06/04/2026
Mass timber has had a big moment in BC. So what does that mean for structural steel?
Two of our recent projects show exactly what that looks like in practice ποΈ
ποΈ UBC Gateway (Vancouver, 2025)
Designed by Perkins + Will Canada Architects for UBC Properties Trust, this striking campus building required more than just structural steel. This project included structural and miscellaneous steel, installation of mass timber, delta beams, and cree panels, all working together as a single integrated system. Weight- 975 tons.
ποΈ Cameron Community Centre (Burnaby, in progress)
Working with Graham Construction on this ~1,200-ton project designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, we're currently in the construction phase, supplying structural and miscellaneous steel alongside a mass timber structure, following design assist work.
Where steel continues to win:
β Long spans without intermediate columns
β High-seismic zones requiring ductile connections
β Industrial, healthcare, and airport facilities
β Projects requiring tight schedules and prefabricated precision
Where mass timber genuinely competes:
β Low-to-mid-rise commercial and residential
β Projects prioritizing embodied carbon and biophilic aesthetics
β Markets with strong mass timber supply chains
The most interesting trend we're watching: hybrid structures. Steel primary frames with mass timber floors and ceilings- the best of both π―
What are you seeing specified on your projects right now?