Wood—for foundations!? Across Canada, Permanent Wood Foundations (PWF) have been used for decades, often for projects where access to concrete and concrete trades is difficult or expensive. While rare in Ontario, PWFs have been widely adopted in other parts of the country, and especially in western Canada. When properly designed and detailed, these tree-based systems can be durable, long-lasting, and low-carbon.
Join us for our next TSA Technical Lecture where Adam Robertson, Co-Founder and Principal of Sustainatree Consulting, will demystify PWFs and share guidance on their design and construction based on the latest Canadian Standard (CSA S406-16). We’ll delve into the technical and performance standards, and discuss the need-to-know details behind site selection, backfilling, PWF floor systems, air and vapour barriers, insulation techniques, crawl spaces, and design requirements for high wind and seismic zones. With a focus on the structural system and building science considerations, this session will cover:
- A brief overview of the history of PWF construction
- The wood preservatives and material requirements for PWF
- The pertinent design and construction aspects of PWF
- The standardization of PWF as per CSA S406
- Some building science considerations for PWF systems
Speaker: Adam Robertson (Co-Founder and Principal, Sustainatree Consulting)
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST
Where: Online via Zoom
ConEd: 1 Structured Learning Hour
Price: $15+HST General Admission, FREE for TSA Members