Award of Merit, Education/Research: Wood Innovation and Design Centre
The Wood Innovation and Design Centre serves as a focal point for academics and professionals seeking to advance the use of wood in construction. "The goal was to showcase British Columbia's wood industry as a leader in wood construction, engineered wood products and design, as well as to create jobs and to help get goods to market," says Gabrielle Price, public affairs officer at the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training.
The eight-story, 29.5-m tall building is the world's tallest modern all-timber structure. The design incorporates a "dry" structure, virtually eliminating the use of concrete above grade. Glulam columns and beams with mass timber shear walls support systems-integrated mass timber floor panels. A slim line curtain wall system is backed by engineered laminated veneer lumber wind columns. The exterior features charred solid red cedar batten board prefabricated panels, which are low maintenance. Exposed wood ceiling structures are highlighted to the public by floor-to-ceiling glass.