Meet the Associates – Shawn Kennedy
We are thrilled to announce that Shawn Kennedy (P.Eng., PE, M.A.Sc.) has joined the ASPECT team as an Associate in our Toronto office. Shawn graduated from the University of Sherbrooke in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering, and began his career in Vancouver working mainly on Institutional, Commercial, Residential and Mass Timber projects. He completed his Master’s in Civil Engineering in 2014 from the University of Laval in Quebec City, where his research focused on connections for Mass Timber products.
Shawn has worked on several high-profile and award-winning projects in Canada and Internationally, including the Ashram Temple of Light in Kootenay Bay, BC; NLC Heavy Mechanical Trade Building in Dawson Creek, BC; Terrace House in Vancouver, BC; OSU Forest Science Complex in Corvallis, OR; and Créteil Office Building in Paris, France.
Shawn is passionate about Mass Timber, and his Master’s research focused on fastener capacity in timber engineered products, which served as the basis for the development of design equations on the latest CSA 086 standard.
SELECTED PROJECTS
ASHRAM TEMPLE OF LIGHT*
This remote temple for the Yasodhara Ashram is on the forest’s edge overlooking Kootenay Lake. The structure consists of 8 large glulam arches connected by an innovative ring moment connection. Prefab light frame panels are laid across the arches to create the 3D flower shape of the temple. Learn more…
Patkau Architects | Kootenay Bay, BC
NLC TRADE CENTRE*
This building at the Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek provides workshops for carpentry, welding, plumbing, millwright, wind turbine technology, as well as student commons, classrooms, and offices. The building includes several skylights and long perimeter clerestories. The efficient mass timber structure includes prefabricated edge laminated veneer lumber (LVL) roof panels, LVL posts & beams, and cross laminated timber (CLT) walls. Learn More…
McFarland Marceau Architects | Dawson Creek, BC
COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA HMTF TRADE CENTRE*
A training facility for the students of heavy machinery, this building includes a large multifunctional workshop and several dedicated technology laboratories. Designed to offer much natural light, this two storey facility aims for an industrial yet elegant look, with structure including concrete, steel, masonry, and mass timber. Learn more…
OMB Architects | Dawson Creek, BC
HILLCREST RESIDENCE*
An exceptional private home in Whistler, perched above Alta Lake. The finished product demonstrates a distinct attention to detail. Steel framing was utilized to achieve impressive cantilevers and wood construction was opted for at the upper levels. The residence is Passivhaus intent using specialized connectors to minimize the effect of heat bridges.
Gort Scott Architect | Whistler, BC
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Aside from engineering many state-of-the-art buildings, Shawn is also engaged with the engineering community through publications and talks such as:
| ISM & SCGC Montreal & Quebec City | Oregon State University Peavy Hall Project | 2020 |
| Cecobois (Montreal & Quebec City) | Innovations in Mass Timber Design | 2018 |
| Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) | Mass Timber Structural Innovations | 2017 |
| WCTE Quebec City | Design Equations for Dowel Embedment Strength and Withdrawal Resistance for Threaded Fasteners in CLT | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equations for Embedment Strength of Wood for Threaded Fasteners in the Canadian Timber Design Code | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equation for Withdrawal Resistance of Threaded Fasteners in the Canadian Timber Design Code | 2014 |
| Publication (WCTE) | Design Equations for Dowel Embedment Strength and Withdrawal Resistance for Threaded Fasteners in CLT | 2014 |
ASPECT couldn’t be happier to have Shawn as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
ASPECT + Business Continuity + Public Health
On March 14th, 2020 ASPECT Structural Engineers adopted a work-from-home policy for our offices in Vancouver, Toronto and Switzerland.
What this means for our clients and how have we changed our day-to-day practice:
- We've leveraged our existing IT systems to make this transition (relatively) seamless and anticipate little-to-no interruption in our service.
- Aspect will attend all coordination meetings as scheduled digitally. We are happy to facilitate digital meeting spaces; please reach out if you would like assistance with this.
- We have suspended all business-related international travel and will work with you to ensure that our participation in meetings and design charrettes carry out digitally per above.
- Site reviews for local projects will continue as normal. Plan for our engineers to reach out beforehand to ensure appropriate health precautions and social distancing.
- Site reviews for non-local projects will be performed on a case-by-case basis. We will continue to rely on digital inspection methods, and engage local consultants as needed to ensure limited impact on construction schedules.
