British Columbia changing building code to allow mass timber structures of up to 18 stories
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The Canadian Province of British Columbia is updating its building code to expand the use of mass timber in building construction.
The code will allow for encapsulated mass-timber construction (EMTC) buildings as tall as 18 stories for residential and office buildings, an increase from the previous 12-story limit. The updates also expand EMTC for new building types, including schools, libraries, retail, light- and medium-industrial occupancies, and care facilities.
More exposed mass timber construction options will be allowed based on a building’s height and use. The code changes were developed by a national joint task group and reviewed by an expert technical advisory group with representation from multiple provinces.
Other provinces are expected to follow British Columbia’s lead and adopt these changes into their building codes. The changes are also being submitted into Canada’s national code system for future consideration for the nation’s building codes.