Size5,732 square metres
Developer / OwnerAllied REIT Properties
Structural EngineerGlotman Simpson
Building Envelope EngineerRDH
General ContractorEllisDon
Sustainability, mechanical, electricalDIALOG
Code ConsultantGHL Code Consultants
Wood FabricatorKalesnikoff
Roof Truss SupplierWinton Global Homes
Structural systemsHybrid / WoodPanelizedPost + beamPrefabricated
Project materialsCross-laminated timber (CLT)Glue-laminated timber (Glulam)
This four-storey commercial and industrial space built on top of an existing two-storey historic structure shows how lightweight prefabricated mass timber systems can cut carbon, speed up construction, boost density and give new life to heritage buildings.
This four-storey, hybrid mass timber addition to an existing two-storey plus parkade heritage building in Vancouver’s I-4 Historic Industrial District will provide 5,732 square metres of commercial office and industrial space. The 365 Railway project preserves the historic character and makes the most of an existing structure in lieu of demolition. As a building material, mass timber fits well with the neighbourhood’s emerging transformation to a more creative, enterprising industrial district. This adaptive re-use sets a benchmark for exposed mass timber hybrid structures and showcase mass timber’s potential in light industrial zones.
365 Railway’s newly built structure will feature glue-laminated timber (glulam) columns and beams, CLT panels with a concrete topping and steel for seismic bracing.
Given mass timber’s lighter weight, the project accommodates an addition of four storeys on top of the existing two-storey structure, rather than only three floors if built using concrete. The extra floor is made possible due to the mass timber structure’s reduced weight. Additionally, Vancouver’s Zoning and Development By-Law permits an additional 18 centimetres for each mass timber floor, enabling the incorporation of a rooftop amenity space.
A prefabricated approach to building components such as columns, beams and floor slabs ensures minimal disruption to the existing building, reduces waste, speeds up construction and makes it easier to build on a narrow site in a densely populated neighbourhood.
The design team is making use of building information modelling (BIM) to foster collaboration across disciplines, including design, connection detailing, sequencing and constructability planning.
Targeting LEED Gold certification, this project extends the lifespan of existing historic buildings, while reducing demolition waste. Combined with incorporating regionally sourced timber, embodied carbon is significantly reduced, while adding to the community’s overall sense of identity.
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. BC 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.