- The Aspect offices will be closed to all non-staff. Enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures have, and will remain, in place for the foreseeable future.
We are committed to these measures in the interest of public health and will monitor the appropriate channels and provide an update once we are able to revert to the "old normal".
We hope this message finds you safe and healthy and we look forward to continuing to work on amazing projects for our amazing clients!
We are here to help. Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions.
ULI Toronto: Mass Timber Construction MasterClass
Join Aspect Principal Bernhard Gafner at ULI Toronto for a Mass Timber Construction MasterClass, February 25, 2020. This class is designed for those interested in building with mass timber who want to explore the advantages as well as the procedures:
Planning, designing and building a mass timber building is radically different than a conventional structure. Understanding how it is different, advantages, constraints, timelines, risks etc. are key to market adoption in order to realize the benefits. This session is designed to be a master class by Bernhard Gafner that will provide attendees with an intimate knowledge of what it means to plan, design, procure and construct a mass timber building.
Cover image is Dream/CityScape mass timber Distillery Ribbon building designed by SHoP Architects & Quadrangle.
Oakville Firestation No.8 CLT Install
Oakville Firestation No.8 CLT install in progress. ASPECT is the specialty mass timber engineer working under Element5 Co. who is responsible for the supply of the mass timber package. MCH Design & Build is providing the install.
Follow us on Linkedin to stay up-to-date with all our industry news!
Cardinal House: A Healthy, Resilient, Mass-Timber Home For First Nations Communities
https://youtu.be/27z6t3eKK7A
ASPECT is proud to be part of the team that developed the Cardinal House. A new home designed to meet the specific needs of First Nations peoples and constructed to withstand the harsh climates where their communities are situated.
The issue of insufficient and sometimes unsuitable housing is one that has plagued Canada’s First Nations for decades. It is a complex problem beset by environmental, logistical, infrastructure and governance challenges. It’s clear that innovative ideas and new ways of thinking must prevail.
ASPECT is the engineer of record for this project and is also responsible for all the mass timber engineering:
The benefits of mass timber construction go far beyond their aesthetic and environmental attributes. Mass timber offers a versatile, high-performance building solution that can meet even the most demanding requirements. The innovative, affordable, energy-efficient home is built out of cross-laminated timber, with high-performance cross-laminated insulated panels (CLIPs) for the building envelope. Prefabricated in a controlled factory setting off-site and shipped on a single truck, the structural panels and roof for the prototype Cardinal House were assembled in a fraction of the time of traditionally built, light frame homes.
Visit Element5's website to learn more about this project.
Meet the Associates – Ilana Danzig
We are proud to announce that Ilana Danzig (P.Eng., M.Eng., PE, SE) has joined the ASPECT team as an associate in our Vancouver office. Ilana graduated from the University of Alberta in 2008 with a Bachelor's of Science in Civil Engineering, and began her career in Vancouver, BC working mainly on institutional projects, recreation facilities, and seismic retrofits. In 2012, Ilana attended the University of British Columbia for a Master's in Structural Engineering studying dynamics, seismic design, and mass timber structures. Her research focused on mass timber engineering in high-seismic zones, particularly connections for CLT diaphragms and shearwalls.
With over a decade of structural engineering experience, Ilana has worked on a wide range of projects in Canada and the US including the UBC Aquatic Centre, the Audain Art Museum, and the Oregon State University College of Forestry.
Experienced in all materials, she is passionate in structural mass timber design and seismic engineering. In her role as Associate at ASPECT, Ilana contributes to the continual improvement of the firm's technical and quality standards, and enthusiastically provides mentorship to our up-and-coming engineers.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Langford
The design of two mass timber buildings located in Langford, BC is currently underway: Terminus (5 stories, office) and Tallwood (12 stories, residential). The structural systems have been carefully chosen for each building to balance cost, functionality, and performance. Learn more…
Jack James Architect | Langford, BC
UBC Aquatic Centre*
A sectional split brings light deep into the center of the natatorium plan, where it is reflected or diffused to provide required natural lighting condition. Fully accessible and inclusive, while visually symbolizing the eminent venue of international competition. Designed to LEED Gold standards, the project focuses on daylighting, innovative water re-use and air quality strategies that are precedent-setting for North American aquatic facilities. Learn More…
Acton Ostry Architects / MJMA | Vancouver, BC
Radium Hot Springs Community Centre*
The Radium Hot Springs Community Hall and Library was built using an innovative DLT roof structure supported by glue laminated timber (glulam) beams and columns. Local sourcing was integrally important to the project. This project as featured on naturally:wood
Urban Arts Architecture | Radium, BC
OSU Advanced Wood Products Center*
The Oregon Forest Science Complex uses advanced wood products including cross-laminated timber made in Oregon. The complex showcases Oregon State’s premier forestry and wood science initiatives and devotion to improving our forest landscapes and ecosystems. Learn More.
