The University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is the winner of the Northwest Wall & Ceiling Bureau (NWCB) Outstanding Projects of the Year 2013 Award for Best Suspended Ceiling.

During the construction of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building a suspended ceiling was necessary in order to access machinery and equipment above the already installed ceiling. The 2,500-square-foot walkway was designed and constructed by Langley-based drywall contract firm Power Drywall. The NWCB judges' comments describe the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building as "a showcase of many different products that truly stand out in part due to the outstanding craftsmanship" and commend Power Drywall and architects Hughes Condon Marler, along with BC Ceiling Systems, Winroc, Bailey West, CGC/USG and G&S Acoustics on their ability to communicate effectively in order to keep the project on schedule.

(Photo Credit: Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Hughes Condon Marler Architects)

The NWCB Outstanding Projects Awards honour the best of both residential and commercial wall and ceiling projects across the Northwest, with four awards given to projects in British Columbia this year. Applicants were judged on design, job site innovation and/or conditions, quality of workmanship, use of materials and overall effect.

"The Pharmaceutical Sciences Building project was a team effort involving many different partners," says Dr. Wayne Riggs, professor and dean pro tem, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. "We congratulate Power Drywall on receiving this award and thank NWCB for recognizing the efforts of all involved."

Established in 1946, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia advances knowledge, health outcomes and the profession of pharmacy leading to enhanced societal benefit and optimal patient care.