Size1,674 square metres
OwnerForefront Communities Ltd. / EKISTICS Architecture
DeveloperForefront Communities Ltd.
Structural EngineerWicke Herfst Maver
Construction ManagerMaple Reinders Constructors Ltd.
Mass Timber FabricatorKalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc.
Structural systemsHybrid / OtherMass timberPrefabricated
Project materialsCross-laminated timber (CLT)Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
This three-story light mass timber building will be home to the developer and architect spearheading the project, and serves to showcase how light industrial and commercial office can combine to a complementary effect. The owners and developers of the building chose mass timber construction because it demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability, as well as the viability of a mass timber building system as an alternative to conventional concrete.
Reminiscent of historic heavy industrial timber buildings, CLT slabs will serve as floors supported by glulam columns with a concrete core. The exposed wooden structure will add warmth to the wide-open, high-floor-to-ceiling interior spaces.
The building’s ground floor will offer 492 square metres of light industrial multi-purpose space. The second and third floors, accessible by stairs or elevator, each offer 505 square metres of office space. There will be a two-level underground concrete parkade which will also accommodate bikes and include a car elevator extending the building’s efficient use of space. A common-use rooftop amenity lounge roof garden with views of the city can accommodate social gatherings and gives occupants access to fresh air and greenery in an otherwise mostly industrial neighbourhood.
To maximize the use of the small site, the building covers most of the 561 square metres lot and does not have setbacks or staging areas for materials. This requires an innovative approach to design, engineering and execution made possible by using BIM.
The added time required for construction will be offset by prefabricated mass timber components that accommodate quicker and easier assembly. Treating the building as a kit of parts with just-in-time delivery makes for a cleaner, quieter building site, with less waste of materials and fewer disruptions to neighbouring businesses.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful design, offsite prefabrication and mass timber can help maximize the use of small industrial sites.
The Mass Timber Demonstration Program (MTDP) provides funding for incremental costs in the design and construction of buildings that showcase emerging or new mass timber and mass timber hybrid building systems and construction processes. The program supports jobs and employment recovery in the design, engineering, construction, and product manufacturing sector. B.C. industry will benefit from lessons learned, results, and research findings that can help support future mass timber projects in the province. Learn more about the MTDP.
