The Skeena Residence is located adjacent to the Purcell Residence. It includes 220 beds in a modified traditional format (two single bedrooms sharing a bathroom) with standard housing amenities including house lounges, informal study spaces, an activity room, and laundry facilities. The new residence supports the growing demand for on-campus student housing and student recruitment and retention, besides enhancing campus life environment and services, which helps students succeed academically and socially. The new residence also reduces commuter traffic to and from campus.
The Skeena Residence achieved Passive House (PassivHaus) certification. Passive House is an internationally recognized energy standard developed in Germany. The most significant characteristics are the airtight, high-efficiency building envelope and the heat recovery ventilation system. It is a first for UBC and advances UBC’s reputation in the community as a leader in sustainability.
Learn more
UBC Okanagan Campus Planning: Development permit
Bush Bohlman & Partners: Project Profile: UBC Okanagan Skeena Student Residences
RDH: Project Profile: UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence
Awards
2021 Canadian Wood Council Wood Design & Building Environmental Performance Award
2021 Canadian Green Building Award
2021 Net-Zero Energy-Ready Challenge Winner
In the media
Passive House Accelerator: Skeena Residence – A Community Asset
Sustainable Architecture & Building Magazine (SABMag): The winning projects of 2021 Canadian Green Building Awards
Daily Arch News: Passive House Skeena Residence by Public Design
Rethinking The Future: UBCO Skeena Residence By Public Architecture + Communication
ZEBx: Case Study: Skeena Residence
Journal of Commerce by ConstructConnect: Students move into new UBCO Skeena residence
KelownaNow: Indigenous student housing opens at UBCO this semester
e-architect: UBCO Skeena Residence in Kelowna