We thank our Sponsors
Thanks to our 2026 jury (left to right)
- Mona Lemoine is an Associate, Senior Sustainability Consultant, and Chair of DIALOG’s Green Practice Roundtable.
- Drew Adams BES (planning), MArch, OAA, RAIC. Principal of Studio ADO
- Sergio Acevedo Architect, OAQ, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, ENV SP
Sustainable Development Manager Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes
Commercial Industrial (Large)/Prix commercial/industriel (grande taille): Co-operators Group Limited, Guelph, ON in partnership with NEO Architecture
Jury: This project is remarkable, both for the expansive vision of the client, and for the determination of the design team to realize it in all its aspects. With ZCB-Design, LEED Gold and WELL platinum certification in hand; and ZCB-Performance, BOMA Best and Rick Hansen accessibility certification pending, the project sets an inspiring yet readily transferable precedent for Canadian corporations.
The headquarters, purpose-built by Cooper Construction and partly clad with Endicott Manganese Ironspot Artisan brick from Thames Brick, consolidates the operations from the five sites it previously occupied in Guelph
Plentiful glazing using electrochromic glass maximizes natural light with renewable energy generated by the photovoltaic modules installed by Informed Energy Solutions.
The Co-operators Group Limited with NEO Architecture:
- Photo left, Co-operators Real Estate & Workplace Services team members.
- Photo right, NEO Architecture. l to r: Doug McIntosh, Philip Coelho, Laird Robertson.
Commercial Industrial (Small)/Prix commercial/industriel (petite taille): BMO Fischer Hallman Branch, Kitchener, ON by Kearns Mancini Architects
Jury: This project demonstrates how a standard commercial typology can be reimagined using Passive House principles and low-carbon materials. As a prototype for future bank branches, we appreciate the successful integration of strong energy performance, prefabricated timber construction, and a clear focus on occupant wellbeing.
Kearns Mancini Architects: l to r: Irene Rivera, Rick Sealey, Peter Ng and Donna Eng.
Technical Award/ Prix technique: shíshálh Nation 10 Home Rescue Project, Sechelt, BC by Renewal Development
Jury: This project is notable for its exceptional commitment to circularity and community-led development. By relocating and retrofitting existing homes rather than demolishing them, it preserves significant embodied carbon while delivering much-needed affordable housing. Its social impact comes from strong cultural grounding and meaningful involvement of the Nation throughout the process.
10 Home Rescue Project: Glyn Lewis of Renewal Development
Interior Design Award/ Prix design d’intérieur: U of Waterloo, Earth Sciences & Chemistry Building Third Floor Renovations Waterloo, ON by mcCallumSather
Jury: This project demonstrates how an existing research environment can be modernized to improve both energy performance and user experience. The renovation transforms a fragmented floor of a 1960s building into a brighter and more collaborative research space, supported by rigorous mechanical system upgrades.
Material selections prioritize durability, such as CertainTeed Abuse-Resistant gypsum board, and low emissions. Existing terrazzo flooring was retained where possible.
Strobic exhaust fans from Preston Phipps provide a comfortable, and breathable environment for lab users while minimizing exposure to air contaminants.
By modernizing infrastructure rather than replacing the facility, the project significantly reduces lifecycle carbon. Insulthane Extreme spray foam insulation by Elastochem contributes to the improved building envelope.
mcCallumSather: l to r: Liam Brown, Kseniia Kozy, Mary Georgious, Laura Borrelli, Dan Austin.
Existing Building Upgrade Award/Prix amélioration/rénovation d’un bâtiment existant: Falkland Deep Retrofit, Halifax, NS by Habit Studio
Jury: The transformation of this 19th-century house into a high-performance workspace, while preserving its historic character, shows a strong command of retrofit strategies and envelope improvements. The reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are particularly significant, making this project an inspiring and transferable example of how deep energy retrofits can contribute to the low-carbon transition.
The two-storey building retains its original wood shingles, fieldstone foundation, and irregular structural geometry. In addition to the Lamilux FE skylight in the studio, 475 High Performance Building Supply supplied the air barrier components consisting of Proclima ‘Intello Plus’ sealed with Tescon Vana tape.
Detail of the staff room which opens to the small rear patio. All windows are Elite 92 triple pane fsc cert. wood, aluminum- clad, glazing Usi 0.5, SHGC 0.53 from VETTA Windows & Doors.
The same areas of the building showing the marvel of the transformation. SANCTUARY® cellulose insulation by Greenfiber® fills voids and joints in the building envelope to create a dense barrier capable of reducing air infiltration and mitigating sound. The Giant 40ga. direct electric water heater was supplied by A.O. Smith.
