Trinity Western University Student Housing

Additional Info

Award Winner : ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.

Architectural Excellence : Students of Trinity Western University now enjoy a new, modern home away from home in the Skidmore Hall residence building in Langley, BC. With 47 modules, we wanted to increase design and production efficiency, so we minimized the variations in module types. The contemporary exterior features an attractive three-colour finish utilizing durable composite Hardie panels and Lux architectural panels. To improve the building’s aesthetic, large, pre-fabricated parapets were installed onsite to conceal roof top equipment. Each of the three storeys have 9’ ceilings and 6’ wide hallways to create an open feel. Rooms have two layouts allowing for multiple occupancy, and some feature a kitchen and living room. There is also a laundry room at the end of each dorm hallway. The large open lobby impresses, with exposed post and beam construction and lots of natural light. There is ample common space through the facility for students to gather and socialize.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The speed to occupancy was a major benefit to the project. We were able to move the project from concept to occupancy in 9 months, enabling the university to maintain growth projections and increase enrollment. By using modular construction TWU was able to save 3-4 months of construction time and allow new students for the 2017 school year to move in to new, on-campus accommodations. Early in the design process it was identified that a transformer providing power to a large portion of campus was going to conflict with the location of the proposed new building. With limited options to re-locate the building, the best course of action was to redesign the power distribution system to relocate the transformer and add capacity for the new facility. Our sister company, ATCO Electric, worked quickly to relocate and upgrade the transformer, allowing us to construct the building with permanent power, reducing construction costs and improving the overall campus electrical infrastructure.

Engineering Firm Name : ATCO Structures & Logistics

Green Building Description : We designed a high-performance building envelope using PERSIST methodology. The roof system was built with EPS insulation and 2-part torch on SBS roofing. The combination of these two systems eliminate thermal bridging, increase overall insulation values and ensure continuous air/vapour barrier and insulation. This will ensure high R-values, lowering operational costs and mitigating the risk of mold appearing in this humid environment. To ensure maximum comfort and indoor air quality, one hundred per cent fresh air is supplied and continuously exhausted. Mating walls were insulated with mineral wool insulation to increase the sound transmission class rating between bedrooms thus increasing occupant comfort.

Installer Firm Name : ATCO Structures & Logistics

Occupied Date : 9/9/2017

Owner Firm Name : Trinity Western University

Production Start Date : 5/15/2017

Project Location City : Langley

Project Location State Name : British Columbia

Technical Innovation : The units were designed to BC Building Code Part 3, to be NECB compliant for permanent modular construction. As the University is in a high seismic region, provisions were incorporated into the design to provide robust structural support in a manner that could be installed efficiently. All modules were connected to one another and ultimately fastened down to the concrete foundation. To increase the building envelope performance, a PERSIST wall system was designed and installed. PERSIST stands for Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Insulated Structure Technique where the structure of the building is wrapped inside the plane of insulation. This minimizes thermal movement and improves overall constructability of the envelope. Energy recovery ventilators provide one hundred percent fresh air to each suite with continuous exhaust/ circulation, and heat pumps provide heating and cooling to each suite.

Total Square Feet : 32757

Category : Permanent: Commercial Housing: any square footage