Location
  • Victoria, BC
Client
  • FVB Energy Inc.
Completion
2019
Size
  • 710 sq m
  • 7,642 sq ft
Sustainability
  • Targeting LEED® Gold certification
Collaborators
  • FVB Energy Inc.
DIALOG Services
  • Architecture
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The University of Victoria district energy plant (DEP) replaces three separate natural gas-fired boilers that dated back several decades. Heat is pumped from the new plant through a vast network of hot-water pipes to 32 buildings on campus. This new plant has had a direct and immediate benefit to university operations, as well as the environment, with a 10% annual reduction in the amount of energy required to heat facilities on campus. This highly sustainable project is targeting LEED® Gold certification, underscoring the University’s commitment to environmentally responsible facilities. DIALOG also provided LEED® consulting and energy modeling services on this project.

01/23
uvic dep northeast v2
Brightly coloured beacon The DEP was designed to be a vibrant addition to campus, as well as highly efficient infrastructure. The coloured piping keys in with signage that explains the plant’s functions.
uvic dep north facade
Striking architecture The sloping roof and extensive windows on two sides of the DEP make this building visually unique on campus and an exciting platform to showcase the plant’s inner workings.
uvic dep east facade
Tucked into the trees The DEP is nestled into the woods in a parking lot on campus. The forest serves as an appropriate backdrop for the environmentally responsible piece of campus infrastructure.
uvic dep daytime
Minimal ecological impact The DEP was situated in such a way as to have a minimal impact on sensitive campus ecology. Only 20 trees were removed, and the University planned to replace them with 30 new ones.
uvic dep boilers
Three boilers at work The plant is driven by three separate boilers working in conjunction to heat hot water and pump it out to 32 buildings around campus. Coloured piping connects to the boilers.
uvic dep process piping v2
Colour-coded pipes The design team worked with the operations team to choose a colour scheme for piping in the DEP. Each colour represents a different task or substance being carried in that pipe.
uvic dep control room
Extensive use of wood This project makes extensive use of engineered wood, including cross-laminated timber panels on the sloping roof structure and glulam structural columns that support the roof.
uvic dep boiler lights
Illuminating the process LED light projected onto the boilers illustrates the stage / process currently underway in that specific piece of equipment; that information ties in to the digital signboards.
uvic dep operations room wood
Big plant, small ops room A small control room in the back corner of the plant runs the entire operation. The room was specifically located in that area so as not to obscure visitors’ view of the equipment
uvic dep clt panel
CLT wall panels as well The DEP boasts CLT wall panels made from locally-sourced timber. The panels provide a very distinctive feel to the space while supporting the university’s sustainability mandate.
uvic dep piping labels
Bold colouring abounds Bright, vibrant colours light up the space inside the DEP, and help visitors trace the process of converting hot water into heat for classrooms across the large campus.
uvic dep garden signage
Signage to educate visitors The design team created extensive signage that supports the educational component of this LEED ® Gold project, including digital dashboards and traditional signage around the site.
uvic dep stacks west elevation v2
Three boilers, three stacks The three stacks in the southwest corner of the DEP correspond to the three boilers inside the plant. Infographics show visitors how they are tied in to plant operations.
uvic dep southeast corner v2
A sloped and pitched roof The roof structure of the DEP takes inspiration from the nearby Interfaith Chapel. This view shows how the roof is both sloped and pitched to shed rain and add aesthetic appeal.
uvic dep signage v2
Signage for visitors There are numerous signage points around the exterior of the DEP that explain the various pieces of plant equipment and their function to visitors, making this project very unique.
uvic dep sample signs 2 v2
Sample graphics for signs These four signs are an example of the signage that has been put up around the plant. This highly educational component of the project is unique among district energy plants.
uvic dep process diagram v3
Process diagram for ops This diagram shows visitors how the plant works, and what each of the individually coloured pipes in the plant do in the operational process, or carry to and from the boilers.
uvic dep plant tour
Opportunities to learn This map shows the location of signage and tour stops in the DEP. Visitors can stop at each of these locations to learn more about plant operations, thanks to the infographics.
uvic dep plant diagram 2
Coloured pipe jacketing Each of the pipes in the DEP have specially colour-coded pipe jacketing, so that their function in plant operations is clear. This graphic shows what each colour pipe does.
uvic dep piping map v2
Map of the DEP network This map of the DEP network on the east side of the plant shows visitors just how many buildings it serves on the UVic campus. 32 buildings are now being heated by the DEP.
uvic dep infographic
Infographics at work This illustration shows how the signage around the plant is put into effect, as well as the design and educational intent behind the signs.
uvic dep digital signage
Digital signboards at work Two digital signboards at the DEP, one outside and one inside, provide a real-time illustration of plant operations so visitors can see how much energy is being produced.
uvic dep bench signage v2
Seeing how it all works One of the larger signboards at the DEP is incorporated into the hardscaping, and explains the crucial role the piping plays in plant operations.

Meet The Team

UVEC Diagrams 160824 22 mediumdialog

It started with a sketch

This was a simple design The DEP design was based on the nearby interfaith chapel, which boasted a pitched roof as well as a smaller footprint.
uvic dep rendering roof

The design story 01

Incorporating wood elements

Locally-sourced CLT panels are part of the roof and back wall structure of the DEP.

uvic dep rendering glazing

The design story 02

Showing off plant operations

The design team chose to use as much glass as possible on the public-facing sides the building.

uvic dep rendering all exterior

The design story 03

Connected roof & cladding structure

The black corrugated metal DEP roof structure carries through to the back wall of the building.

uvic dep rendering campus map

The design story 04

Spreading across campus

The network of piping for the new DEP spreads across campus, connecting 32 buildings to the plant, which is located on the south-west corner of the university.

uvic dep rendering floor plan

The design story 05

Strong lines flow inside the DEP

The DEP’s simple layout maximizes viewing and educational opportunities for visitors to the plant.

uvic dep rendering connections

The design story 06

Well designed access routes

Access to the DEP was carefully considered. People wishing to learn about plant operations can easily walk there, and service vehicles can reach the plant via secondary routes.

uvic dep rendering landscape

The design story 07

Landscaping to integrate the DEP

The landscaping plan for the DEP site works to integrate the building into the campus, while still providing a pleasant view corridor from the Interfaith Chapel to the south.

uvic dep rendering northeast

The design story 08

Steeply pitched roof

This rendering provides a clear representation of the DEP roof structure slope. It also illustrates the prominence of the northeast corner of the building in the public realm.

uvic dep rendering east

The design story 09

North elevation rendering

The north side of the DEP is predominantly window wall, so people can view the plant layout and operations. The glass and vibrant colours inside create a strong visual statement.

uvic dep rendering west

The design story 10

Northeast corner, DEP

The window walls on the east and north sides of the DEP, creating a strong architectural statement and proving that infrastructure buildings can be aesthetically appealing.

uvic dep rendering stacks

The design story 11

West elevation, DEP

This elevation of the DEP shows the service entrances on the south side, as well as the screening for mechanical and service components of the building not part of operations.

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