Ta’talu Elementary School was developed as a three-storey mass timber school designed to accommodate students in grades 1 through 7, along with kindergarten spaces. The name, gifted by the Semiahmoo First Nation, translates to Little Campbell River. The design reflected sustainable principles aligned with LEED guidelines, supporting reduced environmental impact and a modern learning environment.
AME provided mechanical design services, including HVAC and plumbing systems. The mechanical scope included air-source heat pump systems to reduce reliance on gas-fuelled equipment and low-flow plumbing fixtures to support indoor water reduction. Systems were coordinated with the mass timber structure to maintain alignment with architectural requirements and avoid conflicts with structural elements.
A central atrium space required a customized approach to smoke management, resulting in the development of an alternative smoke exhaust system that met performance requirements. The original four-pipe heating and cooling distribution system was revised to a two-pipe system, maintaining thermal comfort while simplifying system design.
Image Credit: Upper Left Photography