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Category: Canadian Green Building Awards winning project

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Gastown Child Care Centre

Vancouver, BC

Institutional (small) Award

Jury Comment: This simple and elegant project is an innovative response to the acute shortage of childcare spaces in a city experiencing rapid densification. It seems fitting that the expansive roof of an underused downtown parkade should be repurposed to serve the needs of urban families. 

The Gastown Child Care Centre is a creative response to an intriguing City of Vancouver initiative to develop child care centres on the roofs of under-utilized parkades located in the downtown core. This innovative solution features two 400m² prefabricated, 37-seat, Passive House and LEED Gold-certified child care facilities to serve the immediate needs of the local community.

The design solution focused on net-zero energy and low carbon fuel sources, as well as specifications that prioritized materials and products with Environmental Product Declarations, Healthy Building Declarations and transparent sourcing.

To optimize efficiency, economy, and repeatability, various elements of the two buildings, including the canopy, support plinth, enclosure, and outdoor play are virtually identical prefabricated components. A raised construction crane located in an alley between the two parkades allowed vehicles to pass below while prefabricated glulam structures, insulated wood cassettes, and outdoor play area components were lifted to the top of the parkades for assembly.

An elevated large-span steel platform allows surface rainwater to flow into the existing drainage system and the new structural loads are efficiently transferred to the parkade structure to avoid the need for costly seismic upgrades.

Oriented toward Burrard Inlet, with spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains, the rusty red-hued buildings, bright yellow storage sheds, bold and colourful outdoor play areas, and a multi-coloured tricycle court provide a variety of opportunities for imaginative play. An open-air bridge spans the alley between the parking structures, connecting the two child care buildings and making them one facility.

The north elevations of both child care buildings have triple-glazed windows and sliding doors by Cascadia Windows & Doors, offering large views, ample daylight and direct access to an outdoor play area, sheltered by a translucent glazed canopy.

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  City of Vancouver
  • Architect  Acton Ostry Architects Inc
  • General contractor  Heatherbrae Builders
  • Landscape Architect  Durante Kreuk
  • Electrical/mechanical engineer  The Integral Group
  • Structural engineer  Fast + Epp
  • Passive House Consultant  Ryder Architecture
  • Commissioning Agent  C.E.S. Engineering Ltd
  • Acoustic consultant  RWDI
  • LEED Consultant  Stantec LEED
  • Special Consultant  Environmental Solutions
  • Code Certified Professional  GHL Consultants
  • Photos  Michael Elkan Architectural Photography

Project Performance

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 65.4 KWhr/m²/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under NECB 2011 = 68%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 4,357 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED = 26%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 65%

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MEC Flagship Store

Vancouver, BC

Commercial-Industrial (large) Award

Jury Comment: As well as reflecting the client’s values in a refined and sophisticated way, this project also contributes positively to the public realm. Transparent facades, an elegant entrance canopy and a sidewalk level bioswale animate the street. The verdant living roof is visible from surrounding apartments.

This latest addition to the portfolio of Vancouver-based outdoor equipment retailer MEC uses architecture and interior design to embody the company’s ethos of environmental responsibility.

The store is located at the intersection of Second Avenue and Quebec Street, marking the southeast entrance to Vancouver’s Olympic village neighbourhood. Counter to the prevailing trend, the client and architect wanted to down-zone the site, so the store itself would be highly visible, rather than being integrated into the podium of a high-rise structure. The result is an elegant, eye-catching and transparent landmark as seen from street level, and a luxuriant living roof as seen from the surrounding high-rise apartments.

The building has three floors of exposed mass timber structure above grade, on top of a three-storey concrete parking garage. The building announces its environmental credentials with a cross laminated timber canopy running the full length of the entrance (south) elevation sheltering an extensive bicycle rack. The colourful interior retail spaces are clearly visible from the street through extensive storefront glazing; inverting the often-inward-looking typology of big box stores.

On the east elevation a broad Corten steel scupper discharges stormwater from the blue and green roofs, into a bioswale planter at street level. The bioswale provides additional filtration, before discharging the run off through the stormwater system into nearby False Creek. The elevational treatment continues around the corner of the building into the lane. Rather than a traditional ‘back of house’ treatment, this lane is lined with stepping Corten planters and a trellis for climbing plants; the continuous siding is broken by double height glazing that provides views into the interior atrium; and the entrance to the loading dock and parking garage is lined with murals.

