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J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 73 Student Residence Kelowna – Okanagan College R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y G EC A RC H I T EC T U R E STUDENT RESIDENCE KELOWNA – OKANAGAN COLLEGE by CHRISTINA MORRISSEY O kanagan College's Kelowna campus is poised on the brink of a transformative mile- stone. With the final touches soon to be completed on its first on-cam- pus student residences in more than three decades, the college exempli- fies its dedication to meeting growing demand. The addition of the new six- storey light-frame wood and mass timber Student Residence will more than double the number of students living on campus in Kelowna, with an increase of 216 beds, bringing the total capacity to 360. This is one of three student-hous- ing projects for Okanagan College, with the Province investing $66.5 mil- lion into the construction of residences in three locations: Kelowna, Vernon, and Salmon Arm. "Having a stable and affordable place to live is critical to the success of learners," explains Neil Fassina, president of Okanagan College. "By adding housing at three Okanagan College campuses, we aim to foster more inclusive and equitable access to education, ultimately trans- forming the lives of our students." The new Student Residence in Kelowna is strategically located to improve pedestrian connections to campus buildings and the western entrance along West Campus Road. With students primarily approach- ing from the northwest corner and the existing promenade, the project focuses on developing new sidewalks for a safer, more walkable campus. The site presented a couple of chal- lenges, but Bird Construction adeptly navigated them. "Firstly, a high water table extended beyond our building foundations and engineered fill lay- ers. To address this, we implemented a comprehensive dewatering system around the building footprint, effec- tively lowering water table levels and preventing flooding during excava- tions. Secondly, we employed Rapid Impact Compaction [RIC] to bolster soil stability and rock structure. By strategically placing six-inch blast rock in lifts below the footings and utilizing RIC, we ensured the struc- ture's ability to support the building's weight. This innovative approach eliminated the need for large raft slabs or pile foundations, optimiz- ing both cost and efficiency," explains Stuart Huckabay, project manager at Bird. Several factors were considered in the building's design. The design-build team engaged with representatives from the Westbank First Nation (WFN) to review the project design and gather feedback on integrating Indigenous design principles in a meaning- ful and culturally relevant manner. Additionally, the College conducted surveys and facilitated focus group discussions with Indigenous commu- nities, Elders, and students to ensure their perspectives were incorporated into the design process. In selecting materials, prioritizing wood speaks to the vital connection between nature and the building's occupants. A high-performance build- ing envelope, emphasizing air tightness and thermal efficiency, aims to reduce overall energy consumption to meet the Thermal Energy Demand Intensity required by Step Code 4. "With an emphasis on efficiency, we chose a wood-framed structure, requiring meticulous preplanning of structural openings. About 95 percent of the structure was prefabricated off-site, highlighting the importance of design accuracy. Any alterations to walls affected multiple suites, emphasizing the necessity for precise planning and execution," explains Huckabay. Incorporating structural steel col- umns into the project demanded meticulous attention to wood shrink- age. "We anticipated a compression of ¼-inch per floor during fabrication, which impacted various elements including elevator stops, steel connec- tions, and stairwells. This proactive approach guaranteed the seamless integration of different materials, while upholding structural integrity throughout the building's lifespan," explains Huckabay. The exterior metal sunshades serve as a canvas for integrating Indigenous art, aiming to narrate the traditions and stories of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation across the build- ing facade. Syilx artist Clint George's feather sculpture is intricately incor- porated into the building's exterior solar shades. George, a member of the Penticton Indian Band, lends his cul- tural perspective to the project, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative woven into the building's design. Inside the student residence, meticulous attention to detail contin- ues. Artist Les Louis, an Okanagan

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