Skaterdam is a refuge for the weary traveller that captures the essence of the beaver dam, a powerful natural construct and product of our national symbol. Beaver dams create wetlands, lush environments that play host to many species, and have the ability to absorb large amounts of water and reduce the effects of heavy rainfall. This is of particular significance along the Red and Assiniboine rivers, where flooding is a regular occurrence. Skaterdam provides relief from the elements and an opportunity for reflection. The structure is an architectural interpretation of a natural shelter, borrowing shapes from the Canadian landscape to form a protective enclosure that maintains its connection to the river trait through the gentle filtration of light and air, creating a memorable experience for those who inhabit it. Every winter skaters become a native species, who form and shape the environment of the winter riverscape.
Materials and Lighting Concept
Last year's unfortunate arson incident has been deeply taken into consideration. With the understanding that no single structure is fully fireproof, we are proposing to use Fire Retardant Treated Wood (FRTW). We have looked in detail at several FRTW residential-use products like PinkWood or DBlaze, that utilize factory¬applied non-toxic and environmentally-friendly coatings to provide a barrier against fire, mold, fungus and rot. When these products are exposed to fire, they produce a dense layer of protective char, insulating the panel's surface and hence reducing the ability for the fire to spread. Since the products do not support combustion, once the combustible agent (gasoline or similar) finishes, the fire ends. In addition, no production of smoke and toxic fumes is generated during the combustion.
The random, cross-hatched texture will be illuminated on both the interior and exterior sides of the structure through the use of solar-powered LED wall-mounted flood luminaires at key structural joints in varying heights.
(From competitor's text)
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