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  Beedie Group
  • Architect  Proscenium Architecture + Interiors Inc.
  • General Contractor  Heatherbrae Builders Landscape Architect  G | ALA Gauthier + Associates
  • Electrical and mechanical engineer  Pageau Morel Structural engineer  Fast + Epp Commissioning Agent  SYSTÈMES ÉNERGIE TST INC
  • Interior Retail Designer  Aedifica Architecture + Design
  • Project Manager (previously for MEC)  Corin Flood LEED Consultant  Sebastien Garon Architecture + Design Photos  Michael Elkan Architectural Photography

Project Performance 

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 82.8 KWhr/m²/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under ASHRAE 90.1 – 2007 = 43%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 2,536 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED = 46.7%
  • Recycled material content by value = 15.2%
  • Regional materials (800km radius) by value = 39.7%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 80.2%

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PH1 – 1 Lonsdale Avenue

North Vancouver, BC

Commercial/Industrial (Small) Award

Jury Comment: This project is remarkable for its clarity of conception and program organization, as well as its effective utilization of a constrained site and positive contribution to the public realm. Its innovative prefabricated mass timber party wall sets a precedent, achieving Passive House certification on a zero-lot line infill site.

This is a small restaurant and office infill project in the Lower Lonsdale district of North Vancouver, originally an area of waterfront warehouses and marine service facilities, the neighbourhood has been transformed over time to a high density, mixed-use community centred on the Lonsdale Quay Market and Seabus Terminal. The consolidation of land required by the introduction of higher density zoning had left lots like this exceptionally difficult to develop.

The long-time owner of the site was eager to create a high-performance, environmentally responsible building that would set an example for others to follow.

A waiver of the on-site parking requirement made it possible to design a three-storey building, with a ground floor restaurant and two storeys of offices above, however, the 92% site coverage eliminated the possibility of an on-site staging area for materials and equipment, typically required for site construction.

The decision was made to design a prefabricated mass timber structure to Passive House standards, with structure and envelope components (including a PH-compliant zero lot line party wall) delivered by truck and assembled on site.  The design, detailing and construction sequence were optimized using an integrated design process and virtual construction modelling software.

The north wall abutting the adjacent property comprises full-height CLT panels with exterior insulation and metal cladding fastened with Cascadia clips to reduce thermal bridging.

Project Credits

  • Owner  Babco Equities Ltd
  • Architect  Hemsworth Architecture
  • Structural Engineer  Equilibrium Consulting Inc.
  • Mechanical / Electrical Engineer  MCW Consultants Ltd.
  • Civil Engineer Vector Engineering Services Ltd.
  • Geotechnical  GVH Consulting Ltd.
  • Building Code Consultant  LMDG
  • Passive House consultant  Peel Passive
  • House Consulting Ltd.
  • Landscape Architect  Prospect & Refuge
  • General Contractor  Naikoon Contracting Ltd.
  • Photos  Ema Peter

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Red Deer Polytechnic Student Residence

Red Deer, Alberta

Residential (Large) Award

Jury Comment: The project is notable for its use of sustainable features, such as the photovoltaic cladding panels, to create an architectural language.  Also notable are the multiple social spaces visible from the exterior and the exposed mass timber structure; both adding to the didactic quality of the building.

This 5,800 m², five-storey, 145-unit mass timber structure was first occupied by 300 athletes who attended the Canada Winter Games in 2019.  However, the long-term purpose of the building was always to house Red Deer Polytechnic’s growing student population. The building also functions as  a hotel, providing accommodation for short- and long-term guests, including faculty and external users. The Polytechnic’s vision was to create a building that would keep students on campus by providing recreational and social opportunities, rather than having them to drive to downtown Red Deer.  The result is a residence that offers a bright and airy interior environment with an unprecedented range of social spaces.

Although the client did not mandate the design team to achieve any green building certification, the project was designed to LEED Gold standards. With its R35 walls, R45 roof, R7 windows and Passive House Certified fibreglass curtainwall, it exceeds the prescriptive requirements of the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

Special attention was also given to:

  • encouraging walking within the building and discouraging use of the elevator
  • passive solar heating in winter, and operable windows for ventilation in warmer months
  • leveraging the health benefits of natural daylight, views and indoor plants,
  • energy reduction through use of 100% LED lighting and a 90% efficient HVAC system.

