Element5 continues to lead the way in sustainable construction by reducing the industry’s carbon footprint through its innovative mass timber products. Their newly completed office expansion in St. Thomas, Ontario, along with their plant expansion and associated support buildings, reflects this mission—serving both as a sustainable workplace and as a living showcase for the company’s own cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam technologies.

The new two-storey office building is part of a major expansion that has more than doubled the size of Element5’s original facility. Designed to highlight the possibilities of mass timber construction, the building utilizes structural components—such as beams and frames—manufactured directly on-site at the adjoining production facility, which now includes a state-of-the-art, automated glulam production line. The plant expansion also features a large-span heavy timber structure that supports an open-air canopy. Its main supporting beams are a distinctive “fish belly” design—1720 mm (5.6 ft) tall at the centre, tapering to 1480 mm (4.8 ft) at the ends, with an impressive overall length of 22,200 mm (72.8 ft)—a unique feature that showcases the capabilities of mass timber construction.

Inside, the office offers open workstations, multipurpose spaces, and private offices arranged around a central kitchen and café. A wood ceiling, expansive glazing, and interior glass partitions allow natural light to permeate the space, creating a warm and inviting environment for staff and visitors alike.

The kitchen and café extend toward the exterior landscape, blending indoor comfort with outdoor views and inviting moments of casual interaction and informal gatherings. On the exterior, the mass timber structure is prominently expressed, showcasing the various construction elements produced on-site. Extending beyond the interior, the refined timber beams are protected from the elements by a cantilevered roof. The emphasis on wood is informed by evidence-based design (EBD), which demonstrates how its texture, grain, and warmth can enhance well-being by reducing stress and increasing comfort and productivity.

This expansion represents a significant milestone for Element5, advancing their commitment to sustainable practices and the broader adoption of mass timber in modern construction.