Mass timber tower highlights UBC’s largest housing project

by tanya_martins_2 | November 7, 2024 11:24 am

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The $560-million University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project is the province’s largest funded housing project.

Delivered by Ryder Architecture and 3XN GXN, more than 1,500 new beds will be provided, contributing to British Columbia’s remaining target of approximately 6,700 new student housing beds by 2028.

The Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project will encompass five buildings, totalling 65,961 m² (710,000 sf).

It will include an 18-storey tower, an eight-storey mass timber hybrid prototype structure, and the adaptive reuse of a historic fire hall. The development also includes 1,508 student housing beds, a 400-seat dining hall, 37 new childcare spaces, common amenity spaces, and academic and administrative office spaces.

The buildings will target net-zero emissions by 2035, achieve LEED Gold certification, and adhere to the UBC LEED Implementation Guide. The design team will focus on carbon resilience, biodiversity, and hydrology and use materials to create sustainable spaces and enhance inhabitants’ well-being.

Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with the project expected to open for students in phases starting in fall 2028 and completing in fall 2029.

Source URL: https://www.constructioncanada.net/mass-timber-tower-highlights-ubcs-largest-housing-project/

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