Exposing the soffits of the mass timber floors eliminated the need for suspended ceilings All the wood was locally harvested, milled in an Edmonton shop to minimize transportation costs and GHG impacts.

The east, west and south facades of the building are covered with a 163 kW integrated photovoltaic array that offsets approximately 40% of the annual energy consumption of the building.

The successful implementation of these diverse sustainability goals was made possible through a collaborative design approach and an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method using a multi-party contract.

The Polytechnic was well aware that isolation and lack of community support for students has a negative influence, not only on their ability to perform in the classroom, but also on their mental, physical and emotional well-being. In this context, the design team saw an opportunity to reconceptualize the typical student residence typology.

Duxton Windows and Doors supplied its high-performance fiberglass windows Series 328.

Western Archrib suppled the glulam columns and beams, and its Westdek floor panels.

The main HVAC components consists of fan coils for common areas, air handling units and chillers supplied by Daikin Applied; Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada Mr. Slim P-Series ductless air conditioners; and CREST boilers by Lochinvar.

Project Credits

  • Owner/developer  Red Deer Polytechnic
  • Architect  Reimagine Architects Ltd
  • General Contractor  Clark Builders
  • Landscape Architect  Katharina Kafka Landscape Architect
  • Civil Engineer  Stantec
  • Electrical Engineer  Manasc Isaac Consulting
  • Mechanical Engineer  Smith + Andersen (Edmonton)
  • Structural engineer  RJC Engineers
  • Photos  Cooper + O’Hara

Project Performance

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 70.68KWhr/m²/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under MNECB 2011 = 50%

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50-Unit Passive House Affordable Rental Housing

Fort St. John, BC

Residential (Large) Award

Jury Comment: A simple building with a standard floor plate, its character comes from subtle changes in geometry and refined detailing.  A cant in plan adds interest to hallways and creates central meeting places; cladding panels and vertical sunshades enliven the façades. A great low-energy prototype for affordable housing.

This six-storey building provides workforce housing for the duration of a large infrastructure project, before converting to affordable family housing for  the community. The program consists of two- and three-bedroom suites, common interior and exterior amenity spaces, fitness room, bicycle storage, outdoor playground and landscaped rain gardens. 

The plan is a simple double-loaded corridor scheme with inset stairwells, central elevators and a nine-degree crank, symmetrical through the centre of the building. This simple gesture accentuates the main entrance when viewed from the street, orients half the building façade further towards south, creates a natural break in the west façade, accommodates exterior balconies connected to common amenity rooms on each floor, and provides a larger landscaped setting for the ground-oriented suites on the east side.

The north-south orientation gives each unit direct sunlight and optimizes outdoor space. Each façade responds to its specific solar orientation, while maintaining a cohesive visual character. The main exterior cladding is a cementitious rain-screen system, with deep recessed triple-glazed fiberglass windows and metal flashing surrounds. To achieve the required 200 mm insulation thickness, enable strapping to respond to the joint patterns and colour changes in the cladding system, the thickness of the exterior plywood sheathing was increased, eliminating the need to blindly fasten the exterior strapping thru to structural studs. This approach improved the construction schedule and made it easier to maintain the air barrier, resulting in an air tightness of 0.2 air changes per hour.

The vertical sunshades and recessed triple-glazed high-performance fiberglass windows with krypton gas fill by Duxton Windows and Doors.

The building is heated and cooled by a heat recovery variable refrigerant volume air source heat pump system by Daikin Applied, which also supplied chillers, fancoils and AC units.

