PROJECT UPDATE: Cladding for UBC Recreation Centre North
Cladding details up close. SHAPE Architecture was thrilled to collaborate with LAM Metals again (check out Maple Grove Elementary for our last collaboration) to develop 3 custom metal cladding profiles for UBC Recreation Centre North. We then randomized these panels using parametric design (and good taste) to create a textural appearance that changes depending on the distance it’s viewed from, as well as the time of day.
Client: UBC Recreation
Owner’s Rep: UBC Properties Trust
General Contractor: ETRO Construction Cladding: LAM Metal
PROJECT INFO: Spotlight on Newton Recreation Centre’s Public Art
It’s all in the details. Today we’re spotlighting “Fern Façade”—a public art installation by artist Sean Alward. Ceramic ink-fused (frit) glass patterns in the shape of fern fronds wrap around both the south and east windows of the Newton Recreation Centre, forming a tree “grove” that envelops the building and weaves it into the existing landscape of trees framing the facility.
While beautiful as a mural, the floor-to-ceiling patterns serve a functional purpose in providing coverage to block out just the right level of sunlight for moderating temperatures. Working with the artist, we used an algorithm to calculate the optimal level of pattern coverage, relative to the amount of sunlight, while still allowing views of the exterior plaza spaces.
Have you experienced Fern Façade yourself? Let us know. Find out more about the project here.
EVENT: SHAPE Architecture at the Passive House Canada Conference
Professional development time. Last week Ciaran Long and Aaron Szeto from our office attended the Passive House Canada Conference, where Akira Living presented a special feature of the Connaught Triplex project. Did you attend the conference as well? Let us know if you managed to catch this session!
PROJECT UPDATE: Menno Hall Groundbreaking
This week marked a major milestone for the Menno Hall project as we broke ground on a project that has been years in the making. This journey has been one of innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. It has been rewarding to work hand in hand with the Pacific Centre for Discipleship Association and Hyland Properties, and their willingness to embrace new ideas to drive the project vision forward.
We especially thank our team of amazing collaborators, whose expertise has been instrumental in bringing this project together. Stay tuned for more construction updates.
Collaborators:
Builder: Axiom Builders
Structural: Fast + Epp
Mechanical: AME Group
Electrical: AES Engineering
Civil: Core Group
Landscape Architect: HAPA Collaborative,
Code: McAuley Consulting
Envelope: Entuitive
Transportation: Bunt & Associates,
Acoustic: BAP Acoustics
Audiovisual: PATCON Audiovisual
Elevator: GUNN Consultants,
Commercial Kitchen: Pacific Restaurant Supply
PROJECT UPDATE: Grace Townhouses
If you’ve been in the Ash and W 30th neighbourhood recently, you may have noticed ongoing construction. The Grace Project with Conwest Developments is nearing completion. We’re excited to see the finished development.
AWARDS: Maple Grove Elementary Shortlisted for the 2024 WAN Awards Americas
We’re excited to announce that Maple Grove Elementary School (MGE) was shortlisted for the 2024 WAN Awards Americas, under the Institutions Category. This project was completed in association with Montgomery Sisam Architects.
The WAN Awards by World Architecture News aim to acknowledge and celebrate excellent architecture within various geographical regions. These Awards recognise outstanding works that are innovative, visionary and imaginative.
Curious to learn more about MGE and the WAN Awards? Check out the links below.
A preview of new renderings for Blatchford Fire Station No.8! Fitness is a crucial aspect for firefighters as it promotes both their mental and physical well-being. Our design team listened to the needs of the firefighters – working with them to create a spacious and comfortable fitness room that is bright and welcoming. Users have a clear view and access of the courtyard, allowing them to easily transition between indoor and outdoor activities.
The main feature stair at UBC Recreation Centre North is a key wayfinding element within the building. It weaves together the various levels of the publicly accessible fitness program and is visible from all three building entrances. The exposed steel structures will be concealed once construction is complete.
STUDIO UPDATE: Nick Sully Named as a 2024 RAIC Fellow
We are honoured to announce that Managing Partner Nick Sully has been named as a 2024 RAIC Fellow for his contributions to the profession.
“A Fellow of the RAIC College is a member of the RAIC who has achieved professional eminence or has rendered distinctive service to the profession or to the community at large. Nomination and advancement to Fellowship is administered by the RAIC College. Fellowship is bestowed upon individuals through a nomination process and recognizes members for their contribution to research, scholarship, public service, or professional standing to the good of architecture in Canada, or elsewhere.”
Nick co-founded SHAPE Architecture in 2007 on the premise that critical design practice can be both commercially viable and environmentally responsible. Over the last two decades, his focus has been on place-making; unlocking design potential with low energy / high performance design solutions and progressive engagement with technology.
His work on ecological densification in Vancouver in the 2000’s helped pave the way for fundamental changes to Vancouver’s Land-Use bylaws which enabled multiple residences on single-family lots across the City, transforming the way families live in Vancouver.
Nick’s work has been recognized with the 1999 AIBC Gold Medal, several City of Vancouver Urban Design Awards, the 2016 RAIC National Urban Design Medal, 2018 Lieutenant Governor’s Medal and the 2020 Governor General’s Medal.
He has over twenty five years of experience leading both local and international projects at multiple scales. Nick was also previously chaired the UBC Advisory Design Panel, and was a former board member for the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.
This year’s Fellows will be officially inducted to the RAIC College on Thursday, May 16 during the 2024 RAIC Conference. Congratulations to all 41 new RAIC Fellows!
