UBC Aquatic Centre

Location 6080 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Architech Acton Ostry Architects + MJMA
GC Heatherbrae Builders
Project Date 2017
LEED Gold Certified
cascadia shading ubc aquatic centre
cascadia shading ubc aquatic centre
Dynamic form that dramatically reveals activities taking place within.

Completed in 2017, the 8,000 square metre Aquatic Centre is located at the University of British Columbia’s, Point Grey Campus. The new facility accommodates high performance training, community aquatics and student campus life. Angular massing, a soaring roof canopy and extensive glazing merge to create a dynamic form that dramatically reveals activities taking place within.

cascadia shading ubc pool
cascadia shading ubc pool
cascadia shading ubc project
cascadia shading ubc project

A central skylight spine brings natural light into the center of the space while our ES SERIES motorized shades control the light coming through the south facing glazing.

Installation was a challenge with the deep pocket detail and working to accommodate the sloped roofline. Each shade had to be hung stepped up or down from the next to compliment the angles of the structure.

View the drawing

Using a mixer of ladders and scissor lifts we were able to get the job done. The controls are hardwired back to the main admin office so we had to set the limits for the shades with a limit setting tool at each location then wire the shade and attach the closure.  

View the drawing
The Shades
The Shades
Concourse
Concourse

We had to take extra care in levelling the shades to make sure the fabric would not “telescope” and damage the fabric.

The transformation from the rough to finished state was dramatic but installation was done over a 2 week period and was made easier with the great work of the general contractor Wales Mclelland.

ubc aquatic centre
ubc aquatic centre
UBC Aquatic centre Roofline
UBC Aquatic centre Roofline

The details

Shade Detail

LEGRAND Solarfective – ES-3 Motorized Pocket Detail

Operation

Somfy Sonesse 50 PA Motors Hardwired Momentary Switches and MGC’s

Hardware

Ceiling White Hembar, Hanger and Closure