Project Performance

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 119.96KWhr/m²/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under = 65%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 219,000 litres/occupant/year
  • Recycled material content by value = 12%
  • Regional materials (800km radius) by value = 33 %
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 81%

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  BC Housing Corporation
  • Architect Low Hammond Rowe Architects
  • Design/Build Constructor  WCPG Construction Ltd.
  • Landscape Architect  Murdoch deGreeff
  • Civil Engineer  WSP CANADA
  • Electrical Engineer  Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd
  • Mechanical Engineer (HVAC)  RENÜ Engineering Inc.
  • Mechanical Engineer (Plumbing)  Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd
  • Structural Engineer  Beairsto & Associates Engineering Ltd
  • Commissioning Agent  E3 ECO Group Inc, West Rockies Services
  • Energy Modelling  Marken Design +Consult
  • Energy Consultant  RENÜ Engineering Inc
  • Passive House Consultant  Marken Design +Consult
  • Passive House Certifier  Stich Consulting & Design Inc.
  • Building Envelope Consultant  Aqua-coast Engineering Ltd
  • Geotechnical Consultant  Northern Geo Testing & Engineering
  • Photos  SILENTSAMA Architectural Photography

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Green Gables Visitor Centre

Cavendish, PEI

Institutional (Small) Award

Jury Comment: With its multiple passive design strategies and mass timber structure, this seasonal building will subtly educate 125,000 visitors annually on the principles of sustainability. A contemporary expression of Prince Edward Island vernacular building, it fits harmoniously into its physical and cultural context.

The Visitor Centre is situated on 16 acres of rural land, the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s highly successful 1908 novel ‘Anne of Green Gables’. Acquired by Parks Canada in the 1930s, the property has become the province’s most popular tourist destination. A 2015 survey determined that the existing facilities needed renovation and expansion to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The new program elements, which include the Lucy Maud Montgomery Exhibition space, a main lobby atrium, a gift shop, and public washrooms, are deliberately dispersed to more evenly distribute visitors, who may number more than 1,000 at a time.

The Visitor Centre acts as the main arrival point, connecting the property through a circulation axis that also frames views to the original farmhouse. Parks Canada wanted a structure that would be respectful of the historic house and the vernacular buildings of the region, yet provide highly functional modern visitor facilities. Heritage restrictions apply to the Green Gables House and courtyard, but in the areas where the Visitor Centre is located they are much more relaxed. 

This offered the opportunity to reinterpret the wood building tradition of PEI in a contemporary way.  The use of exposed engineered mass timber elements maintains the aesthetic of the original wood structures, but is a more sustainable choice than traditional post and beam. In other areas, conventional parallel chord and gable trusses are supported on wood frame walls. Locally fabricated nail laminated timber (NLT) panels eliminate the need for purlins, while concealed connectors further enhance the contemporary look.

The steel roofs on the buildings were installed using Cascadia clips to reduce thermal bridging.

PROJECT CREDITS

  • Client  Parks Canada with PSPC providing design revies and Project Management
  • Architectural Design, Interiors and Prime Consultant  root architecture inc
  • Engineering  Traffic, Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical – CBCL Limited
  • Contractor Phase one and Three  Fitzgerald & Snow (2010) Ltd
  • Contractor Phase Two  Williams Murphy & MacLeod (1993) Ltd
  • Landscape Architecture Vollick McKee Petersmann & Associates Ltd.
  • Photos  Julian Parkinson
  • Drawings  root architecture inc

Project Performance

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 173.45KWhr/m²/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under ASHRAE 90.1 – 2007 = 23.35%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 485 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED =  42.4%
  • Recycled material content by value = 10%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 15%
  • Regional materials by value = 30%

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CLAYTON Community Centre

Surrey, BC

Institutional (Large) Award

Jury Comment: A project that is remarkable for its Passive House energy performance and the light and engaging character of its interconnected interior spaces. The floating plane of the glulam roof references the surrounding forest. The emphasis on community engagement and universal design are also noteworthy.   

The surrey neighbourhood of Clayton Heights is transitioning rapidly from a predominantly agricultural community to an increasingly urban one. Designed to feel like it is part of the surrounding forest, the project focuses on meeting the current and evolving needs of residents, with social gathering spaces that foster wellness, connection and resilience.

The 7,000 m2 (76,000sf) Centre brings recreation, library, arts and parks programming together seamlessly into one facility. The design process identified ways for these programs to pool space and resources to benefit both the community and their own operations.

The design focuses on meeting the needs of young people, while providing key gathering spaces to support the development of overall community connections. The unique mix of spaces combines arts and culture programming including music studios, recording studios and a community rehearsal hall, with recreational activities including a gymnasium, fitness centre, and a branch library.

