BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing Wins 2026 ACEC Award of Excellence

November 3, 2026

We are pleased to share that the BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing project has received an Award of Excellence at the 2026 ACEC National Awards.

The 12-storey mass timber tower in Burnaby, BC, features a CLT point-supported structure, consisting of CLT floors supported on steel HSS columns. The use of columns and wide-format panels meant that each column could be fully encapsulated within the walls between units, allowing for unobstructed units and preserving open and functional room layouts.

The use of prefabricated CLT panels contributed to an accelerated construction schedule, supporting BCIT’s sustainability goals and answering the call for greener student housing. Fast + Epp also proposed the use of a steel concentrically braced frame for the lateral system, further shortening the timeline by limiting trade overlap on site.

“This project stood out to the jury for its fascinating, next-generation timber design, which set a new benchmark for tall, hybrid timber construction. It combined engineering excellence with social, environmental, and long-term sustainability benefits, making it a standout project.”

Visit the project page to learn more.

Fast + Epp is proud to have contributed to this project, working alongside an amazing team to deliver housing for students.