Mass timber’s profile is rising but many architects and engineers are still unfamiliar with how it can be integrated into their designs. Over-engineered solutions can lead to complications, resulting in wasted time, unnecessary costs and heightened execution risks. Design efficiency starts by emphasizing repetition and standardization in sections and connections, says Pierre-Yves Leroux, sales representative and technical adviser with Art Massif, a mass timber glulam manufacturer based in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, about 80 kilometres southwest of Quebec City. Leroux, who presented a webinar, hosted by Woodworks Atlantic, covered structural optimization methods, moisture protection as well as anchor and connection details that can result in cost and time savings. …Leroux says Art Massif has developed a prefabrication process for glulam timber decking planks with attached plywood and a temporary membrane that reduces the time/risk of exposure of the structure to the elements. It can also eliminate up to 60 per cent of the installation time.