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$25.1 million Wood Innovation and Design
Centre showcases industry as tallest North
American contemporary wood structure
Canadian Design and Construction
Report special feature
British Columbia's new $25.1 million
Wood Innovation and Design Centre in
Prince George will celebrate wood's
beauty, showcasing its potential and ap-
peal. It will reach six stories (or 90 ft.),
making it the tallest North American con-
temporary wood structure.
The building has been designed to
use the maximum amount of wood pos-
sible, including a cedar exterior. One
hundred per cent of the primary struc-
ture, above the foundation, will be com-
prised of wood. Locally sourced douglas
fir, cedar, pine and spruce will be used in
the engineered wood products including glulam columns
and beams, cross-laminated timber and laminated veneer
lumber, all manufactured in British Columbia.
The design is also intended to purposely show the in-
novative structural design, and not cover it up, allowing
people to see the wood structure and unique floor slab
system as the actual finish. The underside of the cross-
laminated timber floor slab system will be exposed wher-
ever possible with the mechanical and electrical
infrastructure concealed in the innovative staggered
chases within the floor slab.
Houle Electric has been responsible for the complex
electrical work required, including data, mechanical con-
trols and security. Prince George branch manager, Greg
Mcleod said the company has had about 24 crew mem-
bers from his branch on site working on various aspects
of the project.
“Timelines are always a challenge and in this case, dif-
ferent dampening techniques and encasing procedures
are required because of the way wood carries sound.
Right now we’re working hard to have the building ready
for its opening in mid-July.”
He says though his company has experience with
challenging projects, as the tallest and first of its kind in
North America, this project has been unique.
“There are restrictions working with all wood like this
because the transformers give off heat,” he said. “Where
drywall gives a fire rating, wood doesn’t so we’ve had to
adjust layouts and ensure 1 ft. clearance compared with
the usual 6 in. to allow for this.”
The new provincial government building has been
funded in part by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills
Training. It will house demonstration spaces to showcase
innovative wood products. The building will also include
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)'s aca-
Exterior rendering provided by MGA
(Michael Green Architecture)
demic and research programs including advanced build-
ing systems, engineered wood products and interior
wood design.
MGA (Michael Green Architecture) designed the build-
ing to achieve LEED Gold certification. PCL Constructors
Westcoast Inc. is the builder.
Proudly Celebrating our 70th year
The Industry Leader Through Customer Choice
Project Spotlight
The Wood Innovation & Design Centre
Exterior Rendering - Credit: MGA
Corporate Head Office/Lower Mainland
Prince George
604.434.2681 250.562.2009 www.houle.ca
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The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Summer 2014 – 33