The supporting social areas and supplementary spaces were conceived in collaboration with the community and designed to facilitate community-led programming.  Rather than developing and presenting their own designs, the architectural team invited people into the process to actively shape the development of the facility.

The feature stair in the lobby with a view of the glulam roof structure by Western Archrib supported on steel columns.

Project Credits

  • Architect  hcma 
  • Owner/Developer  City of Surrey, BC
  • Structural Engineer  RJC Engineers
  • Mechanical Engineer  Integral Group
  • Electrical Engineer  AES Engineering
  • Landscape Architect  Hapa Collaborative
  • Cost Consultant  BTY Group
  • Civil Engineer  Aplin & Martin Consultants
  • Arts & Culture Facilitator  Paul Gravett Consulting
  • Surveyor  Murray & Associates
  • Traffic  Bunt & Associates
  • Acoustic Consultant  RWDI
  • Tree Surveyor  Arbortech Consulting
  • Wayfinding + Signage hcma
  • Photos  Ema Peter (photo 2),  Andrew Doran (photos 3 and 5), doublespace photography (photos 1, 4 and 6)

Project Performance

  • Reduction in energy consumption relative to reference building = 72%
  • (Source: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers – ASHRAE)
  • Reduction in carbon emissions relative to a gas heated reference building built to code = 98%
  • (Source: https://buildingbenchmarkbc.ca/)

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DOIG RIVER Cultural Centre

Doig River First Nation, BC

Institutional (Small) Award

Jury Comment: A striking, high-performance centrepiece for a remote First Nations community. The flexible spaces, beautiful detailing and high-quality prefabricated construction will ensure a diversity of community uses and a long, cost-effective service life. This approach could be easily transferred to other remote locations. 

This is the first Passive House-certified community building to be completed on First Nations land. The main level comprises 250m² of community-oriented space with a mezzanine for additional seating. The lower level includes a daycare and an Elders lounge. This combination of uses promotes inter-generational interaction and provides a safe and healthy space for the entire community.

The structure is located close to the existing community administration building, so creating a civic centre. In such a small and remote community, a central gathering place helps establish a critical mass for community functions and also minimizes the need for major infrastructure expansion.

Nestled into the slope in a grove of birch and aspen trees, the building offers a gesture of welcome at the entrance to the community. The slope also facilitates grade access to both levels, eliminating the need for an elevator or wheelchair lift.

The choice of building form and orientation was critical, with a large south-facing roof and extensive glazing required to maximize winter solar heat gain and optimize PV panel exposure. The compact multi-level organization minimizes the building footprint, reduces the surface-to-volume ratio, and lessens the environmental impact of the building on the site.

The structure combines site-built and prefabricated components, thus increasing quality and precision. The primary structural system comprises glulam arches with prefabricated panels spanning between them. The 2×8 panels arrived on site with insulation already installed, then an additional 300mm of insulation was added around the entire perimeter of the building.

The primary structural system comprises glulam arches by Western Archrib with prefabricated insulated panels spanning between them.

Project Credits

  • Architect  Iredale Architecture
  • Owner / Developer  Doig River First Nation
  • General Contractor  Erik Olofsson Construction Inc.
  • Landscape Architect  Urban Systems
  • Civil Engineer  Urban Systems
  • Electrical Engineer  EDG Corporation
  • Mechanical Engineer  Rocky Point Engineering Ltd.
  • Structural engineer  Equilibrium Consulting Inc.
  • Passive House Consultant  RDH Building Science
  • Passive House Certifier  Edsco
  • Geotechnical Engineer  Golder Associates
  • Photos  Ema Peter
  •  

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DISTRICT ENERGY PLANT – University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

Commercial/Industrial (Small) Award

DIALOG

Jury Comment: Rehabilitating and repurposing an existing parking lot on the university campus and simultaneously reducing overall campus energy consumption by 10%, this project provides an important showcase for the University’s energy reduction strategy. By engaging students through visibility and transparency, it creates a sense of connection and elevates concern for the critical infrastructure that supports all of our communities. 

The new University of Victoria district energy plant (DEP) replaces and centralizes three outdated boilers and the supporting infrastructure, which were scattered across campus. It provides increased capacity to the campus heating system, and services 32 buildings. The DEP was built on an existing parking lot in the southwest corner of the campus, adjacent to a forest, publicly-accessible botanical gardens, and an interfaith chapel.

