UBC Aquatic Centre

Location	6080 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC
Architech	Acton Ostry Architects + MJMA
GC	Wales Mclelland Construction
Completed	2017
LEED	Gold Certified

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.

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.

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.

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.