Mass Timber in the Real World: Contractor Lessons in Moisture, Sequencing, and Enclosure Design

Mass timber buildings are often discussed in terms of carbon, architectural expression, and structural innovation. But successful delivery also depends on something more practical: understanding moisture risk early and carrying a robust management plan through estimating, procurement, construction, and enclosure sequencing.

This presentation explores moisture management and enclosure design for mass timber buildings from a contractor’s perspective, drawing on EllisDon’s successful track record delivering some of Canada’s most notable timber structures. Through project examples, field observations, and lessons learned, it will show how moisture-related risks can be identified early, priced appropriately, planned for, and managed proactively before they become construction issues.

Topics will include early design input, estimating-stage risk review, temporary and permanent protection strategies, envelope design and sequencing, construction-phase exposure, detailing considerations, trade coordination, monitoring, and decision-making under real site conditions. The presentation will also highlight how EllisDon’s contractor-led research, mockups, field testing, and lessons from previous projects are helping inform better design decisions and stronger outcomes for owners, designers, and builders.

Presenters

Mark Gaglione 

Director, Construction Sciences, EllisDon

Mark Gaglione Initially trained as an engineer, Mark Gaglione spent the early part of his career in private real estate development. Now with EllisDon, he leads the Building and Material Sciences team where he is focused on accelerating the adoption of emerging construction technologies and supporting construction operations nationally. Gaglione has played a central role in the proliferation of mass timber within EllisDon and is passionate about low carbon building solutions.

Tyler Bowie, P.Eng.

Building Science Specialist, EllisDon

Tyler Bowie is a Specialist in Building and Material Sciences within EllisDon’s Construction Sciences group, focused on solving complex building envelope challenges across projects ranging from high-rise residential and commercial towers to major healthcare facilities. He provides technical expertise on façade systems and supports knowledge sharing across the organization.

His work includes research and development of emerging construction technologies, with a focus on prefabricated façade systems. Tyler represents the Building and Material Sciences group in British Columbia and contributes to several high-profile projects in the Greater Toronto Area. Tyler holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo and is a Professional Engineer in Ontario.

Length: 00:59:12

Last Updated: October 21, 2026