International Recognition for VanDusen Gardens Visitor Centre

 
Fast + Epp's work for the orchid-inspired visitor centre at VanDusen Botanical Gardens has been recognized as the top engineering project of 2012 by World Architecture News (WAN).

Completed with architects at Perkins + Will, the 19,000 sq. ft. structure beat out world-class projects such as the UK Pavilion Shanghai Expo, the Metropol Parasol in Spain, and Australia's AAMI Park Stadium, for WAN's inaugural Engineering Award. 

According to judges, the structure's geometrically-complex free-form green roof is "a cunning blend of technology" in its integration of mechanical, electrical and acoustical systems in 71 uniquely-prefabricated panels. In an architectural landscape that seems to be "in the process of moving towards more manufacturing... starting with timber", they said the firm's work makes it possible for architects to push the design limits with wood. 

Click here for more information on Fast + Epp's WAN 2012 Engineering win, including the final shortlist of noteworthy projects.

Watch video of the judges' full commentary.

Building Blocks Playhouse Wins PNE Challenge

Inspired by the simplicity of a cardboard box and the disorderly way kids play, Hughes Condon Marler Architects created the winning entry of Canfor's Playhouse Challenge at this summer's Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver.

The unique project was voted the favourite among seven entries, with 32 per cent of PNE visitor and online votes.

After the fair, the 10 ft. cube was auctioned off to Finning for $20,000, with all proceeds being donated to Habitat for Humanity's affordable housing projects around the world.

We heartily congratulate HCMA for its achievement. Structural engineering work was completed by Fast + Epp's Davin Lewis.

Fast + Epp Announces Edmonton Office

With a growing number of projects in Alberta, our firm is pleased to announce the opening of an Edmonton office in September.

Stephan Pasche, P.Eng., will represent Fast + Epp at its downtown location at #500 - 10080 Jasper Avenue. Stephan has been with the firm for over a decade, and has worked on numerous award-winning projects such as Samuel Brighouse Elementary School, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC, and Vancouver's Canada Line transit stations.

We look forward to working with both familiar and new architects in the area.

Local Fast + Epp Projects Shortlisted for International Engineering Awards

The world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in structural engineering has shortlisted two of Fast + Epp's Vancouver projects for its upcoming awards ceremony later this Fall.

Selected from over 100 notable projects in 11 categories, VanDusen Botanical Gardens Visitor Centre will contend for an award in the Community or Residental Structures category at the England-based Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Awards.

In addition, the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability at the University of British Columbia is up for an Education or Healthcare Structures Award. Both projects were completed in collaboration with architects at Perkins + Will Canada.

The Structural Awards 2012 gala will be held November 2 in London.

Buchanan Courtyard Project Recognized by University Planning Awards

Anaklia Bridge Conference Celebrates Project Completion

The Anaklia Bridge Conference was held June 7 to 9, marking the completion of Fast + Epp's timber bridge project on the Black Sea. The firm's Frankfurt Partner, Jochen Stahl, was involved in the three-day event with presentations on architecturally exposed hybrid wood-steel and wood-concrete structures.

Georgian architects, government ministers and European experts in timber design were on hand to commemorate construction completion of the over 500-metre-long bridge.

Managing Partner Joins Trade Mission Delegation to Russia

Fast + Epp was one of nearly 30 firms to represent Canada during a recent trade mission to Russia, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. 

The trade mission — held from June 3 to 8 in St. Petersburg and Moscow — aimed to expand relationships in the construction and building products sector. 

Managing Partner Paul Fast joined the delegation to present Timber Design for an Imaginative Generation, highlighting innovative structural design, and the potential opportunities for Russian architects to pursue steel and timber hybrids, integrated design and aesthetically-striking exposed timber structures.