The Canada Wood Council?s WoodWorks! program recently published an in-depth case study analyzing the design and construction process for the University of British Columbia?s record-breaking Brock Commons, which became the world?s tallest hybrid wood building upon completion last year. The following is an excerpt of the report:
Entrance to Brock Commons. Photo by Michael Elkan.
The design development process began in earnest in January 2015 and was completed in October 2015. UBC PT and Acton Ostry Architects Inc. approached the design from a collaborative integrated design standpoint. UBC PT clearly stipulated in the Expression of Interest issued for design services that using known design solutions would be preferred and minimize the need for testing of assemblies. With an effective use of trades expertise, in combination with a strategic use of prefabricated elements and carefully controlled risk, they felt they would arrive at the realization of a successful tall wood project ? and they were right. A three-day integrated design workshop held in January 2015 significantly advanced the design process. Its key focus was to facilitate a determination of the structural approach in terms of costs, constructability and impacts on the building?s engineering systems.
The design workshop was attended by the core project team members, including the architect; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; the fire protection engineer; the virtual modeller; and the key design adv...