Wood Construction To Reach New Heights

By Submitted Article

The Province will increase the limit on wood-frame construction in the BC Building Code from four to six storeys in January 2009.

The Province says, raising the roof on wood-frame construction will open opportunities for construction of mid-rise, medium-density housing. This type of building provides an option for communities that want to take advantage of the environmental benefits of density while preserving the character of their communities.

In the near future, the Province will announce details of an innovative demonstration project with the Canadian Wood Council that will provide additional insights into six-storey wood construction in British Columbia.

The demonstration project will give builders, designers and local governments an opportunity to see how six-storey wood-frame construction can be used effectively in British Columbia.

"Opening up the use of wood in mid-rise construction presents exciting opportunities to reduce the cost and environmental impact of buildings," said Mary Tracey, executive director of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Wood Council. "We look forward to working with the Province on a demonstration project that will showcase how wood can be used safely in buildings over four storeys."

It will also enable the Province to evaluate building social housing using six-storey wood frame construction.

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