Limberlost Place, the first institutional building in Ontario constructed from mass timber with net-zero carbon emissions, has achieved a significant construction milestone by reaching its highest point in construction.
The installation of the last wood and steel beams has been completed in the 10-story facility situated within George Brown College’s (GBC) Waterfront campus, located in the East Bayfront community of Toronto.
In celebration of a significant construction milestone commonly referred to as “topping off” within the industry, Limberlost Place saw project partners and the skilled trades workforce come together to commemorate the occasion. They signed a beam before it was hoisted into position atop the building.
Limberlost Place’s construction is characterized by its unique blend of mass-timber components sourced from Canada and a structural steel core. This combination forms the foundation of the building’s structural integrity.
A total of 139 cross-laminated timber and concrete composite slab bands underwent prefabrication at an off-site facility before being transported to the construction site for their final installation. This strategic prefabrication approach streamlined the construction process.
Each individual cross-laminated timber piece, boasting a weight of 17,000 pounds, received meticulous preparation, including the incorporation of kerf plates, screws, rebar, concrete, M&E sleeves, roof anchors, and column bases. This attention to detail ensured the structural soundness of the components.
To facilitate efficient installation, the slab bands were methodically organized in the sequence of their installation, precisely designating the location for each timber element within the building’s framework.
The overall structure integrates approximately 1,190 pieces of cross-laminated timber and 571 glue-laminated mass timber pieces, showcasing the extensive use of timber in the construction.
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Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach, author
