Articles tagged with "Sustainability"

Grosvenor has secured a $763 million federal loan from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Apartment Construction Loan Program for its Brentwood Block development project in Burnaby, B.C. This investment will aid in constructing nearly 1,300 rental-housing units, along with retail, commercial, and community spaces. The development will feature sustainable construction practices and aims for completion of its first phase in 2026. The project is a collaboration between Grosvenor, a Canadian pension fund, and Westerkirk Capital.

EllisDon has conducted a large-scale fire demonstration test on its Hybrid Timber Floor System (HTFS) to showcase its performance under extreme conditions. The system, developed in partnership with DIALOG, uses a combination of Cross-Laminated Timber and concrete to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. The test, which took place in Richmond, B.C., confirmed the structural integrity and fire resistance of the system, demonstrating its potential for use in commercial buildings. This unique demonstration was part of EllisDon's efforts to advance mass timber usage in non-traditional building typologies.

Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd. has secured a $6.5 million contract for the upgrade of the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 7B/Mary Hill Bypass in Coquitlam, British Columbia. The project involves seismic and drainage upgrades, climate adaptations, safety enhancements for cyclists, and the addition of a multi-use path and a new cultural art fence. Construction is slated to begin this fall and complete by fall 2026, with minor traffic restrictions in place. During construction, pedestrian access will be maintained via a vehicle shuttle service.

The B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit is set to upgrade the Coquitlam River Bridge on Highway 7B, enhancing the infrastructure's resilience and safety. The project includes seismic improvements, drainage upgrades, climate adaptations, and the addition of a multi-use path. A contract for $6.5 million has been awarded to Coquitlam River Constructors Ltd., with work starting in the fall and expected completion by fall 2026. Traffic will mostly remain open with some limited closures, and safety measures will be implemented for pedestrians and cyclists during construction.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is set to receive more than 500 new student beds designed for upper-year undergraduate and graduate students, with $121 million in funding from the Province and $57 million from UVic. The construction will feature sustainable and climate-resilient designs aiming for LEED Gold certification. These new accommodations will alleviate local rental market pressure and enhance on-campus support for students. The project is expected to begin construction in spring 2026.

EllisDon has completed the Freedom Mobile Arch canopy in Vancouver, making it one of the largest free-span mass timber structures in the world. The project utilized glue-laminated beams and cross-laminated timber panels to achieve a striking starburst-shaped roof. The amphitheater is designed to host a variety of events for up to 10,000 guests, enhancing Vancouver's cultural landscape. This complex construction demanded exceptional planning, engineering, and teamwork.

A new AI model is designed to improve indoor ventilation in buildings during wildfire seasons, when outdoor air quality significantly deteriorates due to smoke and particulate matter. Developed by researchers at Carleton University, the model integrates simulation with deep learning to optimize indoor environments, helping reduce carbon dioxide levels and minimize the health impacts of poor air quality. This model allows designers to simulate various scenarios in enclosed spaces, offering insight into effective placement and quantity of ventilation systems. As wildfires continue to affect Canadian air quality, such innovations are seen as essential in creating safer indoor environments.

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) is developing its first Reconciliation Action Plan to foster inclusivity within the construction industry. The plan aims to enhance relationships with Indigenous communities through education, partnerships, and inclusive practices. VRCA is focused on investigating areas like procurement, Indigenous art integration, and providing resources for reconciliation to its members. Members are encouraged to engage by participating in VRCA's Reconciliation Webinar Series.

Formline Architecture + Urbanism and KPMB Architects have been chosen to design a new Vancouver Art Gallery building at 181 West Georgia Street, replacing the previous plan headed by Herzog & de Meuron. This selection followed a competitive proposal process involving 14 Canadian firms. The new building aims to reflect the diversity of audiences and the cultural heritage of the region, incorporating elements of Indigenous design. The project is recognized as a significant cultural infrastructure initiative in Vancouver.

The 41st annual Wood Design and Building Award winners, announced by the Canadian Wood Council, recognize projects showcasing the use of wood as a sustainable and versatile building material. Eighteen projects were highlighted by the awards jury, with fourteen more receiving additional recognition. These awards illustrate how wood can connect people with nature while demonstrating its adaptability in various architectural contexts.

Urbanarium announced the winners of the Decoding Timber Towers competition, which challenged participants to innovate in the design of mass timber residential and mixed-use buildings. The contest received entries from six countries, with winning teams praised for their modular and sustainable designs. MT3, an intern team from Moriyama Teshima Architects, won first place and jointly received the DIGITAL Prize. The competition also highlighted potential changes in building codes to enhance affordability and sustainability in housing.

The Government of British Columbia has unveiled North Island College's first on-campus student housing complex, providing 217 beds in multifamily and family-oriented apartments. The project, built using sustainable mass timber and meeting high energy-efficiency standards, alleviates the local housing shortage and supports diverse student demographics. Developed in collaboration with the K’ómoks First Nation, the $77-million 'tul’al’txw' project enhances student community life, offering cultural and social support. The provincial government contributed $75 million towards the project to further educational opportunities on Vancouver Island.