October 21, 2009

ROYAL ARCHITECTURAL INSTITUTE OF CANADA

The Institution of Structural Engineers has awarded Fast + Epp its Sports or Leisure Structures Award for the firm’s work on the Richmond Olympic Oval roof.

Structural engineering

Fast + Epp wins international award for Richmond Olympic Oval roof

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

With the 2010 Winter Olympics Games just months away, the Richmond Olympic Oval and its designers have reached the top of the international podium in structural design.

“To go up against the best and come away successful gives us a little taste of what an athlete must feel like,” says Duane Palibroda, managing associate with Fast + Epp Structural Engineers.

“This is quite something. To be chosen to just come to the table is quite an honour in itself with such worthy projects — everyone knows about the Bird’s Nest and the Wimbledon Centre.”

The Institution of Structural Engineers has awarded Fast + Epp its Sports or Leisure Structures award for the firm’s work on the Richmond Olympic Oval Roof. This honour marks the first major international award for the Oval and placed it ahead of nominees such as the 2008 Olympic Games’ Beijing National Stadium (a.k.a. the Bird’s Nest) in Beijing, China, the Wimbledon Centre Court roof in London, England and the New Elephant House in, Copenhagen.

Based in London, the Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organization dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.

Fast + Epp officials were joined by representatives from the City of Richmond and architects Cannon Design at the awards presentation. Palibroda said the award is as much a testament to the innovative nature of the long-track speed skating Oval as it is to the team that built it.

“It was the City of Richmond that set the bar high for the design team and pushed the use of wood. They were consistent with their support throughout the process,” Palibroda said.

“Cannon Design had a strong design from start to finish. Everything worked so well together because there was such a tight integrated process.”

A unique blend of building materials, including British Columbia wood from forests killed by the mountain pine-beetle were used to design the structural elements that integrate and conceal the roof’s mechanical systems. This integration allows the Oval to provide a unique and impressive stage for competition.

“When you look at the Oval it is obviously covering a big clear span area of 6.5 acres essentially with a wood product and I think that captured everyone’s attention,” says Palibroda. “It is not only an efficient use of wood but an innovative use of wood as well.”

The roof’s v-shaped composite wood and steel arches span 100 metres and fully integrate necessary mechanical and electrical systems, also received nods from the judges.

“The innovative use of that material also created a really unique aesthetic, enhancing the acoustical performance of the venue,” notes Palibroda. “Everyone has commented to how acoustically superior it is compared to other large structures like it.”

Fast + Epp also received the David Alsop Sustainability Award for achievement in structural design, where outstanding commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment has been demonstrated.

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