Mass Timber Design Innovations in the US and New Zealand - Presentation and Panel Discussion

Representing New Zealand, Thomas Lim from the University of Canterbury and Bjørn Stankowitz from Timber Unlimited will discuss New Zealand’s innovative approaches to mass timber design.

Following the presentations, TDS President Lisa Oliver will lead a panel discussion and Q&A session, providing a platform for stimulating dialogue and mutual learning between the two countries.

Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of mass timber design and connect with experts in the field!

Program: 17.30 Networking and refreshments 18.00 Presentations, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A

Presenter biographies: Bjørn Stankowitz Bjørn is a structural engineer with a background in carpentry and expertise in structural timber engineering and building physics. Since 2010, he has specialised in mass timber designs and since moving to New Zealand in 2013 his focus has been on heritage building strengthening and introducing mass timber designs. Currently on secondment from ENGCO, where he is Technical Director for Timber, he’s joined Timber Unlimited as Technical Manager.

He is leading the development of a practical moisture management guide for mass timber projects and has collaborated on the new NZS AS 1720.1:2022 standard, providing feedback to regulatory bodies. Bjørn's dedication to refining industry standards and advancing sustainable timber construction highlights his commitment to excellence.

Eric McDonnell As Holmes' Direct of Mass Timber, Eric oversees Holmes global efforts in the mass timber space to ensure knowledge sharing, and improve the quality and consistency of Holmes Mass Timber designs. Prior to re-locating back to New Zealand, Eric led Holmes’ Portland office in the Pacific Northwest, the epicenter of the mass timber movement in North America. Over the past decade, Eric has developed an extensive portfolio of mass timber experience, including over 35 completed mass timber projects over a broad range of building types and end users. Eric, is also actively engaged in industry leading research, along with the development of mass timber design guides and code development.

Hyungsuk “Thomas” Lim Hyungsuk “Thomas” Lim, is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Forestry at University of Canterbury, with expertise in wood mechanics and engineered wood products manufacturing. He received his Ph.D. in Timber Engineering, Faculty of Forestry from the University of British Columbia and Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto, Canada. Thomas worked at Mississippi State University as an assistant professor in the Department of Sustainable Products for four years before joined University of Canterbury. His research group conducts comprehensive research on the development of engineered wood products, the structural performance of timber components and structures, and the evaluation of timber building technology, which would expand markets for timber owners and producers.

Lisa Oliver Lisa is a structural engineer with Holmes based in Christchurch. She is the Sustainability Lead for Holmes across NZ and Australia and an advocate for mass timber structures. Lisa is the current President of the Timber Design Society and was involved with the establishment of Timber Unlimited.

She has first-hand design experience with timber design in New Zealand and in the Netherlands. Lisa coauthored the NZ Wood Design Guide on Post and Beam Timber Construction in 2020. She is a NZGBC Green Star Accredited Professional and member of the Structural Engineering Society’s Sustainable Design Task Force.

Shiling Pei Dr. Shiling Pei received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University in December 2007 and joined the faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in Fall 2013. His research focused on traditional and innovative timber systems, performance-based engineering, structural dynamics, and large-scale testing. Dr. Pei received the 2012 ASCE Raymond C. Reese Research Prize for his work on a full-scale 7-story wood-steel hybrid building test at Japan’s E-defence shake table. He is currently leading the NHERI TallWood Project and completed shake table testing of a fullscale 10-story mass timber building, which earned him recognition by Engineering News-Record as one of the 25 News Makers in 2023. Dr. Pei is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of California.

Parking:            Parking is available for free after 5pm Other:               The presentation and panel discussion will be recorded and made available through the TDS webpage