Overview
Tresah West is a modern 12-storey, 179-unit condominium located in Victoria’s Midtown. Built using LBS’s steel and concrete systems, the project reflects our commitment to durable, efficient, and forward-thinking construction.
Through our experience on the Tresah project, LBS has developed an integrated approach for 12-storey builds that prioritizes speed, safety, and adaptability—especially in high seismic zones like British Columbia. One key highlight is our successful delivery of a 12-storey steel stud structure, showcasing both resilience and engineering innovation.
From CLT to Steel Studs: A Shift Toward Safety and Long-Term Value
Originally planned as a mass timber building, Tresah West evolved as the client explored different structural systems. With cost, safety, durability, and efficiency in mind, they chose to move forward with a non-combustible steel stud and concrete solution—partnering with LBS to deliver the design.
This direction aligned with the project’s long-term goals and allowed for a more integrated construction approach. It was a positive collaboration that reinforced the value of flexibility, technical innovation, and shared vision.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Transitioning from Mass timber Wood to Steel Stud
Switching to steel required meeting strict weight requirements while maintaining structural integrity. Over two months, our team re-engineered the design to reduce weight without sacrificing structural design performance.
The result: a structurally sound, budget-aligned solution that supported the entire superstructure efficiently.
Challenge 2: Designing a Signature 2-Storey Balcony
Tresah West features a distinctive 2-storey balcony—a bold architectural element with no existing precedent.
We collaborated with the architect, conducting in-depth design sessions and iterative testing. The final solution balanced aesthetics with structural safety, bringing the client’s vision to life.
Challenge 3: Supporting a 12-Storey Structure with LBS Steel Studs
Steel stud systems are commonly used for mid-rise buildings, but scaling to 12 storeys required an innovative design approach.
We tackled this with a hybrid approach:
- Steel Beam on Level 2: A custom structural steel transfer beam was designed to distribute structural loads from the upper levels to concrete columns that were already incorporated into the parkade design.
- Concrete Support on Level 7: Mid-building concrete reinforcement added strength where it was most needed.
Despite the added complexity, we maintained the system’s lightweight, non-combustible benefits. Our modular LBS panel system also enabled faster installation than traditional framing, keeping the project on schedule while ensuring structural safety.
The LBS Advantage in Action
The Tresah West project exemplifies LBS’s strengths in engineering and problem-solving. From material transformation to structural innovation, we demonstrated our ability to deliver efficient, cost-effective solutions for complex builds.
We are proud to support our clients with experience-driven insight and a commitment to advancing construction practices. Tresah is more than a project—it’s proof of how LBS turns challenges into smart, sustainable outcomes.
