BriefCases
Natural beauty Wood demonstration projects open in B.C.
The North Shore Credit Union Environmental Learning Centre in Brackendale, near Squamish
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Green Space BC 2012
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Getting a chance to see in person wood being used as a building product is one of the best ways of being convinced of its usefulness, and that is exactly the aim of three new wood demonstration projects that opened in British Columbia this year. The North Shore Credit Union (NSCU) Environmental Learning Centre, Elkford Community Conference Centre and City of North Vancouver Civic Centre renovation all opened their doors in June showing off their wood construction. The goal of the locations is to draw provincial, national and international attention to the advantage of using wood design and engineering systems. New this year is the introduction of mass timber as a design element. In each case, unique use of wood in an architectural context is underscored, especially in the areas of commercial applications.
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“These outstanding projects demonstrate a blend of leading-edge international technologies and B.C. design concepts,” says Mary Tracey, executive director, Wood WORKS! BC. “B.C. is entrenching its status as one of the global leaders in wood design and engineering, and innovative uses of wood applications.” Surrounded by nature
The NSCU learning centre is a $5.8 million structure near Squamish built with a treehouse motif. It includes a nature gallery, exhibition space, assembly/dining hall and classrooms and uses mass timber construction to conserve energy and reduce the centre’s environmental footprint. Cross-laminated timber demonstrates how to add strength in a wood structure. “We used the natural beauty and warmth of the reclaimed Douglas fir roof structure and exposed glulam beams and columns to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort for the students and teachers,” says John Hemsworth,
Photo: CNW Group/Canadian Wood Council for Wood WORKS! BC
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