In Manitoba’s north, air travel isn’t optional—it’s life‑sustaining. Since 1960, Perimeter Aviation has connected 33 remote communities, two of which lack year‑round road access. When it came time to triple the size of their Winnipeg terminal at Richardson International Airport, the project team sought not just more square footage, but a more inclusive, human-centred experience. Enter mass timber: a structural backbone that stores carbon, accelerates construction, and introduces a sense of warmth often missing in airport design.

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Making the Case for Mass Timber in Aviation

At first glance, timber and tarmac may seem at odds. But engineered wood products—specifically a 5‑ply CLT roof diaphragm paired with glulam post‑and‑beam framing—proved ideally suited for Perimeter’s needs. The numbers speak for themselves:

• 265 m³ of Forest Stewardship Council U.S. FSC‑certified mass timber
• 256,520 kg of CO₂ locked away—equivalent to removing 55 cars from the road for a year
• ±13,036 ft² of new mass‑timber structure within a ±21,743 ft² addition

That carbon‑storing capacity isn’t a footnote—it’s a headline benefit for airports aiming to reduce embodied emissions without sacrificing performance.

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Timber as a Team Sport: Cornerstone’s Role

Mass timber demands more than just material—it requires choreography. That’s where Cornerstone Timberframes stepped in as the “orchestra conductor” for the timber scope.

Cornerstone handled all communication, design integration, and problem‑solving—keeping budget top of mind while squeezing maximum efficiency from every panel and beam. When MMP Architects requested a flush‑mount metal baseboard cap in common areas, Cornerstone collaborated on a recessed detail that aligned perfectly with corner protection. And when a reverse‑poured structural slab shifted sequencing on site, they re‑sequenced the CLT panels on the fly - twice - yet still hit the installation schedule.

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Designed with You in Mind

Step inside the new terminal and the timber speaks: exposed glulam columns, a warm CLT ceiling, and full‑height glazing along the apron side that floods the space with natural light. The result is a grounded, human‑scaled environment that caters to Indigenous travellers, families, and anyone seeking a calm transition from earth to sky.

Amenities include:

• Departures lounge for 250 passengers
• Children’s play area and elders’ lounge
• Enhanced accessibility features
• Expanded baggage handling and concessions
• Upgraded security screening
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Keeping on Schedule Despite Flying Challenges

Few mass timber builds glide through without turbulence, but this expansion landed on time after roughly 30 months of design and construction. Key partners included:

• Government of Canada (NTCF funding)
• Exchange Income Corporation
• Winnipeg Airports Authority & Transport Canada (oversight on environmental and operational fronts)

Early and consistent involvement from Cornerstone ensured the timber scope remained viable through every iteration—proof that collaboration, not compromise, drives success.

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Key Takeaways for Mass Timber AEC Teams:

1. Engage early, engage deeply. Involving a mass timber specialist like Cornerstone at concept phase unlocks design and cost efficiencies.
2. Design for the material. Timber grids thrive when built around wood’s strengths, not shoehorned into steel logic.
3. Detail with intent. Recessed metal caps honor the timber aesthetic while speeding installation.4.
4. Adapt on site. A flexible sequencing strategy kept the CLT install on track despite unexpected slab pours driven by weather.
5. Think beyond carbon. Mass timber elevates acoustics, light quality, and passenger well‑being alongside its sustainability credentials.

Project Team & Contributors:

Owner/Developer: Perimeter Aviation

Architect: MMP Architects

Structural Engineer: Crosier Kilgour

Mass Timber Engineer: Fast + Epp

Mass Timber Supplier: Nordic Structures

General Contractor: Penn-co Construction

Mass‑Timber Design: Cornerstone Timberframes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Why mass timber for an airport terminal? Beyond carbon storage, it creates a biophilic, calming environment that supports passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

2. How much CO₂ does the terminal’s timber store? Approximately 256,520 kg, equivalent to removing 55 average cars from the road for one year.

3. Who managed the timber integration? Cornerstone Timberframes led the coordination of design, fabrication, and on‑site installation.

4. What was the project delivery timeline from design to completion? The terminal expansion, including design, fabrication, and mass timber installation, was completed in approximately 30 months with coordinated shop‑finished components integrating directly into the construction schedule.

5. How did the team handle sequencing challenges? By maintaining close communication and re‑sequencing panels in real time, Cornerstone ensured the project stayed on schedule.

Ready to Tackle Your Toughest Mass Timber Challenge?

Leverage Cornerstone Timberframes’ unmatched mass timber experience to turn complex, high‑stakes projects into smooth, cost‑effective successes. Schedule a 30‑minute “Mass Timber Strategy Session”—no slides, just your toughest questions and our proven roadmap for getting ambitious builds to pencil and rise on time.

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