Habit Studio: l to r, front: Jen Smith, Judyann Obersi, Lorrie Rand, Brent Schmidt; back: Isabelle Gosselin, Lee Cameron Surrette, Erin Gair.
Institutional (Large) Award/Prix institutionnel (grande taille): Limberlost Place, Toronto by Moriyama Teshima Architects in joint venture with Acton Ostry Architects
Jury: A landmark institutional project that successfully combines architectural ambition with advanced environmental performance. The mass timber structure, natural ventilation strategies, and net-zero carbon approach demonstrate clear leadership in sustainable academic design. Beyond its technical achievements, the project establishes a compelling vision for the future of low-carbon institutional buildings.
The central atrium and main circulation area. As the structural partner, Walters Group provided both the structural steel package and the timber bridge installation.
The building contributes to converting a neglected industrial zone into a pedestrian-oriented community with public parks and cultural institutions. Vegetated roofs on the flat portions were installed by LiveRoof.
Photo left, Moriyama Teshima l to r, top: Maria Pavlou, Will Klassen, Chris Ertsenian, Olivia Keung. Bottom: Kayley Mullings, Carol Phillips, Phil Silverstein, Jay Zhou.
Photo right, Acton Ostry l to r: Nebo Slijepcevic, Sean Raynor, Milos Begovic, Russell Acton, Mark Ostry, Matt Wood.
Institutional (Small) Award/Prix institutionnel (petite taille): FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre, Winnipeg, MB by Stantec Architecture Ltd
Jury: An exceptional architectural response that seamlessly integrates Passive House performance with a deeply rooted ecological and educational narrative. The project demonstrates a rare synthesis between building, landscape, and environmental stewardship, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond architecture. Its role as a visitor centre becomes a powerful platform for public engagement and environmental awareness, amplifying its impact well beyond its program.
The lobby along the south side of the building. HeatLink designed the radiant system and supplied over 28,000 ft of 5/8″ oxygen barrier PEX-a tubing and 14 prefabricated panels. Each panel included a distribution manifold, mixing valve with motor, and circulation pump. Water heaters are by A.O. Smith.
Stantec Architecture Ltd.: The design team from the Winnipeg office.
Mixed Use Award/ Prix usage mixte: Koffler Scientific Reserve Dining and Operations Centre, King City, ON by Montgomery Sisam Architects
Jury: Demonstrating an elegant and restrained approach to sustainable design in a sensitive ecological landscape, this project excels through passive strategies, net zero energy performance, and a thoughtful architectural language rooted in local agrarian traditions. Its minimal footprint and strong connection to the land reflect a deep commitment to ecological stewardship.
Exposed framing is another reference to local agrarian architecture. Unicel Architectural Corp. supplied the timber curtain walls with advanced glazing and sealing technology.
Montgomery Sisam Architects. l to r: Robert D’Errico, Karine Quigley, Bob Davies.
Residential (Large) Award/ Prix résidentiel (grande taille): tul’al’txw – Student Housing Commons at North Island College, Courtenay, BC by HDR Architecture Associates Inc.
Jury: This project shows a remarkable integration of Indigenous culture, architecture, and landscape, creating a powerful sense of belonging and identity on campus. The spatial organization around the central Hearth, combined with a sequence of gathering spaces, reflects a deeply rooted and culturally grounded design approach. The project successfully translates cultural values into built form while achieving a high level of environmental performance. Photos courtesy of HDR © 2026 Ed White.
Mass timber, structural steel and precast concrete make up the structural components. HVAC equipment includes fan coils and AC units from Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada and water heaters by A.O. Smith.
Assembly room which opens to an outdoor teaching area. Owens Corning Thermafiber® mineral wool insulation is used in the walls.
HDR Architecture Associates Inc.: L-R Iris Wong-Wylie, Matthew Emerson, Matthieu Grady & Jason Heinrich.
Residential (Small) Award/ Prix résidentiel (petite taille): Split Rock Healing House, Witset, BC by Taylor Architecture Group
Jury: This project stands out for its exceptional ability to unify architectural expression, cultural meaning, and high-performance design into a coherent whole. Its spatial quality, materiality, and deep connection to the land elevate it far beyond a conventional residence. The integration of Passive House principles with Indigenous values creates a powerful and meaningful architecture. It sets a new benchmark for holistic and regenerative design.
The classroom looks out to the lake. CertainTeed supplied GlasRoc and M2Tech Shaftliner Type X for the interior.
View from the lounge through to the dining room with Marmoleum resilient flooring finish by Forbo. A high-efficiency air-source heat pump by Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada provides heating and cooling with backup electric heaters. ERV systems provide consistent, balanced ventilation while recovering heat.
Taylor Architecture Group: l to r: Melani Korver and Kamille Manoy.