The Richmond Olympic Oval was the site for speedskating events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It's unique feature is the wooden wave roof comprised primarily of Pine-beetle wood. Pine beetles bore into a tree and cause the trees to starve to death. As a result of the building's innovative use of pine beetle wood and long spanning roof, it was given an award of excellence by the Royal Architectural Insitute of Canada. After the olympics, the Oval was converted into a sports facility that includes 2 Olympic sized hockey rinks, hard-wood floors for other sports and a gym for elite athletes. The speedskating track is covered by removable flooring and can be easily converted to host speedskating events if needed. The Oval is currently the centerpiece of a new waterfront area featuring residential and commercial developments. This set was taken just after the facility had closed, so I wasn't able to explore the inside completely. The images are also a bit grainy because they were taken at ISO1600.
Pine-beetle kill wood roof
Front of Oval
Side of Oval
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