Fast + Epp

Self-centering resilient structures are here! ⁠ ⁠ The Hive has seen rapid upward mobility over the summer months, having recently reached level 7. From a pedestrian viewpoint, the visible timber braced frame system is a precursor to the striking honeycomb-like façade design that, upon completion, will be an external expression of this structural feature.⁠ ⁠ Featuring a unique seismic force resisting system of timber braced frames and central pin rocking shearwalls with Tectonus dampers, the structure is designed to be self-centering, allowing the building to be more readily occupiable after a significant earthquake. The central pin rocking shearwalls are a first-of-a-kind, featuring balloon framed triple height lifts and rotating connections at each level.⁠ ⁠ Make sure you swipe through to see these amazing details up close. ➡️⁠ ⁠ DIALOG | Ventana Construction Corporation | George Third & Son | Kalesnikoff | Apex Structural Design | ISL | Supreme Steel l MTC Solutions ⁠ Second photo courtesy of Ventana Construction Corporation Visit https://lnkd.in/g5NquWMc to learn more. ⁠ #masstimber #structuraldesign #structuralengineering #timberconstruction #clt 

The Fast + Epp Vancouver office softball team wrapped up another fun and exciting season over the weekend! The weather was perfect for an end of season tournament - and the team finished out with 1-1 result.⁠ ⁠ ➡️ Scroll through to check out some of the great action shots. ⁠ ⁠ #TeamBuilding #StructualEngineers

Topped out status was recently reached at the BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing project!⁠ ⁠ The materiality of the 12-storey CLT point-supported mass timber structure - with (CLT) floors supported on steel HSS columns - makes for an efficient assembly, as the pre-fabricated cladding has allowed the construction schedule to be reduced significantly. ⁠ ⁠ BCIT Tall Timber Student Housing was designed for the highest level of the BC Energy Step Code program - underlining BCIT’s sustainability goals and answering the call for more affordable, cleaner and greener student housing. ⁠ To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/dQeztauR ⁠ Video courtesy of Ledcor ⁠ Ledcor | Perkins&Will | Introba | WSP | Hapa Collaborative | McElhanney | GHL Consultants Ltd | RDH Building Science | Flynn Group of Companies ⁠ ⁠ #structuraldesign #structuralengineering #MassTimber #masstimberconstruction⁠ ⁠

Inspired by the natural world and the Kichi Zìbì Ottawa River, the form of the new Ottawa Public Library, Ādisōke, has rapidly taken shape over the last few months.⁠ ⁠ After passing the 50% completion mark this spring, the signature roof's structure was constructed from Douglas Fir glulam beams that supported sloping and curved prefabricated timber panels made from Spruce-Pine-Fir members. Inside, progress is ramping up with the steel structural work for the central atrium reaching a point of completion.⁠ ⁠ Ādisōke (pronounced AW-de-SO-keh) was named by the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation and refers to storytelling in the Anishinābemowin language. This facility is expected to draw in approximately 1.7 million visitors annually and will not only be a place for community gathering and showcasing of culture, but a prime example of commitment to sustainability.⁠ To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gYiRquFG ⁠ Architect: Diamond Schmitt + KWC Architects Inc. | Client(s): The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Library, Library and Archives Canada⁠ ⁠ Photos by Salina Kassam ⁠ PCL Construction | Arup | PFS Studio | Morrison Hershfield | Benson Steel | Timber Systems Limited⁠ ⁠ #structuralengineering #engineeringdesign #sustainabledesign

Drawing inspiration and guidance from the Indigenous practice to ‘live lightly upon the earth', Onchaminahos Elementary School in Saddle Lake, Alberta, is a sustainably designed two-storey and 350 student learning facility within the community.⁠ ⁠ A concrete foundation comprised of concrete end bearing piles, grade beams and pile caps, and concrete slab at grade on the main floor sets the stage for 2-way, flat slab cast-in-place concrete at the second level. The lateral framing, concrete shearwalls, and steel rod braces are topped out by exposed SPF Glulam beams and columns supporting the SPF GLT panels.⁠ ⁠ On top of a gym, fully-equipped kitchen, interior slide, and social stairs - the school incorporates culturally significant spaces, which includes herb and vegetable gardens, outdoor tables for traditional activities, a water channel to catch and distribute rainwater, areas for play and sports, an elder's room, fireplace to gather, and an outdoor classroom designed in the traditional circular formation.⁠ To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gz9m6wq5  ⁠ Architect: Reimagine | Client: Saddle Lake Cree Nation⁠ ⁠ Photos: Christophe Bénard ⁠ JEN COL Construction ⁠| D.A. Fox Engineering Ltd - now Remedy Engineering, Inc. | Manasc Isaac - now Reimagine | V3 Companies | Mytec Framing | Western Archrib ⁠ #structuralengineering #engineeringdesign #structuraldesign #sustainability #masstimber #timberconstruction 

