Canadian government has announced an investment of $3.5 million in the construction of 2150 Keith Drive, an innovative hybrid mass timber commercial office building in Vancouver's False Creek Flats neighborhood. The funding will be provided through the Green Construction Through Wood (GCWood) Program, which aims to promote the use of wood as a low-carbon construction material in infrastructure projects.
The project, supported by various government programs, marks a significant milestone in the advancement of low-carbon construction and the development of Canada's bioeconomy. With a unique honeycomb-shaped exterior, 2150 Keith Drive will stand 10 storeys tall and cover over 15,000 square meters.
The construction will employ advanced mass timber systems, utilizing prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and glue-laminated (glulam) timber columns, braces, and beams. The innovative design eliminates the need for an interior concrete core, significantly reducing the building's environmental impact. This replicable exoskeleton design ensures sustainability, cost-efficiency, and eco-friendliness.
The building sets a new precedent as the tallest braced-frame mass timber project or building in North America. It will also incorporate an innovative seismic resistance system. The project aims to achieve a minimum LEED Gold certification, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2025.
The provincial government of British Columbia has also extended its support to the project through the NetZero Energy Ready Program and a $500,000 contribution from the Mass Timber Demonstration Program (MDTP). These initiatives encourage the implementation of emerging mass timber or mass timber hybrid building systems and construction processes.
The Canadian government remains dedicated to supporting innovation and progress in mass timber construction across the country. By leveraging the potential of mass timber, Canada aims to achieve a more sustainable construction industry, leading to reduced emissions and increased resilience in communities. This investment not only helps combat climate change but also generates employment opportunities and economic growth in the forest products and construction sectors.
