Transforming a campus pub into a state of-the-art learning space

The University of the Fraser Valley brought new classrooms and admin offices to life in a timeline nobody thought possible.

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Modern classroom built with writeable modular solid and glass walls

The education landscape is changing. To maintain enrollment, learning spaces have to be engaging, responsive, and powered by technology. By building with DIRTT, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) showed they were ready to grow.

  • Location

    ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA

  • SQ FT

    18,240

  • DIRTT INSTALL

    3 weeks

  • Architect

    CHERNOFF THOMPSON ARCHITECTS

  • Designer

    CHERNOFF THOMPSON ARCHITECTS

  • General Contractor

    CHANDOS CONSTRUCTION

DIRTT
DIRTT

The Challenge

When students and faculty at the University of the Fraser Valley were displaced by campus construction, the school decided to convert a nearby restaurant. They had less than a year to design Building K and open the doors on a new active-learning space in time for the fall semester. Conventional construction methods wouldn’t have met that timeline, but the DIRTT modular construction system could.

University common area with flexible construction based on modular walls
Ed White Photographics / Chernoff Thompson Architects

Our Solution

DIRTT’s expertise in prefabricated construction means we can handle tight timelines. For UFV, we precision-built all the components for new classrooms in our facilities while the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing were being roughed in on-site. This cut weeks off the construction schedule. Plus, once the site was ready, our wall assemblies quickly tipped up into place.

DIRTT Solid Walls aren’t just partitions. We design them to allow easy access to network and electrical infrastructure and build them to exacting acoustical standards. Building K features vibrant colored wall panels, 10-foot windows, integrated technology, and writable surfaces.

Gallery image 1
Hallway of college campus made with modular center mount glass walls
Hallway of modern university with modular glass walls and wall graphics

The Impact

Working closely with our partners, we met the deadline and had the new classrooms ready for the fall semester. The new space solved an immediate challenge and set up UFV to efficiently handle future needs. That’s because DIRTT components can be taken apart and reassembled in different combinations, so spaces can evolve without costly renovations.

Learn more about UFV's approach to active learning here.

DIRTT and this technology today allow us to make a substantial difference to the learners of the future.”

Mark Goudsblom
Director of Campus Planning and Facilities Management, The University of the Fraser Valley

Project Includes:

    Our Process

    Build with a construction system that gives total design freedom and greater certainty in cost, schedule, and outcomes. Our intelligent framework leverages advanced technology for a simpler experience. Create the space you envisioned faster and cleaner, with exacting precision.

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