Ryder and 3XN GXN selected for University of British Columbia housing project
Ryder Architecture, in partnership with 3XN GXN, has announced that they will provide architectural services for the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project.
The $560-million endeavour will deliver more than 1,500 new beds and significantly contribute to British Columbia’s remaining target of roughly 6,700 new student housing beds by 2028.
The Lower Mall Precinct Phase One project will encompass five buildings, and total 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 and 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. Additionally, they will be zero-waste ready, achieving a 10 per cent reduction in embodied carbon.
Climate resilience and biodiversity are crucial, and align with provincial frameworks and UBC guidelines for climate adaptation and a 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.”
In 2023, Ryder and 3XN GXN established the Lower Mall Precinct Development Plan in partnership with Gehl Studio. Together, they bring a wealth of experience to the project and have an intimate understanding of the site and UBC’s processes. Ryder’s previous collaborations on student housing, including the award-winning tə šxʷhəleləm̓s tə k̓ʷaƛ̓kʷəʔaʔɬ residence, also demonstrate a commitment to design excellence that aligns with UBC’s goals.
“Our partnership with 3XN GXN is based on shared values of placing people at the heart of architecture,” said James. “We are honoured to contribute to UBC’s vision of creating innovative, affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient student housing that enhances the overall university experience.”
The architect team will create spaces that promote well-being, social interaction, and environmental stewardship in pursuit of innovation and sustainability. “Our approach goes beyond LEED to inherently address sustainability as part of our process,” said James. “We focus on carbon, resilience, biodiversity, hydrology, and materials to create spaces that are not only sustainable but also enhance the well-being of their inhabitants.”
The project’s focus on affordable, specialized housing aims to address the need for student accommodation in a socially cohesive environment while easing pressure on the local rental market beyond the campus. Its objectives include community spaces that inspire and support human-centred design and well-being.
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.
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