VanDusen takes top provincial engineering award

November 9, 2012

Fast + Epp’s structural design work on the striking 19,000 sq. ft. visitors’ centre at VanDusen Botanical Gardens was recognized with two significant distinctions at this year’s Consulting Engineers of British Columbia Awards in March: the sought-after 2012 Lieutenant Governor’s Award, and the Award for Engineering Excellence.

The design team, led by architects at Perkins + Will Canada, championed wood as a sustainable building material in the interests of economy, innovation and to meet tight time constraints.

Ultimately, the judges’ decision recognizes what is believed to be the first example of widespread wood use for such an intricate form. The building targets LEED Platinum and Living Building Challenge status.