PNE sought a stormwater management solution for their new amphitheater, the Freedom Mobile Arch. This state-of-the-art venue is designed to highlight British Columbian and Canadian building expertise while adhering to strict environmental sustainability standards.
One of the defining features of this venue is its clear-span wood roof, which, once completed, will be among the longest in the world. The structure is engineered not only to provide an aesthetically striking design but also to serve as a sound barrier, minimizing noise impact on the surrounding community. The venue will host a range of events, including PNE’s Summer Night Concerts, symphonies, and community gatherings. The Freedom Mobile Arch is slated for completion in summer 2026.
For a venue of this scale, managing stormwater efficiently is crucial to prevent flooding and ensure uninterrupted operations, particularly during Vancouver’s heavy rainfall seasons.
CHALLENGES
High Runoff Volume from Arch Roof:
- The large, curved roof concentrates rainwater at specific drainage points, creating a risk of overflow.
- The system must handle rapid inflow during intense rain events without overwhelming the detention capacity.
- Effective water management is essential to ensure safe event hosting in all weather conditions.
Environmental Sustainability Requirements:
• The system should align with eco-friendly water management practices.
• Potential for rainwater reuse in irrigation and non-potable applications.
OBJECTIVES
BARR Plastics was brought in to design and supply a stormwater detention system that would:
- Capture and temporarily store runoff from paved surfaces, rooftops, and seating areas.
- Prevent flooding by controlling peak flow rates.
- Mitigate environmental impact on surrounding water bodies.
- Ensure durability and ease of maintenance with inspection shafts for long-term operation.
TIMELINE & EXECUTION
- Planning & Design: 1 week
- Implementation & Installation: 1 week
- Total Project Timeline: 2 weeks
Despite the scale of the project, BARR Plastics was able to deliver a fully operational stormwater detention solution within two weeks, ensuring that the venue’s
SOLUTION PROVIDED
Modular Ecobloc Units: Lightweight, high-capacity underground stormwater storage with a flexible installation layout.
Inspection Shafts: Allow for easy access to clean and maintain the system, preventing clogging and maximizing efficiency.
Potential for Water Reuse: Designed for future integration of a rainwater harvesting system, enabling the reuse of collected water for irrigation, cooling, or non-potable applications.
RESULTS & IMPACT
The installation of the Ecobloc system provided PNE with:
Flood Prevention & Water Management: The system effectively captures and manages large volumes of runoff, ensuring the venue remains operational even during heavy rain events.
Long-Term Maintenance Benefits: The inclusion of inspection shafts simplifies cleaning and maintenance, reducing operational costs over time.
Environmental Benefits: The system supports PNE’s commitment to sustainability, with future potential for rainwater reuse in non-potable applications.
BARR Plastics’ expertise in stormwater management solutions ensured that the Freedom Mobile Arch at PNE could meet both its operational and sustainability goals while maintaining a safe and functional event space for Vancouver’s entertainment industry.
CONCLUSION
By implementing stormwater detention system, BARR Plastics successfully addressed the challenges posed by high runoff volumes and sustainability requirements at PNE’s Freedom Mobile Arch. The efficient execution and future-proof design of the Ecobloc system ensure that the venue is well-equipped for decades of concerts, performances, and community events—rain or shine.
