THE WOOD INNOVATION RESEARCH LABORATORY (WIRL) IS ADJACENT TO AND COMPLEMENTS THE WOOD INNOVATION DESIGN CENTRE, WHICH TOGETHER ACTIVATE A VACANT CORNER.
These challenges were met with a very high thermal performance envelope and windows, efficient ventilation systems, and atten tion to construction details. The team’s success is the result of a collaborative process in which every decision was guided by building performance engineering. This has resulted in a design where architecture and mechanical building systems work in harmony to reduce heat loss through the envelope, capture and distribute useful heat from occupants, equipment and the sun, and promote high air quality.
1
2 3
4
The WIRL is located in downtown Prince George, adjacent to and complementing the Wood Innovation Design Centre. Together, these buildings house the UNBC Master of Engineering in Integrated Wood Design program. The downtown location supports broader community efforts to revitalize the area by activating a vacant corner with UNBC students, faculty and staff engaged in applied research activities to support the BC forestry industry.
Ventilation and energy Level 2
1. 2. 3. 4.
Seminar Flexible Collaborative Area Office 1 Office 2
The WIRL consists of two distinct areas: 1) office spaces and a seminar room, and 2) a large wood workshop with overhead crane and high-tech wood working equipment. Each area has different lighting and ventilation requirements, as well as different indoor temperature setpoints. The office spaces and the seminar room have south-facing windows within 7m of the occupied area, however, they are not operable to save costs and improve performance. The windows are highly efficient, Passive House-certified windows with a U-value of 0.1.
FALL 2019 | BC FOCUS
15