Ryder and 3XN GXN selected for housing project at University of British Columbia

Ryder Architecture, in partnership with 3XN GXN, has announced that it will provide architectural services for the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project.

The $560 million effort will deliver more than 1,500 new beds and contribute significantly to British Columbia’s remaining goal of approximately 6,700 new student beds by 2028.

The Lower Mall Precinct Phase I project will comprise five buildings and total 710,000 square feet. It will include an 18-story tower, an eight-story solid wood hybrid prototype structure, and the adaptive reuse of a historic fire hall.

The development also includes 1,508 student housing beds (1,333 new and 175 replacement), focusing on graduate students, a 400-seat dining hall, 37 new childcare spaces, common amenity spaces and academic and administrative office spaces that honor the communal heritage of St. John’s. College.

The project aims to set new standards for sustainability and inclusion on campus. The buildings will target net zero emissions by 2035, achieve LEED Gold certification and adhere to the LEED UBC Implementation Guide. In addition, they will be zero-waste-ready, achieving a 10% reduction in embodied carbon.

Climate resilience and biodiversity are crucial and align with provincial frameworks and UBC guidelines for climate adaptation and bird-friendly design. Delivering inclusive design will include fully accessible architecture to support UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan and Positive Space Campaign.

“By integrating wood mass technologies and joining CleanBC’s initiatives, we are committed to advancing UBC’s sustainability goals,” said Adam James, principal at Ryder Architecture. “Our team, supported by research-based studio 3XN GXN, is pioneering strategic sustainability in the construction industry.”

In 2023, Ryder and 3XN GXN established the Lower Mall Precinct Development Plan in partnership with Gehl Studio. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to the project and have an intimate understanding of the UBC site and processes. Ryder’s previous student housing collaborations, including the award-winning tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ residence, also demonstrate a commitment to design excellence that aligns with UBC’s goals.

“Our partnership with 3XN GXN is based on shared values ​​of placing people at the center of architecture,” said James. “We are honored to contribute to UBC’s vision to create innovative, affordable, inclusive and climate-resilient student housing that enhances the overall university experience.”

The team of architects will create spaces that promote well-being, social interaction and environmental stewardship in pursuit of innovation and sustainability. “Our approach goes beyond LEED to inherently address sustainability as part of our process,” said James. “We focus on carbon, resilience, biodiversity, hydrology and materials to create spaces that are not only sustainable, but also enhance the well-being of their inhabitants.”

The project’s focus on affordable and specialist housing aims to address the need for student accommodation in a socially cohesive environment, whilst reducing pressure on the local off-campus rental market. Its goals include community spaces that inspire and support human-centered design and well-being.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2026, with the project expected to open to students in phases beginning in the fall of 2028 and completion in the fall of 2029.