Limberlost Building Tour

Limberlost Place:

Canada’s First Prefabricated Exposed Mass Timber Academic Tall Tower

 Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Limberlost Place, a groundbreaking 10-storey exposed mass timber academic building setting a new benchmark for sustainable design in Canada. Designed to meet Passive House standards, the building features a first-of-its-kind prefabricated envelope system developed through the collaboration of Moriyama Teshima Architects, Acton Ostry Architects, PCL Construction, Stantec (Morrison Hershfield), and CGI Ltd.

The envelope panels are engineered to achieve an exceptional range of performance and design goals: employing the rainscreen principle, accommodating vertical ribbon windows, enabling natural ventilation, meeting Toronto Green Standard Tier 4 energy requirements, and integrating seamlessly with the building’s distinctive geometry and curtainwall systems. This pioneering approach not only enhances energy performance and occupant comfort but also demonstrates the potential of industrialized construction for complex, high-performance buildings.

Visitors will gain insight into the design process, fabrication, installation, and integration challenges of this precedent-setting project, an inspiring case study for building science professionals committed to advancing sustainable architecture in Canada.

Tour Gallery

Moderator:

Mohammed Dawoud, P.Eng, M.Eng, BSS, CPHD

Technical Development Manager, Ennova Facades Inc

Mohammed Dawoud is a professional engineer with a passion for high performance envelope design, focusing on the implementation of sound building science principles while maintaining a constructable approach. He holds a Master of Engineering degree focused on structural engineering as well as professional designations such BSS®, CPHD, NFRC Certified Simulator. As the Technical Development Manager at Ennova Facades, Mohammed is heavily involved in the research and development of prefabricated facade technology suited for Architects’ and designers aiming to achieve a high level of thermal comfort with minimal energy demand.

Presenters

Phil Silverstein

Partner, Moriyama Teshima

Phil Silverstein, Partner at Moriyama Teshima is an Architectural Project Manager, Contract Administrator, Designer, and Mass Timber Specialist with over 25 years of experience delivering innovative, sustainable, and technically complex projects. Since joining MTA in 2001, he has led landmark projects such as the Toronto Metropolitan University Centre for Urban Innovation, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s Innovation Complex, and Victoria University’s Goldring Student Centre. A recognized leader in sustainable design and low-carbon construction, Phil specializes in mass timber buildings, including Limberlost Place at George Brown College and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation Multi-Tenant Commercial Building, both targeting LEED Platinum and Net Zero performance. Known for his collaborative approach, clear communication, and deep expertise in building systems and emerging technologies, Phil makes his priority to ensure his projects advance the industry’s adoption of sustainable construction practices. 

Nerys Rau, B.Sc. MBA

Director, Design and Construction and Project Director - Limberlost Place Development

Nerys Rau currently leads the Facilities and Sustainability team at George Brown College. She has moved through various roles in the education sector and brings multiple perspectives to post-secondary facilities projects. Since joining George Brown College Nerys has led numerous projects, including the development of multiple state-of-the-art buildings now forming the college’s Waterfront Campus. This scope included planning and implementation, but also stakeholder engagement in the Interprofessional Education theme of the original building and industry engagement around Limberlost Place, the college’s new mass timber building. During this time, Nerys also oversaw the development of a student residence in Toronto’s Canary District, a legacy project of the Pan Am Games.

Subsequent roles at the College included Director of Strategic Planning and Governance and Director of ITS Operations, before moving back to lead the development of Limberlost Place and now the overall team.

Nerys has also taught as a part-time instructor, teaching Introduction to Project Management and is often asked to lecture on the topic for a variety of organizations.

Steve Murray, P. Eng (ON, MB), BECxP

Principal, Building Science Stantec

Fee: $30 + tax BSAO Members 

Event qualifies for 1 BSS Credit. Max 40 attendees.