
The project involved renovating a warehouse in the UBC Endowment Lands into a vibrant food hub with public gathering spaces, laboratories, workshops, and a greenhouse. The main challenge was to create a year-round, comfortable space without mechanical systems, relying instead on heat generated by occupants. We selected gabion stone as the building’s heat battery for its thermal mass, low embodied carbon, and natural ventilation properties. Combined with the existing wooden trusses, the stone and wood create a distinct character.
The design is organized into four sections: a public wing featuring a café, test kitchen, reception, and student lounges; a specialized wing with laboratories, workshops, and a materials library; a central greenhouse that grows citrus trees; and an additional greenhouse extending from the entrance to the south end of the building. In summer, the central greenhouse opens to the outdoors, blending the interior with the landscape while hosting events like farmers markets, concerts, and conferences. Edible local plants are integrated throughout the site to engage visitors and support local wildlife. Additionally, a restored bioswale creates a habitat for the endangered red-legged frog and offers a scenic pathway linking the site to nearby streets.