Around the world there is a significant and growing housing shortage that is exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This challenge demands innovative solutions that prioritize sustainability, occupant comfort, and efficient land use. This panel discussion brings together three internationally renowned architects: Francine Houben (Mecanoo, the Netherlands), Christophe Ouhayoun (KOZ Architects, France), and Geoff Denton (White Arkitekter, Sweden) to explore their approaches to sustainable housing. Each panelist will share their unique perspective on how to address housing shortages and sustainable densification, offering insights into the latest design strategies, materials, and technologies that can contribute to more resilient and equitable urban environments. Join us for a dynamic conversation that will delve into the future of housing and the role of architecture in creating livable, sustainable cities.

The Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program encourages the use of innovative wood-based building technologies in construction projects. The renewed program expanded its focus to fund innovative building solutions and schematic designs under key areas of interest including, but not limited to, prefabrication, modular buildings, retrofits, and design for disassembly/adaptability.

In this session, panelists regional experts from WoodWorks, representing jurisdictions from across Canada, will offer insights into regional opportunities and lingering obstacles to mass timber adoption, and discuss the strategies developed and presented in the Mass Timber Roadmap recently published by FPAC, CWC, Energy Futures Lab and The Transition Accelerator.

The presentation outlines Växjö Municipality's innovative approach to urban development. It highlights the transition to sustainable construction practices, focusing on the use of wood as a primary building material. The presentation covers the evolution with key drivers towards the development of wood-building methods to modern, eco-friendly solutions that integrate prefabricated wooden elements, reducing material waste and energy consumption.

As Toronto grows, so does the need for housing and energy. The use of wood products presents a tremendous opportunity to meet these essential needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and growing the local and regional economies. This panel will discuss opportunities to use wood for construction mass timber affordable housing and generation of low carbon heat and power in Toronto.

This panel will explore how the strategic adoption of innovative biomass district heating and energy systems in urban settings can reduce the carbon footprint of cities while delivering both economic and environmental benefits to rural communities. Experts from Sweden and Canada will discuss how utilizing forest residuals for urban energy needs not only cuts carbon emissions in cities but also supports sustainable forest management and strengthens rural economies.

As the push for sustainable residential development intensifies, mass timber is increasingly taking a central role in how we reshape city building approaches. This session will delve into why we are pursuing a national residential portfolio based on mass timber, addressing the material's impact in reducing carbon footprints, its status as a renewable resource, and the challenges surrounding its implementation for a large-scale residential portfolio.

The Wood Design & Building Awards recognize the outstanding work of professionals from around the world who achieve excellence in wood architecture. The Canadian Wood Council is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Awards Program, alongside the winners of the regional WoodWorks Awards Programs (Ontario, Prairies, British Columbia), in a combined celebration hosted at the WoodWorks Summit in Toronto.

Join a panel of leading developers as they explore innovative strategies to reduce construction costs. Drawing from their extensive portfolios, the panelists will discuss offsite manufacturing, prefabrication, hybrid construction, and repeatable solutions that are transforming the construction industry. Discover practical approaches that streamline project delivery and drive affordability in future developments.

Limberlost Place at George Brown College will be North America’s tallest post secondary mass timber building, achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Located on the waterfront campus in Toronto, it will house the Schools of Architectural and Computer Studies. This innovative building has garnered over 20 national and international awards for design and innovation.

The positive influences of design innovation, advanced materials, new building codes, and the evolving priorities of society are driving change in the construction sector that is expanding the use of advanced wood construction. Change, however, often presents new challenges, and the more widespread adoption of new technologies can be impeded by knowledge gaps and market forces. This expert panel will examine several important factors that can impact the decision to build with wood including insurance, financing and supply chain considerations, and identify both the challenges and opportunities they present.

Tanya will discus how she and her partner have turned Cornerstone into a multifaceted manufacturer, with a dual focus on traditional residential timber frames and cutting-edge commercial mass timber projects. She will discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in a male dominated industry, finding a place in the emerging world of mass timber and emphasizing the importance of innovation while staying true to the craft's roots. Through her unique perspective, Tanya will offer valuable lessons on leadership, adaptability, and the future of timber construction in Canada and beyond.

Building on years of experience in designing infill housing, and after confronting countless barriers on a daily basis, our team has created BuildingIN to help Canadian cities get on track with housing supply, while at the same time, growing in a vibrant way that existing communities will welcome.

A candid discussion on the labor challenges and opportunities in the mass timber industry, focusing on innovation and workforce transformation. This session will explore strategies for integrating offsite fabrication, along with the training methods and approaches used to upskill the workforce and meet the evolving demands of the mass timber market.

Inspired by the charm of heritage buildings, Hines’ T3 Bayside seamlessly blends the timeless appeal of brick-and-beam architecture with cutting-edge technology, modern amenities, and sustainable design. Crafted by the globally acclaimed Danish architecture firm 3XN, T3 Bayside is the newest addition to Hines' innovative T3 ("Timber, Transit, Technology") series of modern timber workplaces.

Join ULI Toronto for a members only fall social event that offers a unique opportunity to explore T3 Bayside firsthand while connecting and networking with professionals from Toronto’s real estate community.