The American Wood Council, International Code Council and WoodWorks have joined together to release an updated version of the free app to calculate maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction. The Heights & Areas Calculator is based on the provisions in the 2021 and earlier editions of the International Building Code, which includes the Type-IV mass timber construction types. The app now also includes the heights and areas specific to the 2019 California Building Code, including mass timber types of construction. Users can input the proposed building height and area for any … Read more
National Fire Protection Association Releases Annual Industry Trends Survey Results
The National Fire Protection Association has released its third-annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled worker sentiments around the state of labor, training and technology on the jobsite. The survey provides a look at what the skilled trades industry can expect in each of these areas in 2025. The skilled labor shortage continues to be a top concern in 2025. Exactly half of skilled tradespeople identified a shortage of qualified candidates as the top challenge for workers this year. Skilled labor shortage concerns primarily stem from worker retirement and workforce retention challenges. As a result, the skilled labor shortage will … Read more
B.PUBLIC Prefab, Santa Fe Institute Announce Partnership for New Lecture Hall
B.PUBLIC Prefab has announced its first commercial project with the Santa Fe Institute. The collaboration will bring to life a new lecture hall on SFI’s Miller campus in Tesuque, New Mexico, designed to serve as a focal point for the institute’s academic and research activities. The new lecture hall will provide a venue for lectures, seminars and collaborative sessions. Project highlights include: Design and sustainability: The new lecture hall will incorporate B.PUBLIC Prefab’s modular design principles, ensuring a construction process both efficient and environmentally conscious. The structure will feature sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems and a design that integrates seamlessly with … Read more
First All Mass Timber Acute Care Hospital in North America Breaks Ground in Ontario
The Quinte Health Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital in Picton, Ontario will be the first all mass timber acute care hospital in North America upon completion in 2027. The new hospital is designed by HDR and currently under construction with M. Sullivan & Son and Infrastructure Ontario. With abundant research proving environmental and human health are intrinsically connected, this environment will serve its community with advanced medical technologies, energy-efficient operations, biophilic design principals, a low-carbon mass timber structure and access to nature throughout the facility. The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital will include 23 inpatient beds, an emergency department, diagnostic imaging, … Read more
US Department of Labor seeks Nominees for Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
The U.S. Department of Labor is seeking nominations for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Advisory Committee for Construction Safety and Health. The secretary will select 14 members representing the interests of employers, employees, state safety and health agencies and the public to create a broad-based, balanced and diverse committee. The remaining representative is designated by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Members generally serve a two-year term and can be appointed to successive terms. The advisory committee meets two to four times per year. Submit nominations and supporting materials, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2024-0002, at … Read more