UBC Okanagan Skeena Residence

As the first Passive House-certified student residence in Canada, Skeena Residence at UBCO is a high-performance living lab. The six-storey building completes the campus ensemble encircling Commons Field, acting as a pedestrian-oriented street wall that prioritizes both energy efficiency and human connection. On the ground level, social hubs like lounges and activity rooms foster happenstance gatherings, while upper floors offer quiet study areas accessed by light-filled, extroverted stairs. To achieve rigorous Passive House standards, the design utilizes a simplified form and deep-recessed windows to manage solar gain seasonally. Beyond housing 220 students, Skeena serves as an industry accelerator, equipped with integrated sensors to monitor real-time energy performance and occupant comfort.