TSA Technical Series: Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction

The use of mass timber continues to grow across Ontario, and some of the most significant changes in the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) were updates related to this structural system. From broader occupancy permission to increases in permitted heights and expanded allowances for exposure, there have never been more opportunities to design with mass timber than there are now. But just how familiar are you with these changes?

Join us and Noah Fetterly of the Canadian Wood Council (CWC) as we review the basics of Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC), what has changed in the OBC, and how you can take advantage of these updates. The presentation will also review the CWC’s free, web-based Exposed Mass Timber Calculator, which can support early decision-making by screening exposure and encapsulation data against the criteria in the 2025 National Building Code of Canada.

Participants in this lecture will: 

• Learn the key 2024 OBC changes affecting EMTC, including height limits, occupancy scope, and permitted exposed timber.

• Understand how to use the Exposed Mass Timber Calculator as an early-stage screening resource, including interpretation of outputs, warnings, and stated limitations.
• Leave better equipped to translate code language and tool outputs into preliminary design directions.

TSA MEMBERS: This event is free for TSA Members using the discount code found in the TSA Bulletin and on your Member Dashboard. Not a member yet? Membership is open to everyone and you can join here (student memberships are free!).

OAA MEMBERS:  This lecture is eligible for 1 OAA Structured Learning Hour and meets the OAA criteria for mandatory structured learning hours focused on Climate Action as part of the 2024-2026 Continuing Education cycle. When registering, please include your full name as registered with the OAA to ensure your certificate of participation is credited properly. Please also include an email address you check frequently to ensure you receive our certificate in a timely manner.