This signature building creates a new gateway to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s high-tech facility for trades, technology and applied training programs. The facility provides direct connectivity and views to the outdoors, which is predominated by an indoor ‘covered street’ which provides visual and physical access to every floor and ensures optimum natural light and ventilation. The atrium features an expressive double height glu-laminated structure and a series of skylights which allow natural daylight to illuminate the space which is augmented with multi-coloured glazing. The celebration of craftsmanship is put on display throughout the facility to further enhance the learning experience for students. The centre’s anticipated 30% (approximate) savings in energy usage is sufficient to power 19 typical Vancouver homes annually.

The Green Power purchased for the project equates to enough renewable energy to replace 100% of the building’s regulated electrical usage, contributing directly to the developing renewable energy infrastructure, as well as to the project’s annual reduction of GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions by approximately 60 tons. This project was completed by Bunting Coady Architects, who merged with B+H in December 2010.