Month: March 2025

Celebrating International Day of Forests

Posted on by Stacey

On this International Day of Forests, we at Cornerstone Timberframes take a moment to honour the vital role that forests play in our world. They are not just a source of beauty; they are essential to our planet’s health. Forests provide habitat for countless species, help mitigate climate change, and are a source of sustainable materials that we rely on in our construction practices.

As a company deeply rooted in the timber industry, we recognize the responsibility that comes with utilizing forest resources. Our commitment to sustainability drives every aspect of our work, ensuring that we protect and nurture the forests we depend on. Here’s how we contribute to sustainable and earth-friendly practices:

1. Sustainable Sourcing and FSC Certification: We prioritize sourcing timber from responsibly managed forests, with a strong commitment to sustainability validated by our FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. FSC certification ensures that our materials come from forests that are managed according to rigorous environmental and social standards, supporting both the ecosystem and local communities.

2. Efficient Use of Resources: Our timber framing techniques are designed to minimize waste. By maximizing every piece of timber and creatively utilizing by-products, we reduce our environmental impact and make the most of our materials.

3. Carbon Sequestration: Wood is a remarkable material that naturally sequesters carbon, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing timber construction, we contribute to the fight against climate change, creating structures that not only shelter but also enhance the environment.

4. Innovative Practices: We invest in cutting-edge technologies that promote efficiency and sustainability in our production processes. From using CNC machines for precise cuts to adopting eco-friendly finishing techniques, including low VOC stain, our approach is anchored in innovation that supports a greener future.

As we celebrate International Day of Forests, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the importance of our forests and our collective role in protecting them. Together, we can build a sustainable future that honours the natural world.

At Cornerstone Timberframes, we are dedicated to leading the way in environmentally friendly construction, ensuring that our buildings are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the planet.

Here’s to our forests – may we protect and cherish them for years to come!

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on by Gary Snider

At Cornerstone Timberframes a few of us with Irish roots look forward to St. Patrick’s Day, and we’re happily joined by our friends and co-workers who are fond of green beer and the sound of tin pipes and bodhrans.

Us few turf cutters, also tend to think of what this time of year represents “back home”. This is when the first green shoots appear, tree buds swell, and Irish farmers are busy preparing their fields. It’s also well remembered that St. Paddy’s Day replaced a more ancient Celtic celebration of earth’s amazing power of rebirth, so was marked as a time of love and renewal of friendship.

In our line of work, with timber frames and mass timber, we also find that this time of year has us thinking green thoughts, especially about the health of the places we depend on for our livelihood.

The Green Challenge

In both Canada and the U.S., the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day coincides with foresters nervously checking snowpack depths, soil moisture and long-range forecasts. In many regions, but especially the west, the past decade has seen a rise of persistent drought conditions. The spring rains still appear, which helps spur plant growth, but this is often being followed by weeks and months of hot, dry, windy weather. The result is that wildfires in BC, Washington State, Oregon, and California are hotter, larger and faster spreading than at any time in recorded history. In BC, 2024 saw forest areas lost to wildfires at more than double the 20-year average.

Climate change is a major driver of drought and fire. And humans have unwittingly assisted. By suppressing wildfires for 90 years, we created whole regions where natural, healthy fire renewal has been prevented. With hot, dry summers, many of these over-dense, mature stands are rich fuel when fire finally arrives.

Keeping it Green: Sustainable Forestry Practices

In 2017 Cornerstone made a deliberate choice to promote the use of mass timber in more commercial and residential projects. Mass timber makes better use of forest resources, is a net drawdown of CO2, and goes hand in hand with better forest management practices.

The use of mass timber is more than just an eco-friendly choice; it strengthens local economies through the creation of well-paying jobs in manufacturing and forestry positions that are often vital to rural towns looking for economic hope. In celebrating the richness of nature at this time of year, we’re reminded that building with wood has a very real connection to both the health of our environment and the economic success of our communities.

Healthy Forests and a Green Future

Silviculture is the practice of studying, caring for, and maximizing the health of forests.  In turn, forests are a major and integral part of our planet’s biosphere. And it’s not an exaggeration to say, that a functioning, healthy biosphere is the life-support system for all living things.

As we raise a glass to St. Paddy, and all things green and growing, we should also thank the foresters, whose silviculture work today in careful planting, thinning and harvesting will have real impact for decades ahead. Their work is daunting, but few jobs are as important or rewarding.

As we face challenges such as wildfires, drought conditions, and the impacts of climate change, the economic and environmental role for wood products is more important than ever.

This St. Patrick’s Day, take a moment and join us at Cornerstone Timberframes to give thanks for forests and those who work to make them more resilient. By managing our forests sustainably and utilizing the wealth they offer, we can work toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from all of us at Cornerstone Timberframes!

Embracing the Light: The Role of Window Walls in Mass Timber Construction

Posted on by Stacey

At Cornerstone Timberframes, we believe in incorporating natural elements into our spaces, with wood and natural light serving as key features of a well-designed environment. 

As we continue our journey in mass timber construction, we are excited to explore the significant role that window walls play in enhancing the beauty, sustainability, and functionality of our projects.

 

Photo Credit

The Power of Natural Light

Natural light holds a unique charm; it can elevate our mood and foster a connection with the world outside. By integrating large window walls into our spaces, we welcome the outdoors inside and let sunlight fill the interiors of our timber structures. This harmonious combination of wood and glass creates warm, inviting environments that encourage relaxation and promote a sense of comfort and well-being.

Boosting Energy Efficiency

In today’s world, efficiency is essential. Window walls provide a fantastic opportunity to reduce energy consumption by maximizing natural daylight. This leads to decreased reliance on artificial lighting during the day, resulting in substantial cost savings estimated between 20% and 50%. Additionally, when enhanced with advanced glazing options, window walls in mass timber buildings can help regulate indoor temperatures, creating more comfortable spaces and lowering heating and cooling costs.

Connecting Inside and Out

One of the most compelling features of window walls is their ability to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, which is particularly significant for commercial buildings. They offer stunning views and foster a sense of connection to nature, enhancing our daily lives. The natural beauty of mass timber complements these visual connections, enveloping occupants in comfort and serenity. They provide breathtaking views and create a sense of connection to nature that can profoundly enhance our daily lives. 

As we continue to explore the possibilities of mass timber construction, we are excited about the transformative impact that window walls can bring to our designs. By combining expansive glass features with the natural beauty of wood, we create inviting spaces that enhance both the occupant experience and environmental stewardship.