Structural Designer
Fast + Epp
Client Name
Century Group
Location
Surrey, Canada
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR Century Group
ARCHITECT ZGF Architects
KEY CONTRACTORS Enersolv - Mechanical consultant Integral Group - Electrical consultant IT Construction - Construction management
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A 52-storey mixed-use office and residential tower attached to a 20-storey hotel. The traditional concrete core was replaced with a shear wall spine and bookend shear walls. The result was as economical to construct as a traditional core building.
Judge's comment: The judges were very impressed with this very thoughtful approach to the structural engineering design of this mixed-use tower. Of special note is the way that the engineers were able to improve the efficiency of the lateral stability system by adding perforated concrete shear walls on the two short sides. Conventionally, this would not be commercially acceptable. However, by working hard on the design aesthetic and liaising closely with the contractors, these shear walls became distinctive features of the building. With stability walls in the optimum position, the building became more efficient and required less concrete. It is interesting to note that the engineers had originally proposed a timber-concrete hybrid solution which would have had even greater environmental benefit. However, this does not detract from their significant achievements for this project.
Judge's comment:
The judges were very impressed with this very thoughtful approach to the structural engineering design of this mixed-use tower.
Of special note is the way that the engineers were able to improve the efficiency of the lateral stability system by adding perforated concrete shear walls on the two short sides. Conventionally, this would not be commercially acceptable. However, by working hard on the design aesthetic and liaising closely with the contractors, these shear walls became distinctive features of the building. With stability walls in the optimum position, the building became more efficient and required less concrete.
It is interesting to note that the engineers had originally proposed a timber-concrete hybrid solution which would have had even greater environmental benefit. However, this does not detract from their significant achievements for this project.