BCIT has unveiled Tall Timber—a striking 12-storey mass-timber tower that now claims the title of Burnaby’s tallest timber building and its first purpose-built student residence. Located on the western edge of BCIT’s Burnaby campus near the SW3 building, the new residence replaces a former surface parking lot and adds 469 new student beds, effectively doubling the school’s on-campus housing capacity to approximately 800 beds.
“This Tall Timber student housing project reflects BCIT’s commitment to fostering vibrant and inclusive communities that advance student success,” said Jeff Zabudsky, president of 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.”
The $132 million project—$129 million funded by the provincial government and $3 million raised by BCIT—features communal-style single and studio units, study lounges, office spaces, and a new public plaza designed to encourage connection and collaboration.
“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,” said Jessie Sunner, B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “With better access to housing, students can focus on developing the skills they need for their desired career and help drive our workforce forward.”
Designed by Perkins&Will and engineered by Fast+Epp, the building showcases advanced construction techniques. Large prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels were manufactured off-site and assembled on location, accelerating the build timeline. Steel-framed elevator and stair cores enabled parallel construction, while structural columns were embedded within walls to maximise usable space and eliminate awkward obstructions.
