Simon Fraser University Phase 2 Student Residence
Learning in a thriving social environment
Higher Education
Courtyard Residence at Simon Fraser University’s (SFU) Burnaby Mountain gateway introduces a new hybrid model for student living – one that meets the growing need for welcoming spaces where students can live, connect, and feel at home.
Positioned at the entrance to SFU’s residence precinct, Courtyard Residence shapes the campus’s first impression. It reimagines SFU’s modernist legacy through a contemporary lens focused on wellness and inclusion, offering students a space that eases their transition into university life.
Spanning 140,000 square feet, the building brings together 369 first-year beds, 17 hotel-style suites, two faculty apartments, and 6,100 square feet of administrative space – all under one roof, turning a compact site into a vibrant, net-zero-ready campus core.
Contrasting textures and colours in precast panels, vertically patterned glazing, and subtle window accents come together and evoke a sense of lightness to SFU’s traditionally concrete architecture. Mass timber softens the space with comfort and warmth, while large windows and a sensory garden invite daylight, natural views, and tactile experiences.
Every aspect of the design is rooted in Indigenous values and wellbeing principles – from accommodating a 30-person drum circle, to acoustically zoning spaces into quiet, collaborative, and social soundscapes, to promoting mental health through connections to nature and opportunities for play.
Future-ready and sustainable, Courtyard Residence incorporates a high-performance building envelope and advanced mechanical and electrical systems – all designed to create healthy, comfortable environments for both students and visitors.
- Location
- Burnaby , BC
- Size
- 140,000 sq ft
- Client
- Simon Fraser University
- Completion
- 2023
- Sustainability Achieved Step 4 of the BC Energy Code, Wellness-focused design
- DIALOG Services
- Collaborators
Ledcor Construction Ltd.
Aplin & Martin
PWL Partnership
RJC
AME Group
AES Engineering
Architecture
Interior Design
The social spaces are thoughtfully designed with exposed mass timber and wood ceilings, fostering a warm, natural aesthetic that feels both welcoming and grounded. Large windows bring in abundant natural light, while high acoustic performance ensures comfort and clarity, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages social interactions and a sense of community.
The residence is oriented to maximize its natural surroundings, offering residents views of Metro Vancouver and beyond. North-facing units feature dramatic views of Burrard Inlet, Indian Arm, and the North Shore mountains, creating a strong visual connection to the landscape.
The Courtyard Residence is purposefully designed to support the transition and success of first-year students, balancing privacy and community. Single-occupancy rooms with shared washrooms, along with a house lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and multi-functional spaces, foster independence while promoting connection. 24/7 front desk support enhances safety and accessibility, creating a supportive and student-centered living environment.
The reception and lobby are designed as vibrant social hubs, offering a warm and welcoming entry experience for students. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the interior to both the lively streetscape and the Madge Hogarth Sensory Garden, creating a harmonious blend of urban energy and natural tranquility that encourages gathering and a sense of belonging.
The residence pays tribute to its history through the creation of the Madge Hogarth Sensory Garden, named in honour of the donor who helped make the first women’s residence in SFU possible in the 1960s.
The use of precast concrete sandwich panels in the residence leverages the efficiency and precision of prefabrication. This approach aligns perfectly with the repetitive design elements of student housing, resulting in improved cost control, consistent quality, and a faster construction schedule, all while delivering durable, high-performance buildings tailored to student needs.
The Team
