The Dowel-Laminated Timber(DLT) Radium Hot Springs Centre protected from moisture intrusion

Overview

LOCATION: Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia COMPLETION: 2018 AREA: 8,000 Sq. Ft. INDUSTRY: Municipal SENSOR CLASS: Moisture monitoring for Dow Laminated Timber (DLT) panels.

Details

With the project goal to create a “100 mile building”, maximizing the use of local wood resources, the Radium Hot Springs Community Centre was built with innovative stacked Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) panels and Glulam beams. The modular DLT system integrated lighting, acoustics, and services within the DLT panels.

SMT’s moisture monitoring system was utilized in the project to protect the unique wood structure. Point Moisture Measurement (PMM) sensors notify the building owner if hidden moisture accumulation is occurring in critical structural DLT panels. During the construction period, areas were identified where connection to the external environment could allow fine snow or moisture to intrude without getting detected by building occupants. SMT monitors the building every hour for moisture intrusion and notifies building maintenance of conditions long before saturation or structural decay can occur. Knowledge leads to peace of mind and the building will last into the expected time frame.

Photo credits: Urban Arts Architecture, SMT Research