Virtuoso consists of two, six-storey wood framed buildings with 110 residential units offering five unique unit types, constructed above a two-level parking garage. The project is set within fully landscaped green spaces, steps away from the Wesbrook Community Centre. This is the 10th project completed by Adera Development Corp., in the community of Wesbrook Village at UBC, an area designed for faculty and staff housing. Cross laminated mass timber was used structurally as floor plates for these buildings. The use of this mass timber is a cost savings of 4%, as it is sustainable, quieter and seismically more flexible than concrete. UBC applies Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) Gold standards to all their residential properties. REAP ensures lower consumption of water, energy, resources, and higher quality indoor environments and construction practices.
Williams Engineering (WE) provided detailed mechanical engineering (plumbing & HVAC) for this project. The building’s central heating plant utilizes the UBC District Energy System (DES) for its space and ventilation heating requirements. A central chiller, quietly hidden away in the parkade, serves the building’s air-conditioning requirements. Individual hydronic fan-coils, each equipped with a direct outdoor air intake, and a thermally metered six-way control/changeover valve, provide ventilation and comfort (heating or cooling) within each suite by utilizing a four-pipe distribution system. The thermal metering systems of the heating water and chilled water provides opportunity for each owner to monitor the energy being used within their suite. A central air handler, also equipped with hydronic heating and cooling coils, provides tempered air to all corridors and common areas. Plumbing systems utilize low flow fixtures to minimize domestic water use and related energy consumption. The central domestic hot water plant also utilizes the DES for all its energy requirements. The Fire Protection sprinkler and standpipe system is designed to meet all NFPA 13 & NFPA 14 requirements.
The community of Wesbrook village is thriving amidst the new condominium additions. Williams Engineering values all projects that promote the growth of safe, sustainable and resilient communities, while providing innovative and impactful solutions for our client’s needs.
