Stunning, Sustainable Wood Design

BC Ferries has set sail upon a program of renewing their passenger facilities at all terminals. The new prototypical retail and ticketing facility at Departure Bay creates an open and inviting setting for retailers and the traveling public while accommodating over 300,000 foot passengers annually. The design is typified by an elegant wood fascia and ceiling floating above glass walls focussed on the sea vistas beyond. It utilizes the very best innovative design in engineered wood to symbolically bring together the meeting of the forest and the sea.

For this project, the client set high sustainable design goals and low operating budgets. As the building envelope consultant, RJC reviewed and advised on the architect’s preliminary and construction designs to ensure they would satisfy the client's goals.

The Departure Bay Ferry Terminal building is located on the waterfront, so RJC developed and detailed a wall system that would resist the high exposure to the elements. A combination of precast concrete walls insulated with spray foam insulation and a curtain wall window system were also used to achieve the client’s objectives.

Through the use of innovative structural systems, natural day lighting, a sophisticated Sea Loop heat exchange system and a radiant heat floor slab, this project achieved LEED® silver rating within its budget parameters and has set a new standard for BC Ferries on economical and efficient designs for their terminals.

Because wood is such a strong element of the design, the architects took two key steps to ensure the long-term durability of the fir veneer in British Columbia's sea air and rain environment. The fascias are designed to slope sharply from the edge keeping them out of the line of the direct rain. The entire assembly was initially rigorously and successfully tested by Forintek Canada for Boiling Water Emersion Test, Dry Peel Test, and Room Temperature Delamination Test giving the client and architect confidence in the application. Specific tests one year after installation of the exterior fascia indicate absolutely no deterioration of any component.

During the construction phase, RJC provided site services to assist the architect in ensuring that the contractor’s work was performed in accordance with the architect’s documentation.