This site had been identified as the most appropriate location for a number of reasons during an earlier campus planning exercise. 

The use of the brownfield site minimized the impact on campus ecosystems and also provided adequate space for future expansion should the university decide to increase the DEP’s capacity. This location also makes it easy to connect to nearby buildings not initially part of the district energy loop. In addition, it is directly linked to municipal streets, which allows service vehicles to avoid circumnavigation of the campus ring road.

Massing for the building was driven by a combination of required equipment height clearances (which in turn enhance cross-ventilation and natural ventilation) and a desire to increase visibility of the plant’s inner workings for the public.

The plant has a full output potential of 27.5 MW of thermal heat – enough for 2,000 single-family homes. The plant and network provide 10% energy savings annually, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of 6,500 tonnes/year.

PROJECT CREDITS

  • Owner/Developer  University of Victoria
  • Architect  DIALOG 
  • General Contractor  Farmer Construction
  • Landscape Architect  HAPA Collaborative
  • Civil Engineer  Westbrook Consulting Ltd.
  • Electrical engineer  AES Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineer  FVB Energy Inc.
  • Structural Engineer  RJC Engineering
  • Commissioning Agent  C E S Engineering
  • Photos  Martin Tessler

PROJECT PERFORMANCE

  • Energy intensity (building and process energy) = 135KWhr/m2/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under ASHRAE 90.1 2007 = 72%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = 40,970 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED = 33%
  • Recycled material content by value = 16%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 95.8%

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GRAND THÉÂTRE DE QUÉBEC: CONSERVATION & REHABILITATION – Quebec City, QC

Existing Building Upgrade Award

Lemay and Atelier 21

Jury Comment: A sophisticated resolution of what had originally seemed an insurmountable technical challenge; that of conserving a deteriorating Brutalist concrete masterpiece and the built-in sculptures it contains. The glass veil preserves the character of the original building with a lightness of touch that is both respectful and refreshing. Given the nationwide challenge we face in remediating and reusing so many buildings of this type, this project inspires us to embrace the challenge and simultaneously enrich the urban narrative.

Famed for its brutalist architecture by Victor Prus and entwined with its historic, sculptural mural by Jordi Bonet, the Grand Théâtre de Québec is a prized cultural icon for all Québecers, inaugurated for the Confederation Centennial in 1971. Designed by prominent architect Victor Prus in the Brutalist style, prefabricated concrete interior and exterior walls are the defining architectural elements of the building. In addition, nearly 60% of the interior is covered with an integrated mural by sculptor Jordi Bonet

The existing prefabricated concrete envelope had major condensation and rust issues. The fragility of the mural and the inaccessibility of the concrete anchors required a radical solution. Adding a new glass envelope stopped the deterioration and significantly extended the service life.

Requiring only a prefabricated steel structure and glass infill panels, the solution minimized the use of new materials, left the existing envelope untouched and avoided invasive interior work. Cleverly resting on the existing foundations, the steel framework reduced the use of concrete and site excavation.

The new glass envelope provides and innovative solution from an architectural, structural and mechanical point of view. It also dealt with logistical constraints, including the requirement that the theatre maintain its daytime and evening operations during construction. Noise could not impact rehearsals or performances and construction activity could not hinder building access. In addition, as the mural was connected to the exterior concrete panels, vibration and other potential impacts on the envelope had to be avoided. An integrated design and delivery process was essential to the success of the project.

PROJECT CREDIT

  • Architect  Lemay
  • Associate Architect  Atelier 21
  • Owner/Developer  Le Grand Théâtre de Québec
  • Construction Manager  Pomerleau
  • Landscape Architect  Lemay + Atelier 21
  • Civil Engineer  WSP
  • Electrical, Mechanical, Structural Engineer  WSP
  • Commissioning Agent  Ambioner
  • Other  ELEMA, Metal Presto, Vitrerie Laberge
  • Photos  Stéphane Groleau
  •  

PROJECT PERFORMANCE

  • Recycled materials  The steel used for the new exterior structure has 25% recycled content.
  • Energy Intensity  With the addition of the tempered double envelope, the energy intensity increased from 235.9 KWh/m2/year to 241.6 KWh/m2/year, a 2.39% increase.   
  •  

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