Photo: Alison Faulkner
Vancouver engineering firm Fast + Epp has received the ?triple crown? of structural design awards for its innovative use of wood on the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre (GHAC) in Surrey, B.C.
The aquatic facility has been recognized as the world?s top structural engineering project by the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) at a ceremony in London, England on November 11. This newest accolade caps off an awards season that has seen GHAC recognized as both B.C. and Canada?s most significant engineering project.
?We were struck by the undulating roof, which elegantly balances structural form with building use and celebrates the expressed materials. The adoption of timber in catenary permitted a structural depth of just 300mm for a 55m span ? a design which defies convention and demanded design excellence,? the judges wrote in their deliberations.   Photo: Ema Peter Photography
IStructE?s presentation of The Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence recognizes the City of Surrey?s vision to create a destination venue for international swimming events and a dynamic community facility that utilizes local wood, in close collaboration with architects from HCMA Architecture + Design. 
The facility was constructed to meet the diverse needs of one of Canada?s fastest growing cities and features an undulating roof structure with hanging timber ?cables? suspended between large concrete buttresses. It?s believed to be the world?s most slend...