Third Space Commons: Testing the Boundaries of Sustainable Building
"The project represented an opportunity to test the boundaries of what is possible with a focus on carbon emissions, energy usage, and sustainability."
— Matt Mumford
Continued from page 23
but it also sequesters carbon during the curing process. Thus, as the building dries, it constantly sucks carbon into the walls and continues to do so for 40 to 50 years, creating a positive environmental effect.
Additional sustainable elements incorporated into the design of Third Space Commons included a raised helical steel pile foundation, natural ventilation, daylighting, rainwater capture, and seismic design.
With Third Space Commons, Third Quadrant Design was able to produce up to 80 percent fewer carbon emissions than if they had used conventional building methods and materials. As a result, the team received the B.C. Embodied Carbon Award 2023 for Small Building Construction from the Carob Leadership Forum (CLF) British Columbia.
The project also placed third overall in the 2023 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon Build Challenge and earned first place in several categories including Embodied Environmental Impact. Third Space will now serve as an institutional building for the Applied Science teams at UBC to further research sustainable design and construction methods and materials.
"The industry partners involved in this project include prominent North American architectural firms, builders, and developers who are all acutely aware of the impact our built environment has on climate change," noted UCS Forest Group's Mumford. "The project represented an opportunity to test the boundaries of what is possible with a focus on carbon emissions, energy usage, and sustainability. It was also a great opportunity to work with and learn from the next generation of project managers, architects and engineers."
"For us, as students, it was an amazing opportunity to really engage in a hands-on way and see a concept through all its stages from beginning to end. That's something you cannot usually do at the beginning of your career," Theall said.
Ben Rener, a member of the student team, noted that strong leadership is needed to adopt a new approach to sustainability and that students can be a driving force for adoption of circular economic practices. "We learned throughout this process that it is important to challenge common understandings on how our spaces are designed, built, and used," said Rener. "We hope this project has inspired the community to test norms and push the limits of sustainability."
Wood clearly has an important story to tell in the circular economy. Design thought leaders note that LEED has played a role, as has growing consumer awareness, in pushing the industry towards circular economic thinking and development. The construction of Third Space Commons, a high-performance building, illustrates the potential of green building innovation and will live on as a living laboratory, a research opportunity to obtain solid data on innovative materials and building practices.
Frequently asked questions
How much did Third Space Commons reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional construction?+
Third Quadrant Design produced up to 80 percent fewer carbon emissions with Third Space Commons than would have resulted from conventional building methods and materials.
What awards did Third Space Commons receive for its sustainable design?+
The project received the B.C. Embodied Carbon Award 2023 for Small Building Construction from the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) British Columbia. It also placed third overall in the 2023 U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon Build Challenge and took first place in several categories, including Embodied Environmental Impact.
How does Third Space Commons sequester carbon over time?+
As the building dries and cures, it continuously absorbs carbon into the walls, and this sequestration process continues for 40 to 50 years, creating a positive environmental effect.
What sustainable design features were incorporated into Third Space Commons?+
Sustainable elements included a raised helical steel pile foundation, natural ventilation, daylighting, rainwater capture, and seismic design.
What will Third Space Commons be used for after the Solar Decathlon?+
Third Space Commons will serve as an institutional building for the Applied Science teams at UBC, functioning as a living laboratory to further research sustainable design and construction methods and materials.
Who were the project partners involved in Third Space Commons?+
Industry partners included prominent North American architectural firms, builders, and developers, along with UCS Forest Group. The project also engaged student project managers, architects, and engineers as part of the next generation of design professionals.