This project – transforming the former National Research Council Building at the University of British Columbia into a new 800-student secondary school – included an 57,000 sq. ft. addition, and seismic upgrades and change of use to the existing 70,000 sq. ft. building.

Two-storey steel frame building features steel braced frames and glulam wood roof trusses, masonry and concrete. Built in accordance with the province’s Wood First Initiative, the project achieved LEED Gold. Many features of the existing building were retained and reused.

Project Essentials

  • LocationVancouver, BC
  • ClientVancouver School Board
  • ArchitectThinkspace Architecture
  • Size56,500 sq. ft. addition (to an existing 70,000 sq. ft. building)
  • Year Completed2013

University Hill Secondary School features a “Neighbourhood of Learning” space, including two gyms, drama and dance studios, as well as various meeting rooms, designed to house up to 800 students. The primary focus of the School District for this school was to incorporate 21st Century Learning concepts.