Michael Green Architecture | Corvallis, OR
Audain Art Museum*
A beautiful, dynamic project that literally wraps users around nature, blurring the boundaries between man-made and natural. It creates a cultural magnet to help educate not only art, but eco-friendly design. Featured in Architect Magazine.
Patkau Architects | Whistler, BC
*Work performed prior to joining Aspect
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS
Ilana not only has engineered many state of the art building she also gives back to the engineering community through her publications and talks such as:
| Tallwood Cost Comparison Study | Canadian Wood Council | Not Yet Published |
| Technical Guide for the Design and Construction of Tall Wood Buildings in Canada. Contributor and Peer Reviewer | Published by FPInnovations | 2013 and second edition in 2022 |
| Terminus, Vancouver Island: Solving a Mass Timber Challenge in a Seismic Region | The Structural Engineer (IStructE publication) | April 2022 |
| Terminus: Innovative Seismic Design For Mass Timber | Published in New Zealand Timber Design Journal, Volume 29, Issue 4 | November 2021 |
| Speaker | Future of Prefabrication Symposium, UBC | March 2022 |
| Mass Timber in High Seismic | Structural Engineering Podcast, Episode 59 | May 2021 |
| Terminus: Innovative Seismic Design | Published in Construction Business | April/May 2021 |
| Speaker | Future of Prefabrication Symposium, UBC | March 2021 |
| Demystifying Tall Wood Buildings | Published in Construction Business | September/October 2020 |
| Tall Wood Buildings | Conferences in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Edmonton with WoodWORKS! BC | 2019 |
| Mass Timber + Prefab Housing | Mass Timber Meetup | September 2021 |
ASPECT couldn't be happier to have Ilana as a key member of our team. Our Associates are some of the best in the structural engineering business, learn more about our Associates.
Affordable Passive House Apartments Planned for East Van
We are happy to announce a new affordable passive house apartment building planned for East Vancouver. We are proud to be working with the Vancouver Affordable Housing Agency (VAHA), Community Land Trust and New Commons Development on this project, Architecture is by ZGF.
The project was featured in Urban YVR:
Kingsway and Windsor in East Vancouver will soon see the addition of a 12-storey apartment building with 88 social housing units.
All the homes are rental and will be offered at below market rental rates.
The new building at 1001 Kingsway will be built to Passive House standards and consists of a six-storey podium mass and a six-storey tower, made up of panelized and mass timber construction.
Distillery District Tower at DRP
ASPECT is thrilled to work with the team on the mass timber portion of this new development in the Distillery District.
A proposal for the development of a 29-story tower with a “heritage feel” and timber interior that creates the feeling of an old industrial warehouse.
Two developers and two design firms have come together to collaborate in this effort: Dream, Cityscape, ShoP Architects and Quadrangle.
Read the full article on BlogTO.com
ASPECT'S contribution will be:
On the inside of "The Ribbon", mass timber construction is being considered for its warm feel—the use of a timber structural system could add a historical aspect by replicating the common structural system of Toronto's old industrial warehouses, while simultaneously adding a contemporary aspect by joining a growing roster of new buildings in Toronto using mass timber following the recent changes to the Ontario Building Code.
Read the full article on urbantoronto.ca
Image: Rendering looking west along the Ribbon, image courtesy of Dream and CityScape.
Aspect Opens New Toronto Office
We are super excited to announce the opening of our Toronto office at 200-53 Jarvis Street. Aspect TO will help us better serve our clients and projects on the east coast, and allows us to bring a fresh structural perspective to an amazing city.
Big Ideas for Small Lots NYC Submission
Big Ideas for Small Lots NYC. We are super excited about our teams's submission! Fingers crossed!
With INC_A & Spiritos Properties
Big Ideas for Small Lots NYC is a two-stage design competition for small-scale, urban infill housing. The competition is organized by the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY), and seeks to address the challenges associated with the design and construction of affordable housing on underutilized City-owned land.
Learn more about Big Ideas for Small Lots NYC