Westmark Lower School in Encino, California, is designed to support students with learning differences and provide them with a safe, nature-centric environment. Its innovative design, sustainable features, and commitment to inclusivity make it a model for future educational institutions. To provide a direct connection to nature, visible mass timber elements were incorporated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that inspires learning and creativity. #structuralengineering #engineeringdesign #sustainabledesign #masstimber

Earlier this summer, Fast + Epp attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Menno Hall to kick off the start of construction on this innovative and sustainably built project.⁠ ⁠ Situated between the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey Campus and the University Endowment Lands, Menno Hall will provide a diverse mix of 86 missing middle rental units, 91 student housing units, academic spaces, common areas, a large multi-functional meeting facility, a dedicated concert and meeting hall, chapel, stunning outdoor courtyards and roof top green spaces.⁠ ⁠ To support 4-6 storeys of hybrid mass timber and light wood-frame construction, three storeys - including two underground parking levels - of conventional two-way flat plate and cast-in-place concrete will be topped by an in-place transfer slab at the second level. Wood-framed shear walls supporting the CLT floor and roof panels accommodate greater un-obstructed spans and larger exposed CLT ceiling areas, creating an optimal system for the mix of residential dwelling units and common spaces.⁠ ⁠ Interested in learning more? Head to: https://lnkd.in/gXFWsCZk ⁠ Renders: SHAPE Architecture ⁠ Photo: Finn Longhurst⁠ ⁠ Architect: SHAPE Architecture | Client: PCDA and MCC Legacy Trust⁠ ⁠ Mechanical: AME Group | Electrical: AES Engineering Ltd | Civil: Core Group | Code: McAuley Consulting | CP | Envelope: Entuitive ⁠| Traffic: Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd. | General Contractor: Axiom Builders | Environmental: ⁠Diamond Head Consulting Ltd. ⁠ #structuralenginneering #engineeringdesign #timberconstruction #studenthousing #groundbreaking

Progress at the Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre is ramping up with the exterior façade now nearing completion, as the ongoing framing of the elevated inner cycle velodrome - encompassed by the outer running track ring and rising above and viewable from the centre's ground floor community spaces - brings the interior its shape.⁠ ⁠ The exterior structure consists of steel beams and steel columns with varying angles that curve and warp mass plywood panels (MPPs), which gives the façade its unique curvature. The elevated inner cycle velodrome is supported by an unbound post-tensioned concrete slab.⁠ ⁠ This centre, designed to be a world-class facility in Edmonton, balances a mix of high performance sport with community focused spaces at the ground level. Through an enclosed corridor, its connection to the adjacent aquatic centre will allow for year-round indoor triathlons – a North American first! ⁠ To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gbagpYzv ⁠ Renders: hcma | Dub Architects | FaulknerBrowns⁠ ⁠ Images: hcma ⁠ #structuralengineering #velodrome #recreationcentre #engineeringdesign⁠ ⁠

The newly opened təməseẃtxʷ Aquatic and Community Centre in New Westminster, BC responds to both the needs of the community and the surrounding site context, incorporating accessibility, sustainability and community connection as the pillars of its design. ⁠ ⁠ The centre includes a four-pool aquatic centre with sauna and steam rooms, universal washrooms and change rooms, a fitness centre, gymnasia, community rooms, childcare, administrative offices, and generous plazas and green spaces.⁠ ⁠ The envisioned clear span of roof above the 50m pool dictated a long steel truss with hanging CLT panels from the bottom chord. The sawtooth design added interest to its shape, and allowed for both passive ventilation and natural daylight to circulate the encompassed space below.⁠ ⁠ ⁠The completion of this project marks an exciting milestone as the first Aquatic Centre to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard.⁠ ⁠ Architect: hcma | Client: City of New Westminster ⁠ Photos: Nic Lehoux⁠ Heatherbrae Builders | AME Group | AES Engineering Ltd | Morrison Hershfield | PFS Studio | Aplin Martin | Kalesnikoff | West Coast Steel Ltd. | Seagate Mass Timber Inc. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gfHghD9F ⁠ #structuralengineering #engineeringdesign #sustainabledesign #sustainablebuilding⁠

Take a look at this sneak peek of the City of Edmonton's new Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre! With the exterior almost near completion, the façades unique curvature really is starting to take center stage. Learn more about this trailblazing project as North America's first indoor triathlon training facility and community centre at: https://lnkd.in/gbagpYzv hcma | Dub Architects | FaulknerBrowns