TILT UP CONSTRUCTION
Heritage Woods Secondary School
Address: 1300 David Ave., Port Moody, BC
Owner: School District No. 43 - Coquitlam
Architects: Killick Metz Bowen Rose Architects Planners Inc.
Structural Engineer: Bush Bohlman & Partners
General Contractor: DGS Construction Ltd.
Ready-Mix Supplier: Rempel Bros. Concrete Ltd
With the first LEED registered public school project in BC, the project team for Heritage Woods Secondary School in Port Moody, set out to strike the optimal balance between creating the ideal learning environment and minimizing future operating costs.
Using materials to perform multiple functions is an important strategy in Green Design and for this compact 3-story building, the design team chose to exploit the strength, durability and aesthetic qualities of concrete to provide building structure, highly abuse resistant surfaces as finish material, as well as architectural appeal.
Stepped into a south facing slope, large expanses of glazing fill the interior of the building with daylight. The majority of exterior and many interior walls are tilt up slabs; ground smooth and finished with a clear sealer to express the qualities of concrete as the finished material – and reduce the requirement for additional coverings. Inside, a rhythm of soaring tilt-up concrete portal frames lend a majestic quality to the three and a half storey atrium.
The exposed slab on grade was poured towards the end of the construction period to ensure a quality appearance of the finished floor surface.
Constructed in only twelve months, this 12,000 square meter building has its targets clearly in sight: a LEED Silver rating, a bright and durable learning environment for students, and dramatically reduced maintenance and operating costs for the School District over the life of the building.
