May 1, 2024
Episode Summary
In this episode, Craig Applegath and Ryan Going discuss various aspects of mass timber construction. They explore the longevity of mass timber buildings, highlighting the durability of various natural and engineered materials. Ryan speaks to his role and involvement in the construction of the University of Toronto’s innovative Tall Academic Tower. They also delve into the economics of mass timber, addressing the need for more supply capacity and the challenges of permitting requirements. The conversation touches on the potential economic benefits of mass timber for rural and regional economies, as well as its impact on metropolitan cities. The role of mass timber in sustainable, affordable housing is also discussed, along with the potential of hybrid mass timber structures.
In This Episode
Ryan Going, P.Eng. is a construction manager with experience delivering large-scale buildings and civil projects across industrial, institutional, commercial and healthcare markets in Canada and the UK.
As a project manager with Pomerleau, Ryan is currently managing the delivery of the Academic Wood Tower for the University of Toronto, which at 14 storeys and 76m is the tallest wood structure under construction in Canada. Ryan is also a founding member of Pomerleau’s National Wellbeing Committee which focuses on improving mental health supports for Pomerleau’s 4000+ employees across the country. Ryan is a member of the Toronto Construction Association’s Young Construction Leaders (YCL) Executive committee.
Ryan was named as one of Canada’s top 40 under 40 construction professionals in 2023 by OnSite magazine.
Ryan Going
“A big question in design is how can we build things and structures that mimic nature rather than forcing them to conform to a predetermined shape”
“You have to consider use-case. You can’t design any building and decide at the last second to build it with timber”
“I think mass timber has the potential to have huge benefits to rural economies in Canada, not just the cities where the buildings are built”
Connect with Ryan
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- The CLT Handbook by FPInnovations: https://web.fpinnovations.ca/clt/
- WoodWorks Canada: https://wood-works.ca/
- RDH’s Moisture Rist Management Strategies for Mass Timber Buildings: https://www.rdh.com/resource/moisture-risk-management-strategies-for-mass-timber-buildings-v2/
Land Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge this land on which the University of Toronto operates. For thousands of years it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and the Mississaugas of the Credit. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.