469 students at BCIT’s Burnaby campus are now settling into their new homes in the new 12-storey Tall Timber Student Residence. A showcase of next-generation construction technology, the project has helped reshape how we build sustainably and efficiently. Through the combination of mass timber engineering and prefabricated building systems, our team delivered rapid construction without compromising environmental goals.
Built Smarter, Faster, Greener
The construction timeline tells the story of innovation in action. Beginning in fall 2022, the project moved at a fast pace thanks to extensive prefabrication strategies and a hybrid structure.
Steel core towers were manufactured off site and erected in 5 to 6 storey lifts, with each tower installation completed in approximately two weeks. This saved multiple weeks on the critical path schedule and offered better quality control, a safer work environment for the steel workers, and reduced waste, energy needs and storage requirements on site.
These prefabricated cores worked seamlessly with strategically placed steel columns that provided gravity load only support to the wide-panel mass timber floors. The columns were then hidden within the interior walls, maximizing usable space.
Locally sourced hem-fir Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels provide a low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete and steel construction. Mass timber not only reduces the building's environmental impact but creates healthier indoor environments for residents.
Wrapping the hybrid timber structure, Flynn's innovative prefabricated Speedwall™ panels deliver exceptional building performance. These insulated metal panels arrived on site with pre-installed triple-glazed windows and integrated gasket systems that improve airtightness and minimize heat loss. The result is a high-performance envelope that enhances both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Through a highly coordinated approach, crews worked on a two-week cycle—one week for floor plate installation, followed by one week for steel column placement. As each new floor was installed, the exterior envelope advanced on the level below, rising in step with the structure. This strategy reduced weather exposure and kept the build moving at full pace.
Designed for a Sustainable Future
In addition to the environmental benefits of mass timber and the high-performance Speedwall™ envelope, the building features several sustainable components. Heating and hot water is powered by energy-efficient air-source heat pumps using CO₂ refrigerant, a climate-friendly alternative to conventional systems. Smart sensors monitor and optimize energy use, while water-saving systems reduce consumption. Nearly all manufacturing waste was recyclable and the steel structure itself is designed for future recyclability.
The residence is targeting an impressive suite of certifications including CAGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard and Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification. It also meets the highest level of the BC Energy Step Code, Level 4.
Recognized for Excellence
The project has already earned industry accolades including an Outstanding Structure Award at the 2024 NCSEA SEE Awards and a 2025 Award of Merit from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies BC (ACEC-BC).
What’s Next?
Our teams are continuing the mass timber momentum on Simon Fraser University’s Phase 3 Residence, now under construction. The new development includes an eight-storey mass timber building with 445 new beds, study areas, and amenity spaces for upper year students, as well as a stand-alone 160-space childcare centre. To align with CleanBC goals, the project is targeting optimal BC Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Code compliance and is part of SFU’s long-term vision for a sustainable, inclusive campus.
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