology, materials, methods and business practices. The Joint Professional Practice Guidelines – Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction up to 12 Storeys will allow registered architects in British Columbia to apply new practices in a manner that is consistent with legislation and puts public-safety first.” Mark Vernon, CEO of AIBC.