When BCIT students move into the new 12-storey Tall Timber Student Housing, they are stepping into more than just a building. They become part of a vibrant community hub that was built with them in mind and by a province-wide collaboration grounded in generosity, sustainability, and shared vision.
Meeting student needs
For years, the demand for student housing at BCIT has far outpaced availability. Previously, the Burnaby campus could only accommodate 336 students. Now, with the opening of the Tall Timber Student Housing, BCIT has significantly expanded its residential capacity with an additional 469 beds to better serve the student population.
Each floor of the new residence was thoughtfully designed to cultivate a community through shared spaces. In addition to fully furnished private units, the building features shared kitchens and lounges to encourage students to gather, share meals, and build relationships. The building also includes collaborative study spaces for group projects and presentations and flex spaces for mediation and yoga, providing a balance of academic focus and personal well-being.
All of the features, in addition to having a student Residential Advisor on each floor supported by an on-site Residential Manager, ensure that students thrive holistically in academics, social growth, and emotional development.
Sustainable by design
The Tall Timber Student Housing stands as a model for sustainable and ethical construction. Built to Energy Step Code 4, the residence meets the highest standards for energy efficiency holding LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building Design certifications. It also has Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility certification ensuring navigable spaces for student with mobility challenges.
The mass timber used in construction was locally sourced from Castlegar, BC, with structural components fabricated in Mission, Surrey, and Vancouver. This commitment to local sourcing not only reduced the project’s carbon footprint but also supported BC businesses, reinforcing the belief that community extends beyond the campus.
Grounded in Indigenous knowledge
As part of BCIT’s commitment to truth and reconciliation, the landscaping around the residence was designed to reflect the history and knowledge of the Coast Salish Peoples, on whose unceded lands the campus resides. The grounds include native and medicinal plants such as vine maple and Pacific ninebark, chosen for their cultural significance and environmental value.
Powered by philanthropy
Funded in part by the INSPIRE Campaign—the largest fundraising initiative in BCIT history—the Tall Timber Student Housing was made possible thanks to the generous contributions from the provincial government and donors, including Ledcor, Russ Cmolik, and an anonymous lead supporter. Their commitment to secure, inclusive, and affordable student housing helps BCIT deliver on its strategic priority of building connected communities and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals and community leaders.
Led by the BCIT Foundation, the INSPIRE Campaign is a bold and transformational effort to reimagine how BCIT delivers applied education for a complex world. The campaign mobilizes philanthropic support to improve access and inclusion, teaching and learning innovation, and campus redevelopment. It is shaping a future where BCIT graduates are not only job-ready but are also equipped to thrive in communities and industries.
The Tall Timber Student Housing now joins the Health Sciences Centre and the Beedie Plaza as part of BCIT’s broader campus redevelopment efforts supported by the INSPIRE Campaign. With additional projects such as the upcoming Trades and Technology Complex: Concert Properties Centre for Trades and Technology, Robert Bosa Carpentry Pavilion, Mott Electric Pavilion, and the BCIT Marine and Mass Timber Pavilion, BCIT continues to align its infrastructure with its values of collaboration, inclusion, sustainability, and respect for community.
Find out how you can support student success through the BCIT Foundation.