Tall Timber building boosts student housing at BCIT’s Burnaby campus

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has officially opened its new Tall Timber student housing residence at the Burnaby campus, expanding affordable on-campus housing options for students.

“We’re excited to bring more affordable student housing to BCIT’s Burnaby campus for the first time in 40 years,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “This new facility will offer students more housing options steps away from their classes, reduce commute times and ease pressure on the local rental market. With better access to housing, students can focus on developing the skills they need for their desired career and help drive our workforce forward.”

The 12-storey mass-timber building adds 469 student beds, more than doubling the number of on-campus housing spaces at BCIT. The building includes a mix of communal-style single and studio units, a ground-floor common area, an outdoor accessible plaza, and study and office spaces. The project was designed to foster an inclusive, collaborative and supportive student community.

“The Tall Timber student housing project reflects BCIT’s commitment to fostering vibrant and inclusive communities that advance student success,” said Jeff Zabudsky, president, BCIT. “In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia and generous donors, BCIT is helping students thrive while preparing them for meaningful careers that drive prosperity in B.C.”

As the tallest building in Burnaby built using mass timber, a renewable and lower-carbon alternative to traditional concrete construction, this project was planned with sustainability at its core. The building’s fully electric design and high-performing building envelope also helps it meet B.C.’s Energy Step Code 4, the highest level of energy efficiency for this type of structure. The building has also received a CaGBC Net Zero certification.