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M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | 73 Eric Hamber Secondary School P H OTO G R A P H Y BY ED W H I T E /CO U RT E S Y K M B R A RC H I T EC T S P L A N N ER S ERIC HAMBER SECONDARY SCHOOL by ROBIN BRUNET S eismic replacement projects have become a familiar under- taking at the Vancouver School Board (VSB), but the replacement of Eric Hamber Secondary School is spe- cial on many counts, starting with its sheer size – at approximately 20,950 square metres, the new facility is the largest seismic project for the VSB. In addition to the 47 classrooms and 10 science rooms, the new LEED Gold Eric Hamber includes an auditorium, a drama studio, two gym- nasiums with change rooms, music rooms, art studios, a large common area, and many spaces for social gath- ering and study, with 21st century design intended to optimize flexible learning areas and maximize col- laboration. There's also a 69-space childcare facility on the top floor, a first for VSB in a secondary school. The original Eric Hamber opened in 1962 but by the 2000s the school was considered a high seis- mic risk. "In 2015, we completed Seismic Identification and Project Definition Reports, and in 2018, we were approved for a replace- ment of $106 million, making this the largest seismic project in Vancouver," says Saniye Karacabeyli, project manager at the VSB. Stantec was retained in 2018 as the owner's advisory consultant, assisting the VSB in preparing and monitoring compliance with the project require- ments. The scope of Hamber required a Design-Build delivery model. Infrastructure BC supported the VSB with the procurement of the project. Witmar Abele, principal at KMBR Architects, says: "A key driving force behind the design was to fos- ter a strong sense of community and create spaces that encourage mean- ingful connections. At the heart of this vision is the atrium – a vibrant, multi-level gathering space that serves as the social core of the building." The atrium extends through all lev- els, visually and physically connecting different areas of the school. It func- tions as a wayfinding element, with surrounding spaces looking into it for clear orientation. Externally, it visu- ally breaks up the long rectangular form of the building, which is further divided by a shift in elevation – one wing at four storeys, the other at three. Key communal spaces – including the library, auditorium, and mul- tipurpose rooms – are strategically positioned to enhance interaction and engagement. The library serves as a collaborative hub for students to gather and study, the auditorium pro- vides a space for creative expression and events, and the multipurpose rooms support various activities. The wings are characterized by a robust masonry plinth on the ground floor, anchoring the structure and contrasting with the metal-clad class- rooms above. The masonry plinth wraps around the entire school as a unifying element. A defining 'eye- brow' frames the classrooms, adding visual interest and breaking up the long monolithic walls across the façade. Expansive glazing creates a strong connection between the school and the street while framing breath- taking mountain views, seamlessly integrating the learning environ- ment with its natural surroundings. Indigenous design is inte- grated throughout the building, including a 16-foot welcome fig- ure carved by Musqueam artist Brent Sparrow and weaving designs on the walls by Debrah Sparrow. Helen McGregor, superin- tendent/CEO, VSB says: "We are committed to creating learning envi- ronments that enable students to flourish and that honour the rich, cultural heritage of the land our schools stand on. The integration of xʷməθkʷəy əm (Musqueam) designs throughout Hamber reflects our ongoing reconciliation journey." Michael McGoldrick, proj- ect manager at Bird Design-Build Construction Inc., says his firm was awarded the contract to build the new school in April 2020, and in the spring of 2021, ground broke on the project. "The good news was that we had a great laydown area thanks to the existing parking lot, as well as great delivery access." Bird and the subtrades had to con- tend with the supply chain, labour, and other challenges associated with the COVID lockdowns. "Not only that, but there was also a concrete strike and an atmospheric river event that flooded major thoroughfares." McGoldrick adds, "In my opinion, the real heroes of the project were the trades, who secured materials early and pivoted immediately when required." The new school opened in September 2024. The former Eric Hamber was earmarked to serve as a swing site for other school seismic upgrade projects – and once this func- tion is complete, it will be demolished to make way for a playing field. A LOCATION 960 West 33rd Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. OWNER /DEVELOPER Vancouver School Board (VSB) ARCHITECT KMBR Architects Planners COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT Stantec STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT Glotman Simpson MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Introba ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT O'M Engineering CIVIL CONSULTANT Aplin Martin CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL Pontem Group THEATRE CONSULTANT DWD Theatre Design + Consulting L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Maruyama & Associates DESIGN-BUILDER Bird Design-Build Construction TOTAL SIZE 20,950 square metres (approx.) TOTAL COST $105.9 million

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