Six Storey Wood Frame Building

The BC Building Code was revised on April 6th, 2009 to allow for up to six storeys of wood frame construction for residential buildings only. On this web site, we have compiled information based upon the experience of other jurisdictions where the practice of Midrise construction has been undertaken for more than six years and in some cases since 1995.

Within the framework of this website you will find reports, media clips and contact information of persons that may be in a position to assist those in the design community that are looking to design/build Midrise buildings of their own.

If you have a specific inquiry- please email  Sukh Johal.

PS: Did you know that wood Midrise construction (5-6 storeys) was the norm in the early 1900’s? And that some of these buildings are still here in Vancouver and being occupied?  Not bad for 100+ years old Wood building!

BC’s Newest Six-Storey Structure – October 2014

widc 18 july

The Wood Innovation and Design Centre
The Wood Innovation & Design Centre is the tallest wood building in Prince George and the tallest contemporary wood building in North America.  The six-storey structure plus mechanical penthouse at 29.5 metre-high showcases British Columbia’s growing expertise in the design and construction of large-scale wood buildings.  The WIDC is a meeting place for researchers, design professionals, product manufacturers, contractors and others to generate ideas for innovative uses of wood.  The building will house academic and research programs from UNBC focused on advanced building systems, engineered wood products, interior wood design and applications, and other value-added wood products.

About This Project
The WIDC was designed by Michael Green Architecture and was  built by PCL West Coast Constructors at the corner of 5th Avenue and George Street, in Prince George, BC. The building features a variety of unique construction techniques creating a new model for wood construction that can be replicated in a variety of applications.

More Information Online
To view the construction of the Wood Innovation and Design Centre and access information about the academic programs that will be delivered inside of it, click the UNBC link.  ClICK HERE

To view a video about the structure’s story,  ClICK HERE

To view the B.C. Government press release and more,  ClICK HERE