Ryder Architecture, in partnership with 3XN GXN, will provide architectural services for the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project.
This $560-million endeavour includes the largest provincially funded housing project to date, delivering over 1,500 new beds and significantly contributing to British Columbia’s remaining target of approximately 6,700 new student housing beds by 2028.
The Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project will encompass five buildings, totalling 710,000 square feet. It will include an 18-storey tower, an eight-storey mass timber 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.
● Academic and administrative office spaces honouring the communal legacy of St. John’s College.
The project aims to set new standards for sustainability and inclusivity on campus. The buildings will target net-zero emissions by 2035, achieve LEED Gold certification, and adhere to the UBC LEED Implementation Guide. They will be zero-waste ready, achieving a 10 per cent reduction in embodied carbon. Climate resilience and biodiversity are integral, aligning with provincial frameworks and UBC guidelines for climate adaptation and bird-friendly design. Delivering inclusive design will include fully accessible architecture supportive of UBC’s Inclusion Action Plan and Positive Space Campaign.
“By integrating mass timber technologies and adhering to CleanBC initiatives, we are committed to advancing UBC’s sustainability goals,” said Adam James, principal at Ryder Architecture. “Our team, supported by 3XN GXN’s research-driven studio, pioneers strategic sustainability within the construction industry.”
UBC’s Point Grey campus presents unique challenges and opportunities in one of the world’s most expensive real estate markets. The project’s focus on affordable, specialized housing addresses the pressing need for student accommodation in a socially cohesive environment while easing pressure on the local rental market beyond the campus.
Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with the project expected to open for students in phases starting in fall 2028 and completing in fall 2029.
