Articles tagged with "Technology"

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.

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.

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.

Nak’azdli Development Corp. and Deadwood Innovations have created a new prefabricated home model in Canada that uses mass timber panels made from local lumber, aiming to address housing shortages in remote and rural communities. The Timber House project leverages local resources and involves collaborations with academic institutions to enhance affordable and sustainable housing solutions. The expedited construction process involves producing panels in controlled environments during winter to speed up assembly in summer. The initiative also revitalizes local sawmills by transforming low-quality timber into high-quality components.

Canadian startup General Fusion has secured $22 million in funding to continue its work on nuclear fusion technology after facing financial struggles earlier this year. The company aims to achieve scientific breakeven by 2026 using its LM26 prototype, which is developing magnetized target fusion. The new funds will assist in reaching intermediary milestones and integrating data into designs for the next machine in the UK. General Fusion aspires to bring commercial fusion energy to the grid in the 2030s.

A new initiative has been launched in the Okanagan to boost solar energy. The project is noted as the largest solar energy initiative in British Columbia, enabling the industrial park in the region to independently generate its own power. This move marks a significant step towards sustainable energy usage in the industrial sector. The initiative reflects the growing trend of integrating renewable energy in industrial applications.

The construction of a new $386 million BC Cancer centre in Kamloops has begun, aimed at providing enhanced cancer care access to the Thompson-Cariboo-Shuswap region. Set to open in 2028, the facility will offer comprehensive cancer treatments including radiation therapy, significantly reducing travel for patients. EllisDon Corporation will lead construction, and the project is a key capital investment from the Province of British Columbia. The centre will operate in partnership with Interior Health and includes upgrades to the existing community oncology clinic and pharmacy.

The construction project in Northern British Columbia has been highlighted as a potential model for Canada's ambitious $25 billion investment in modular construction. While Toronto's real estate scene attracts attention with a listed $32 million mansion, the focus remains on innovative construction methods. Modular construction is gaining traction as a sustainable and efficient solution across Canada, aiming to revolutionize the building industry. This Northern BC project exemplifies how modular approaches can be integrated into large-scale national plans.

General Fusion, a leader in nuclear fusion based in British Columbia, needs $125 million USD over the next two years to advance its technology. The company is facing financial difficulties partly due to geopolitical challenges, affecting its operations and workforce. Despite challenges, they continue to make technological advances, such as producing plasma in their demonstration machine. The field of nuclear fusion, while promising, still faces skepticism regarding its feasibility in the near term.

Hatch has designed the largest community off-grid solar project in Canada for the Ulkatcho First Nation in Anahim Lake, B.C. The project aims to significantly reduce diesel usage by 64% and includes a unique community electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro. A hybrid renewable energy system, combining solar, battery storage, and backup diesel, is under construction. This initiative reflects a strong public-private-community partnership for sustainable energy development.

Construction has started on Phase 2 of expanding operating rooms at Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia. This project includes 15 new operating rooms and one upgrade, aiming to increase surgical capacity from 16,800 to over 19,000 surgeries annually. The expansion, costing approximately $332.18 million, is funded by the provincial government and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and aims to improve surgical efficiency and patient outcomes. The facilities will incorporate advanced technology and universal design to enhance safety and effectiveness.

BC Hydro is implementing a significant solar energy project at Anahim Lake Station, in partnership with the Ulkatcho First Nation, to integrate power from the Anahim Lake Solar Farm. This initiative aims to reduce diesel dependency in remote communities through a 3.8-megawatt solar farm and advanced microgrid technology. The project, supported by federal funding, represents a step forward in renewable energy and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.