Mass timber in the Kelowna International Airport Terminal Building expansion
Innovative and Sustainable Construction
The Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is proud to share a significant project milestone for Airport Terminal Building (ATB) expansion – the mass timber roof structure of the facility is now complete! The use of mass timber throughout the terminal building expansion highlights the airport's commitment to sustainability, innovation and community reflection in this project.
YLW received $500,000 from the Province's Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which aims to grow B.C.’s mass timber and engineered wood products industry and position B.C. as a world leader in wood design, engineering and construction.
An important design consideration for the ATB Expansion is to incorporate characteristics that showcase our local community. The use of mass timber plays a meaningful role in conveying our region’s natural beauty, heritage and character. The structural concept of creating a wood waffle-slab is a connection to the character of the original terminal building but reinventing it in a natural modern material, using 21st-century technologies.
The mass timber panels were manufactured at Kalesnikoff's state-of-the-art facility in Castlegar, B.C. This facility is equipped with advanced machinery that allowed for precise machining, finishing and assembly of the panels. YLW used a digital construction twin to complete advanced computer modeling for prefabrication of the wood panels and beams. This enabled the coordination of all openings for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing to be manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s facility in Castlegar, and delivered ready for installation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at the construction site in Kelowna.
Using mass timber locally sourced in B.C. supports the local economy and creates jobs in the forestry and construction sectors. The terminal building expansion incorporated 788m3 of wood from the Slocan Valley and the mass timber production supported the employment of more than 350 people in B.C.
The ATB Expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2026. To learn more about the project, visit ylw.kelowna.ca/atb.
For more about the YLW expansion project on naturally:wood, visit: https://www.naturallywood.com/projects/kelowna-international-airport-expansion-phase-i/
Watch this video of mass timber being installed at YLW: youtu.be/AdE2cwvtv54
Video provided by KK Law, courtesy of naturallywood.com, and Kalesnikoff.
Quotes
Minister Gibson - Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
“B.C. mass timber projects like this showcase how our province is a world leader in the industry and supports our objectives around a clean, sustainable economy,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Using mass timber in B.C. buildings is helping to create economic benefits for a wide range of companies and is key to responding to the U.S. tariffs and duties.”
Minister Parmar - Minister of Forests
"Next time you’re flying into Kelowna, get ready to be amazed, the new terminal is a beauty,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Built with locally sourced mass timber, it shows off the sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship B.C.’s forestry sector is known for. Congrats to YLW on this big milestone.”
Mayor Dyas - City of Kelowna
“The completion of the mass timber roof marks another exciting milestone in the expansion of the Airport Terminal Building,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “As the gateway from the terminal into Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, this distinctive structure captures the spirit of our region—its character, history, and commitment to sustainability—while leaving a memorable first impression.”
Sam Samaddar - Chief Executive Officer, Kelowna International Airport
“A key component to everything we do at YLW is ensuring we reflect the community in our airport. Mass timber embodies our commitment to sustainability and innovation, while also honoring the local industries and resources. By integrating this material, we are creating a space that showcases our region and community to everyone who passes through our terminal building."
Rob Grant - Principal, Office of McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers
“The goal of the design is to create a memorable and welcoming gateway to Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley. The use of wood helps connect passengers to the natural history of the region, highlights the benefits of low-carbon construction and creates a building which travellers can enjoy every time they visit the airport.”
