LSTN Partner Denis Blount attended the International Mass Timber Conference in Portland Oregon last week, as he has done for the last 10 years or so. Some of our “hot takes” following the 2.5 days of interesting discussions and presentations.
1. 5-ply CLT flanking: A modest sampling of in-situ acoustic test data has published over the year that suggests “market rate apartment” sound isolation can be achieved with continuous spanning 5-ply CLT panels over demising (~NIC49-52). Great news for the development and timber community, building up on the 3-ply CLT full-scale flanking tests Denis presented at the conference in 2023. Cavet that the recent 5-ply tests were spot checks of completed projects, so not clear how broadly applicable the finding is…but…
2. CNRC Canada have been working on a comprehensive set of Kij tests that should provide reliable real-world flanking test data soon; this work has been in progress for 18+ months and no ETA on publish date yet. Will the Wood Innovation Grant applicant team looking to study the same thing get funded and published before CNRC? Much needed data for the timber community, so WATCH THIS SPACE…
3. Binderholtz and others showed impressive off-site pre-fab, volumetric modular and robotic automation capabilities – useful information for several LSTN clients and projects; the future of construction LOOKS EFFICEINT! Binderholtz’s Solid Timber Manual 2.0 has a lot of great info, including acoustics theory and guidance. https://www.binderholz.com/fileadmin/user_upload/books/en/solid_timber_manual_2/70/index.html
4. The City of Portland have BIG PLANS for development, hopefully leveraging mass timber. Winta Yohannes gave an inspiring Key Note about the project vision. More info here https://www.albinavisioninc.com/
5. Skanska, Holmes and Woodworks all kindly hosted auspicious events creating space for community to connect or re-connect. Thanks for the invites and THE DRINKS!
Exciting times in the mass timber world and we’re happy to be a part of the community!
