This multi-purpose academic and research facility includes classrooms and teaching labs, offices, student commons, research labs, a theatre, and an animal care facility. It embodies the values of UBC Okanagan’s Academic Plan in its response to place, community and connectivity within an adaptive, flexible and sustainable centre for innovation.

A significant aspect of this project is that it involves tackling one the of most energy intensive types of building – laboratories/educational facilities. Due to their nature and use, these buildings present challenges in achieving significant energy reduction. Code issues were addressed relating to the implementation of low flow fume hoods and a displacement ventilation delivery system designed to reduce air change requirements on average by 50%. These two features alone significantly reduce the energy demands of the building as ventilation is a major contributor to energy consumption in laboratories.

To achieve superior indoor environmental quality and reduce energy consumption, passive design elements were implemented, specifically: natural/wind driven displacement ventilation, high thermal mass, an efficient envelope, radiant slab heating and cooling, a district aquifer geothermal system, efficient fume exhaust systems and heat reclamation systems. The building has achieved five Green Globes (equivalent to LEED Platinum), also awarded to the UBC Okanagan Charles Fipke Centre for Innovative Research, which uses the same design principles.

Client: UBC Properties Trust
Size: 86,000 sq. ft.
Construction Value: $33 M
Completion: 2010