A program of the Maritime Lumber Bureau, Atlantic WoodWORKS! is an industry led, federally and provincially supported project that educates stakeholders about the economic and environmental benefits of wood construction. We encourage decision makers and design/build professionals to pursue sustainable, life-cycle smart wood construction and to support build with wood policies.
Most importantly, Atlantic Wood WORKS! is a partner, equipped to provide free technical support to assist stakeholders and designers with whatever challenges arise throughout the process of bringing wood buildings from concept to construction.
| January 2012 - Halifax and Moncton |
| Click here to view presentations |
| March 2012 - St. John's, NL |
| Click here to view presentations |
Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a novel building system of interest in North American construction. It is a cost-competitive wood-based solution that complements the existing light and heavy-frame options, and is a suitable substitute for some applications which currently use concrete, masonry and steel.
| Click here for information |
Canada’s ageing population means an increasing demand for more facilities dedicated to providing care for elderly citizens. Wood construction offers many advantages—for example, wood-frame construction is economical, and wood finishes and exposed wood members offer architectural appeal and warmth.
| Click here for information |
With growing pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, building designers are increasingly being called upon to balance functionality and cost objectives with reduced environmental impact. Wood can help to achieve that balance.
Wood costs less—economically and environmentally—while delivering more in terms of its beauty, versatility and performance. It meets code requirements in a wide range of low- and mid-rise building types, and can be used as a low carbon alternative to steel, masonry and concrete in many applications. Innovative new technologies and building systems have enabled longer wood spans, taller walls and higher buildings, and continue to expand the possibilities for wood use in construction.
Wood is more than a building material; it’s a renewable and responsible choice.
"The facility is the first "green" RCMP detachment in Canada. The design incorporates a number of green building strategies including: minimized site disturbance, stormwater management, low- impact materials, waste management, highly energy efficient systems, and healthful indoor environments."
"Architecturally it fits the regional context through building massing and material use, while also portraying an image of permanence and approachability. The site is designed to eliminate the need for irrigation, enhance cooling summer breezes, reduce cooling loads, and minimize surface water run-off. The building was located to maximize winter solar gain. Materials were evaluated for their life cycle environmental impact.
A significant challenge was incorporating sustainable strategies in a more remote location. Many new environmental products are not commonly available in Newfoundland, require considerable transportation and cost to acquire, or have not been tested in the Atlantic Canadian Climate. Our approach was to select local natural materials wherever possible. This provided materials that generally have a low embodied energy, a regional aesthetic, proven track record in the region, and support the local economy. A second challenge was to work within the requirements of the RCMP for function and security. Both challenges required the design team to investigate a broader range of issues into the design decisions."
Solterre Design, Green Design Consultants
