The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is taking a significant step toward addressing housing shortages and sustainability with its innovative Tall Timber Student Housing project. The 12-storey facility, set to open in Fall 2025, will provide affordable and sustainable housing for 470 students at BCIT’s Burnaby campus. Combining cutting-edge mass timber construction with energy-efficient design, the building will not only double BCIT’s student housing capacity but also serve as a showcase for low-carbon, climate-resilient construction practices.

A housing solution for BCIT students

With a growing student population and an ongoing housing crisis in the region, the Tall Timber project is part of British Columbia’s Homes for People initiative, which aims to add 12,000 student beds across the province. The new facility will include 264 studio apartments and 206 single-bedroom units with shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas. In addition to living spaces, the building will feature study rooms, collaboration areas, a student housing office, and an outdoor plaza designed to foster community among residents. 

Beyond meeting current needs, the project has been designed with future housing demands and climate conditions in mind. While the median rent in Burnaby is $2,650 (as of January 2025), BCIT’s long-term and short-term housing options offer an adaptable and sustainable solution for generations of students.

Long term fees for 2024-2025 are as follows: 

• Fall Term (Sept 1 – Jan 1, 2025): $3,431.86
• Winter Term (Jan 1 – May 25, 2025): $4,050.72

Short-term stays are also available, ideal for students in shorter programs or internships. Rates are $34.41 per night, with an additional 5% GST for stays under 30 nights.

Energy efficiency and zero-carbon standards

The Tall Timber project exemplifies BCIT’s commitment to reducing its institutional carbon footprint. The building has been designed to meet Step 4 of the BC Energy Step Code, the highest standard for energy efficiency in the province. This achievement is supported by features such as:

• A high-performance building envelope with enhanced insulation and airtightness
• Triple-glazed windows with a 33% window-to-wall ratio to reduce energy consumption
• Innovative CO2 heat pumps for hot water, which are highly energy-efficient and have a lower environmental impact than traditional systems
• Advanced sensors that optimize heating and energy use

These measures ensure the building meets zero-ready performance requirements, reducing both the total energy required to operate the facility and the energy needed for heating and ventilation.

Mass timber construction

A standout feature of the project is its use of mass timber construction, which utilizes cross-laminated timber (CLT) supported by steel hollow structural section (HSS) columns. Prefabricated CLT panels reduce construction time, while the hybrid design allows for wide-format panels and unobstructed living spaces. This approach minimizes embodied carbon, making the facility significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional concrete and steel buildings.

The use of CLT made from Hem-Fir, an abundant but underutilized resource in British Columbia, further reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and the local economy. According to Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, “mass timber is key to diversifying and creating a more resilient forest sector” while combating climate change and supporting forestry-related jobs.

Balancing climate resilience and student comfort

Designed with future climate conditions in mind, the building also strives to balance sustainability with resident comfort. During summer months, natural ventilation through operable windows reduces cooling needs. In winter, electric baseboard heaters provide individualized temperature control for each room. By prioritizing energy efficiency and adaptability, the facility is equipped to handle shifting environmental demands while maintaining a high standard of living for students.

A new landmark for BCIT’s Burnaby campus

More than just a housing solution, the Tall Timber Student Housing project is a centerpiece for BCIT’s Burnaby campus. The exterior design integrates Indigenous cultural elements, with community spaces on the ground floor dedicated to Indigenous learners and community members. The surrounding landscape, connected to Guichon Creek, features rain gardens that naturally manage stormwater.

Additionally, the project aligns with BCIT’s role as a leader in trades training and innovation. By incorporating mass timber construction into its campus, the Institute provides students with first-hand exposure to cutting-edge building techniques.

Sources: naturally:wood – BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing, BCIT – Tall Timber, BCIT – Sustainability Features