Understanding Glulam: The structural and architectural capabilities of mass timber

In this webinar, you’ll gain insight into the design and manufacturing considerations involved in using glulam in buildings. As one of the oldest mass timber products used in Canada, glulam offers exceptional flexibility and can be incorporated into a wide range of building types—particularly where curvature and expressive geometry are key. Presenters will outline design and manufacturing strategies for creating efficient structures, showing how glulam can be used not just as columns and beams, but as the primary structure in today’s innovative buildings—whether architecturally driven or focused on value and efficiency. They will also cover the availability of glulam products across Canada and explain how to maximize the value of the timber used. Practical tips will be shared to help designers and specifiers take full advantage of glulam’s attributes in a cost-efficient way.

Participants will learn the design strategies employed when using curvature and geometry in buildings and gain an understanding of what is possible with expressive architecture.

Participants will understand the practical constraints of glulam manufacturing, including how to approach the design and specification of glulam members.

Participants will learn how different wood species and strength grades are applied in glulam design, and how to use them efficiently for optimal performance.

Participants will understand how geometry, fire ratings, and member layups influence the cost-efficiency and design potential of glulam systems.

Alejandro Coronado (P.Eng.) brings a breadth of experience having worked throughout the design and construction industry in contractor, supplier, and consulting engineering roles. Alejandro holds both a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree with Distinction in Civil Engineering from BCIT, specializing in structural engineering. Initially involved in single-family homes, Alejandro worked his way through the industry to eventually work on state-of-the-art, high-profile projects such as the Centre Block Base Isolation at Parliament Hill, the UBC Museum of Anthropology Great Hall Renewal Project, Royal BC Museum PARC Campus, and a mass timber campus in Silicon Valley. He was initially attracted to Mass Timber for its unique architectural expression. However, Alejandro quickly expanded his understanding of how Mass Timber can help us tackle current social challenges. Through many years of hands-on experience, Alejandro has become a champion for sustainable construction that is simple yet effective.

Andre Lema, Manager of Business Development, Western Archrib

Andre Lema, a seasoned professional in the wood industry, brings decades of experience and expertise. Starting as a carpenter and advancing through a degree in Construction Engineering at NAIT, Andre has been instrumental in driving the success of Western Archrib. His passion for wood and dedication to fostering client relationships have made him a key figure in the industry.