Author: Sam Dicke
Publication: Timberlab
04.08.24
Innovations and Insights from the 2024 International Mass Timber Conference
MASS TIMBER CONFERENCE GAINS MASSIVE AUDIENCE
Timberlab had another highly successful year at the International Mass Timber Conference. The event, which is held the last week of March every year in Portland, Oregon by Forest Business Network, brings together over 3,000 architects, developers, contractors, engineers, foresters, landowners, manufacturers, and supply/trade partners to discuss the latest innovations in mass timber construction making it the largest gathering of experts in the world. As a premier sponsor of the event, Timberlab had a notable presence at this year’s conference. Our team participated in numerous activities and presentations aimed at advancing the dialogue surrounding mass timber.
One highlight was Timberlab’s presentations for the conference's sold-out building tours, bringing more than 300 guests across the city for site visits, presentations, and panel discussions. Track 1 of the building tours gave an exclusive look at our Northwest Fabrication facility gaining valuable insights into our operations and CNC capabilities. Joined by ZGF Architects, Holst Architecture, KPFF Consulting Engineers, and Fortis Construction, the tours covered a wide range of projects, including the new Multnomah East County Library.
The building tours stopped at our new administrative office in downtown Portland where we took a first-hand look into the first Type IV-C tall timber building in the country, Heartwood.
The project team, which included Swinerton, atelierjones, and DCI Engineers, presented on the structure's innovative use of mass timber and provided insight into the successes of constructing a tall timber building on what was previously a surface parking lot in one of the most densely populated neighborhoods on the West Coast.
The last stop of the conference building tours was Holgate Library, a new 21,000-square-foot structure serving Portland's southeast community. Swinerton and Timberlab co-presented at the library project, highlighting the importance of early-stage preconstruction and virtual design services, and how that early coordination transfers into successful fabrication and installation.
During the conference, Timberlab delivered three impactful presentations. Engineering Manager, Hans-Erik Blomgren, along with David Barber of Arup, discussed fire performance and testing – a critical aspect of mass timber construction and code compliance. Business Development Manager, Sam Dicke, moderated a panel on policy incentives and programs aimed at promoting mass timber domestically and internationally. Assistant Preconstruction Manager, Brooke Whitsell, shared insights into her work building the NHERI 10-Story Shake Table Test, highlighting Timberlab’s commitment to advancing tall timber through seismic resiliency.
Concluding the conference, Timberlab is a proud supporter of the Women in Timber event. Over 500 of the brightest minds in sustainable construction attended this session, highlighting our industry's trajectory as one where every woman feels empowered to innovate and lead amidst a historically male-dominated sector. We are excited about the growing network of women who are carving new paths in timber design, engineering, and construction.
Timberlab will once again be a premier sponsor at the 2025 International Mass Timber Conference. We are excited to showcase our expertise and contribute to the advancement of mass timber construction.
For more information about the conference or Timberlab’s role in helping move mass timber forward, reach out to Sam Dicke, Business Development Manager.
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