Fast + Epp

At the end of October, Pilot Projects Collaborative held a workshop with the Fast + Epp Vancouver team for us to share insights on using mass timber as a sustainable low-carbon material in projects. ⁠ ⁠ This Mass Timber Tipping Point workshop was part of a part of a two-year research project, led by Pilot Projects in collaboration with Architecture 2030. They conducted a survey of 42 architecture and engineering firms cross North America, and then led these interactive sessions with a chosen group of firms aimed at constructing a comprehensive overview of the mass timber landscape. The workshops intentionally focused on the achievements and hurdles of mass timber use in projects. ⁠ ⁠ Outcomes from this research will be presented by Pilot Projects at the International Mass Timber Conference set for March 2025. Thank you to the Pilot Projects team for facilitating this workshop, we look forward to seeing the shared knowledge within the industry that this initiative will yield, along with insights that will promote the advancement of timber construction!⁠ ⁠ To learn more about this project, visit https://lnkd.in/gwBrhMds Mass timber project images (l-r): The Hive (Photo by Salina Kassam), Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation HQ (Photo by Salina Kassam), Fast + Epp Home Office ⁠ #MassTimber #MassTimberTippingPoint #StructuralEngineers #TimberResearch⁠

The new Marpole Community Centre in South Vancouver ⁠is well underway, with the installation of the long-span steel beams for the doubly curved cantilever roof currently ongoing. ⁠ ⁠ This facility is set to replace an outdated structure with a new two-story building that is almost double the size. Throughout the design phase, close collaboration between the design team and contractors was essential to confirm that the intended curvature was achievable within the structural elements.⁠ ⁠ The gravity system - which largely utilizes timber as the key structural component - incorporates cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels supported by glulam beams and columns to create the floors and terraces, while the curved roof combines steel beams with CLT panels. ⁠To provide lateral stability, light-wood shear walls have been placed within the architectural partitions to minimally disrupt the interior space whilst upholding structural strength.⁠ ⁠ To learn more about this project, visit https://lnkd.in/g7NNuFXP ⁠ City of Vancouver | Diamond Schmitt | Heatherbrae Builders⁠ | Kalesnikoff | RDH Building Science | Seagate Mass Timber Inc. | MTC Solutions Rendering courtesy of Diamond Schmitt ⁠ #MassTimber #StructuralEngineers #StructuralDesign #CLT #TimberDesign #MassTimberEngineers

Join us in our Concept Lab this Thursday for the fourth installment of Timber Tech Connect with TWIG BC. We are thrilled to be joined by the team from DIALOG to present on The Hive at this session. To register, head to https://lnkd.in/gH54MxRE

Last week we held our second annual joint workshop with Diamond Schmitt Architects in the Concept Lab, exploring Adaptive Reuse. ⁠ ⁠ The session brought together four teams of architects and engineers, tasked with reimagining the future of an existing 15 storey commercial concrete tower in downtown Vancouver.⁠ ⁠ With only four hours for brainstorming and model creation, these multidisciplinary groups were tasked with crafting an integrated design that effectively applied key principles for converting the building into a primarily residential space, all while accounting for the numerous code updates since 1972.⁠ ⁠ Congratulations to the winning team that presented a range of innovative solutions and strategic interventions. Their approach included reusing select precast cladding panels to strengthen the existing shear walls with shotcrete, and introducing seismic dampers to improve the buildings seismic performance. Additionally, they designed a lightweight mass timber 'lantern' on the roof, adding valuable square footage. ⁠ ⁠ Special thanks to Diamond Schmitt, Concept Lab, and all the participants who contributed to the success of this event. The afternoon was truly inspiring, showcasing the potential for multidisciplinary teams to foster innovation and progress in sustainable building design. We look forward to more of these sessions in the future!⁠ ⁠ Second image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt ⁠ ⁠ #StructuralEngineers #StructuralDesign #Collaboration #Workshop

As part of the Kelowna International Airport's expansion, Fast + Epp has designed a mass timber waffle roof that honors the concrete slab roof in the existing terminal. ⁠ ⁠ Construction is progressing well on-site with the installation of the Peikko Deltabeam system, which offers a longer span compared to traditional steel and deck systems, facilitating a shallow structural build up. This characteristic is advantageous as it permits a greater amount of mechanical equipment to be accommodated. ⁠ ⁠ The feature waffle roof will be installed in the new year, consisting of prefabricated panels made from cross-laminated timber (CLT) supported on glulam beams. Employing prefabrication will enhance efficiency of the installation, shorten construction time, and lower costs, all while maintaining the striking visual appeal of the roof.⁠ ⁠ Additionally, the design of this structure incorporates modularity to allow for future growth—making it possible to replicate and extend the structure to the south to meet the airport's evolving needs.⁠ ⁠ Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/g5caD4-B office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers (omb) | PCL Construction | Whitemud Ironworks Limited | Peikko North America ⁠ #StructuralEngineer #StructuralDesign #MassTimber #CLT #SustainableDesign

