News

Second Building of University of Victoria's New Student Residence Facility Reaches Occupancy

The University of Victoria New Student Residence Facility has achieved occupancy in its second building. It involves construction of a 782-bed building with a 600-seat dining hall that sets a new standard for student housing, campus life, and sustainability. The project was set out in two phases, one for each sequentially constructed building. The first building, which reached occupancy in July 2022, includes 398 beds and a new food services facility. The second building is 11 storeys: one level for academic classrooms; one level for conferencing; and nine levels for residential, containing 384 beds.

The team explored and evaluated reliable and sustainable suppliers close to the site, selecting Kalesnikoff Mass Timber (“Kalesnikoff ), whose head office is in Castlegar, British Columbia. Kalesnikoff shipped the mass timber based on the project schedule. To ensure high-quality constructability, the mass timber was installed soon after delivery of the material.

The project is a joint venture with Kinetic Construction. EllisDon is leading the project and construction management, quality, mechanical, electrical and information technology, and overall administration. Kinetic Construction is overseeing the field management activities and their safety program is being used for the project.

The project is seeking LEED Gold and Passive House certification.