NRCan at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

The Richmond Olympic Oval:
An international showcase of Canada’s
wood products

Canadian wood from trees affected by the mountain pine beetle is featured prominently in the design of the Richmond Olympic Oval, one of the signature buildings of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

A unique structure, the Olympic Oval serves as an international showcase of Canada’s wood products and the benefits of using wood in construction.

In addition to being renewable and recyclable, wood can play an important role in combating climate change. Wood-based building materials can store carbon and have a lower environmental footprint when compared with other building materials such as steel and concrete.

The innovative roof of the Olympic Oval provides a clear example of the versatility and environmental benefits of using wood as a construction material. The superstructure for this magnificent building is almost entirely constructed from wood. It is a showcase of just how attractive and structurally sound building with wood can be.

The roof system is made up of 15 laminated beams and 452 unique panels of “wood wave”. These v-shaped panels are made from 1 million board feet of 2X4 dimensional lumber – primarily from lumber affected by the mountain pine beetle in the BC Interior.

Wood products like these will continue to store carbon throughout the lifespan of this building and beyond.

Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service will continue to work with provincial, territorial industry partners to bring sustainably sourced wood and wood products to the global marketplace.