Mass Timber Takes Center Stage at EVstudio’s Lunch & Learn

Today, EVstudio brought architects and engineers together for an engaging Lunch & Learn focused on the possibilities of mass timber. Art Massif joined us to share practical insights into glulam and mass timber construction.

The session offered a closer look at how thoughtful design and construction strategies can improve project outcomes. It also highlighted why timber deserves serious consideration for today’s architectural and engineering challenges.

Exploring Best Practices in Mass Timber Construction

The presentation covered best practices for successful glulam and mass timber construction. Attendees explored strategies that can optimize project design, improve durability, and support the long-term performance of timber structures.

The discussion also addressed key design considerations and construction techniques. These strategies can help teams maximize the benefits of glulam while supporting efficient, high-quality project delivery.

Why Mass Timber?

One of the session’s most memorable messages came from Art Massif presenter Geneviève Constancis, “We have a message to architects: you can dream, and we can make it in wood – which can save a lot of money in regards to steel.”

That message captures an important opportunity for designers. Mass Timber can combine structural performance with architectural flexibility and visual character.

Several benefits stood out during the discussion:

• Renewable material: Responsibly sourced wood can contribute to lower embodied carbon compared with some conventional structural systems. However, environmental performance depends on sourcing, transportation, manufacturing, and the full project life cycle.
• Biophilic aesthetics: Exposed wood can create warm, tactile spaces and support biophilic design goals. Research and case studies associate connections to natural materials with occupant well-being, although specific wellness outcomes vary by project.
• Fire performance: Mass timber can achieve significant fire resistance when properly designed as part of a code-compliant assembly. Fire performance requires careful consideration of the entire structural and fire-protection system.
• Structural performance: Glulam and other engineered wood products can provide substantial strength while keeping structures relatively lightweight.
• Design flexibility: Mass Timber can support straight, curved, round, and more complex forms. Art Massif’s capabilities include curved beams, arches, and customized glulam elements.

Art Massif: Turning Timber Into Architecture

Art Massif brings both engineering expertise and craftsmanship to Mass Timber projects. The Quebec-based company designs and manufactures architectural glulam structures and works with project teams from design through installation.

Its work demonstrates how timber can move beyond conventional grids. Curved beams, arches, specialty profiles, and concealed connections can create distinctive architectural expressions while maintaining structural function.

For EVstudio’s architects and engineers, that flexibility creates exciting possibilities to explore early in the design process.

A Valuable Conversation for EVstudio

Today’s Lunch & Learn was more than an introduction to a building material. It was an opportunity to rethink what structural wood can make possible.

As mass timber continues to evolve, conversations like this help design teams understand where it can add value. For EVstudio, Art Massif’s presentation offered practical ideas worth carrying into future projects.

Learn More

• Art Massif — Explore Art Massif’s products, projects, and Mass Timber capabilities.
• U.S. Forest Service: Mass Timber Research — Learn more about engineered wood and Mass Timber.
• NIST: Fire Resistance of Timber Structures — Review research on timber fire performance.
• WoodWorks: Mass Timber Comparative LCA Studies — Explore research comparing Mass Timber with conventional structural systems.