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UBC Beaty Biodiversity Centre Addition (2025)
Project Name
2212 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC
Location
Institutional Building
Type
ETRO Construction Limited
Construction Company
Public Architecture
Architect
Design, BIM, Shop drawings
Scope of Work
About UBC Beaty Biodiversity Centre Addition
The Beaty Biodiversity Centre Addition is a 4,430 sq m, six-story laboratory and office extension to the existing building, designed to accommodate expanded research functions, museum collections, support spaces, and collaborative areas. Located on UBC’s Main Mall, a prominent pedestrian thoroughfare, and adjacent to the ecologically sensitive Fairview Grove.
Project Challenges
⚠️ Seismic Considerations
The UBC Vancouver campus is located in a high seismic risk zone. This required early-stage collaboration with structural engineers to:
- Ensure the glazing systems could withstand seismic activity and wind loads.
- Design custom brackets that provide controlled flexibility, allowing movement while limiting deflection and ensuring secure anchoring and lateral resistance.
⚠️ Performance & Aesthetic Requirements
The new glazing had to match the architectural character of the existing Beaty Centre while meeting modern performance standards:
- Custom aluminum beauty caps to match existing facade features
- Integration of Structural Silicone Glazing (SSG)
- Incorporation of Guardian SNX 62/27 high-performance coating for enhanced solar control and energy efficiency
- First-surface bird-friendly pattern to meet UBC Bird Friendly Design Guidelines for Buildings
- Compliance with the City of Vancouver’s updated airtightness standards
Solution & Execution
✔ Glazing System Selection
During the tender phase in early 2023, Aluprof systems were proposed for their superior thermal and structural characteristics:
- MB-SR50N HI – Standard curtain wall
- MB-SR50N EFEKT (SSG) HI – Structural silicone glazed curtain wall
- MB-SR60N HI – High-performance curtain wall for large spans
- MB-SR50N OW HI Casement – Operable windows integrated into the curtain wall
These systems were chosen for their flexibility in detailing, performance ratings, and clean aesthetic integration with the existing building.
✔ Acoustic Performance & Comfort
Aluprof’s MB-SR50N HI curtain wall system includes acoustic performance certification, helping reduce indoor noise levels and contributing to a quieter, more comfortable work environment within labs and office spaces.
✔ Engineering, Coordination & Quality Control
- All shop drawings were developed and revised through multiple iterations, culminating in PE-stamped copy.
- Additional Thermal simulations were conducted to confirm compliance with energy performance targets of U-value, SHGC.
- All components were modeled in BIM, ensuring accurate coordination and clash detection throughout the design and construction phases.
Results & Impact
✔ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
- The final glazing package met all thermal performance targets, helping the building comply with UBC and City of Vancouver sustainability goals.
- Custom detailing and high-performance glass contributed to energy savings and occupant comfort.
✔ Enhanced Research Environment
- The addition now offers bright, acoustically controlled spaces that support scientific research and collaboration.
- Improved thermal comfort and daylighting contribute to a healthy and productive indoor environment.
✔ Architectural Integration
- The glazing design preserves and enhances the identity of the existing Beaty Biodiversity Centre while delivering a modern, durable, and high-performance facade system.
- The project successfully merges function and form, contributing to UBC’s long-term vision for campus development and research excellence.
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