This week, Fast + Epp Partner, Robert Jackson, will be presenting at the Mass Timber Construction Summit taking place in Toronto.⁠ ⁠ On November 7th, he will deliver a case study focused on The Hive in Vancouver, highlighting the impressive 10-story timber braced frame building equipped with seismic dampers, CLT shear walls, and glulam braced bays. ⁠ ⁠ Make sure you don’t miss out; registration is still available! For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gYqwmxuA ⁠ #MassTimber #StructuralEngineer #StructuralDesign #SeismicDesign #CLT #Glulam

The Ohana Montage Health Facility located in Monterey, California, has recently earned a spot on TIME's list of Best Inventions of 2024 in the design category!⁠ ⁠ This project changes the narrative on the traditionally cold and institutional feel often associated with behavioral and mental healthcare facilities. Emphasizing a connection to nature, the interior features timber finishes that reflect the surrounding oak trees, while ample natural light pours in through large floor-to-ceiling windows, offering connection to the outside world. The building's form is characterized by gentle, flowing curves that encircle a central courtyard.⁠ ⁠ This mass timber and steel hybrid facility is one of largest healthcare buildings to use cross-laminated timber. It's unique curvature design used timber joists as a ruled surface, with the two-way spanning nature of CLT allowing further articulation in the undulating shape.⁠ ⁠ Congratulations to NBBJ Design, the comprehensive project team, and to the client, Montage Health on this well-deserved recognition. The design of this facility exemplifies a commitment to fostering a nurturing, inviting, and secure environment for the children and adolescents it serves!⁠ To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gPgZ-eRT Photos by Ty Cole ⁠ NBBJ Design I South Bay Construction I BFS Landscape Architects I Whitson Engineers I Introba ⁠ #StructuralEngineers #MassTimber #HealthcareFacility #StructuralDesign #CLT

Fast + Epp was part of the design of Polyhaus’ sustainable housing model, the Tetra-One – which we are excited to share is now available in California! ⁠ ⁠ Many efficiencies have been incorporated into the design, from the prefabricated and CNC’d mass timber pieces - which can be assembled in only a few days thus reducing overall construction time – to the maximized volume from the geometric truncated polyhedron. ⁠ ⁠ To reduce carbon footprint, parametric modelling was used to find the optimal form and reduce waste of the cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls, floors, and roof (fabricated by Vaagen Timbers).⁠ ⁠ To learn more, head to https://www.polyhaus.com/  ⁠ Photos by Andy Cross ⁠ Polyhaus | Vaagen Timbers ⁠ #MassTimber #StructuralEngineering #CLT

Fast + Epp Associate, Jamie Pobre Sullivian, will be presenting on the 'Next Generation of Tall Timber: a Case Study of Point-Supported CLT Structure at BCIT Student Housing⁠' at the NCSEA Structural Engineering Summit in Las Vegas. ⁠ ⁠ Her session on Wednesday, November 6th will cover the point-supported, wide-format Hem-Fir Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panel system utilized in this project, along with the use of large-format cladding.⁠ ⁠ To learn more visit https://lnkd.in/gN-bYz-K ⁠ #TallTimber #MassTimber #TimberConstruction #Innovation #StructuralEngineering #NCSEA

We are thrilled to share that Fast + Epp is part of the team for the new BC Children’s Hospital dedicated to complex medical conditions.⁠ ⁠ Located at the site of the former Sunny Hill Health Centre in East Vancouver, the building - designed for accessibility and therapeutic practices - will connect children and youth with centralized care, and allow for families to receive training and support for caregiving. ⁠ ⁠ The facility will have a concrete substructure to support the above grade hybrid mass timber-steel superstructure comprised of cross laminated timber (CLT) floor panels over glulam purlins and flush steel girders, and providing a clean aesthetic. A lateral system of concrete shear walls and steel frames provides flexibility in the architectural programing.⁠ ⁠ Work is anticipated to begin spring 2025. To learn more head to https://lnkd.in/gHBZW2Z3 ⁠ Renders via Diamond Schmitt ⁠ Diamond Schmitt⁠ | Ledcor | GHL Consultants Ltd | Smith + Andersen | GeoPacific Consultants Ltd. | Aplin Martin | Edge Consultants | RDH Building Science ⁠| BKL Consultants Ltd. | PML Professional Mechanical Ltd. | Western Pacific Enterprises LTD | Action Electric | Theakston Environmental ⁠ #StructuralEngineer #StructuralDesign #MassTimber #CLT #SustainableDesign