Our team worked on two Vancouver based MT projects: PH1 and oN5. On both projects we were striving towards the illusive goal of: BETTER, FASTER AND CHEAPER. Full modelling of the architecture, MEPF was done in Revitt, while the MT structure was modelled in CadWork. Both to shop drawing quality. We merged both for clash detection. Main use of the combined model was erection sequencing, which was critical on tight mid city sites. Early coordination with all the trades was crucial for proper execution on site.
Fully prefabricated MT panels achieved the goal of FAST erection.
Better QUALITY was achieved by better insulation at prefab yard. Heat bridges were avoided by following PH design principles.
Flat CLT slabs (no beams) were achieved by the use of TS3 system.
Superior seismic resistance was made a reality by introduction of Tectonus hold-down system.
Avoiding forming against existing buildings together with shorted construction time resulted in real savings.
Lots can be improved still. The road of prefabrication of MT is just starting but these 2 projects are a proof that progress can be achieved with currently existing local teams and machinery.
Robert belongs to a rare breed of university-trained, specialized timber engineers. Following graduation with a Master’s degree from Warsaw Technical University, Robert set his eyes on Canada, for an opportunity to study at UBC under the world renowned professor and practicing engineer Borg Madsen, inventor of the now widely used timber rivet connection system.
During his last year at UBC, Robert was offered a position with J. Novacek & Associates, a leading innovative Vancouver consulting firm in the field of timber engineering. Robert spent four years with Novacek, where he carried out the structural design of a number of landmark projects such as the Odlum Drive condominium project with architect Peter Cardew and the Engine 374 enclosure at the Vancouver Roundhouse.
In 1997, Robert co-founded Equilibrium Consulting Inc. Through his career, Robert has worked on over 600 projects, several of which have received awards, including the Hooded Merganzer Restaurant in Penticton with Nick Bevanda Architect and the Art Gallery of Ontario Galleria Italia with architect Frank Gehry, one of the most complex timber structures ever built.
In 1997, Robert co-founded Equilibrium Consulting Inc. Through his career, Robert has worked on over 600 projects, several of which have received awards, including the Hooded Merganzer Restaurant in Penticton with Nick Bevanda Architect and the Art Gallery of Ontario Galleria Italia with architect Frank Gehry, one of the most complex timber structures ever built.
Robert is a long-standing member of the O86 “Engineering Design in Wood” code committee, and a member of the recently formed CLT code committee. Robert is regularly invited to lecture on the subject of timber engineering at national and international symposiums and conferences. Robert is committed to sustainability and energy performance and was involved in the design of the first “Passivhaus” projects in Canada.
Our team worked on two Vancouver based MT projects: PH1 and oN5. On both projects we were striving towards the illusive goal of: BETTER, FASTER AND CHEAPER. Full modelling of the architecture, MEPF was done in Revitt, while the MT structure was modelled in CadWork. Both to shop drawing quality. We merged both for clash detection. Main use of the combined model was erection sequencing, which was critical on tight mid city sites. Early coordination with all the trades was crucial for proper execution on site.
Fully prefabricated MT panels achieved the goal of FAST erection.
Better QUALITY was achieved by better insulation at prefab yard. Heat bridges were avoided by following PH design principles.
Flat CLT slabs (no beams) were achieved by the use of TS3 system.
Superior seismic resistance was made a reality by introduction of Tectonus hold-down system.
Avoiding forming against existing buildings together with shorted construction time resulted in real savings.
Lots can be improved still. The road of prefabrication of MT is just starting but these 2 projects are a proof that progress can be achieved with currently existing local teams and machinery.
