This post originally appeared on DIRTT’s company blog. NPPGov has reposted it with permission. You can find the original post here.

UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY – BUILDING K:

Active learning meets proactive construction

Some people thought the University of the Fraser Valley couldn’t do it. Students couldn’t see how the old campus pub could be a meaningful learning space. Stakeholders weren’t sure the renovation would be completed on time. But this school wasn’t going to let that stand in the way of putting their students first.

Let’s rewind. In 2018, UFV needed a swing space to handle displaced students and faculty from another construction project. They bought a nearby restaurant and got ready to convert it into classrooms and admin offices. But they only had a year to do it. Design a building, gut the campus pub, and get an active-learning student space ready for fall 2019. Conventional construction couldn’t meet that deadline, but with DIRTT they could do it all.

Using prefabricated construction meant that as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing were being roughed in, the classrooms were being built off-site. Having both these things happen at the same time cut weeks from the schedule. Once the base building was ready, the walls went up in no time. And these aren’t only partitions to separate rooms. The walls had vibrant colors, integrated tech and 10-foot windows to let the light in. Writable surfaces in every classroom support teachers and students in their active-learning plan.

But Building K isn’t just a space for today. It’s a space that can adapt for tomorrow. The next time the University of the Fraser Valley needs to renovate, they’re ready. UFV can reconfigure DIRTT and customize their learning spaces.

Learn more about UFV’s approach to a active learning here.

“DIRTT and this technology today allows us to make a substantial difference to the learners of the future.“

– MARK GOUDSBLOM

DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS PLANNING AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF THE FRASER VALLEY

About DIRTT

DIRTT is building process powered by technology. We use our proprietary ICE software to help design, manufacture, and install fully-customized interior environments. This same software provides clients with certainty around cost, schedule and final outcomes. With modular components and a streamlines construction process, complete interior spaces are constructed faster, cleaner, and more sustainably.

Click here to access the NPPGov cooperative contract with DIRTT.

About NPPGov

NPPGov is a national cooperative procurement organization offering publicly solicited contracts to government entities nationwide. Our contracts are created through a public solicitation by a Lead Public Agency. Access to our cooperative contracts is complimentary and includes no purchasing obligations.

NPPGov serves Government and Nonprofit organizations, and our Public Safety GPO and Law Enforcement GPO include contracts that focus on Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement. All members have access to a broad range of publicly solicited contracts with discounted pricing, as well as individual discount programs. NPPGov provides live contract support five days a week with a dedicated team to assist members through all stages of the procurement process.

Benefits of cooperative contracts:

• Competitively bid, no additional RFP necessary

• Saves time and money in the procurement process

• Live contract support

NPPGov is the government division of National Purchasing Partners (NPP), owned by nonprofit hospitals. A substantial portion of NPPGov proceeds help support medical research and healthcare initiatives. Learn more at www.nppgov.com.