A BUILDING THAT TOUCHES GENTLY ON ITS SITE
The building program has been cut out into wings, which nestle and extend through the mature trees of the park to knit the building into its context. The interspersing of enclosed space and open forest reduces the building's perceived scale, while the softly reflective cladding blurs its silhouette into the natural surroundings.
A BUILDING THAT CELEBRATES AND REFLECTS ITS NATURAL CONTEXT
The design emphasizes prominent views out to the larger park and physical connections to trails and recreation areas. Each wing of the building houses a separate program, with its orientation determined by program-specific requirements. The two south-facing wings house the Zamboni storage and workshop, and skate change facilities, respectively-each has direct access and views to the skating oval to the south. The training room is housed in a more easterly oriented wing, with intimate views of mature trees. The City-funded Phase 1 programs are located in an articulated arm that opens to the east and west, affording long views to the multi-purpose, teaching and office spaces. The aluminum skin will mirror the beauty of the setting and intensify the colour shifts of the changing seasons.
A BUILDING THAT BLENDS EVOLUTIONARY FORM WITH CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
The structure of the building is comprised of rated wood timbers overclad by insulated panels with a polished, flat seam aluminum skin. The building wings are triangulated in section, echoing the archetypal built forms of Algonquin and Athapaskan cultures as well as Northern European vernacular architectures that came to Canada with new immigrants. The elemental form produces exceptional natural cooling, while its sloped surfaces are ideal for both managing snow load and creating visually cozy interiors in winter-the latter enhanced by concrete floors with radiant heating and high-performance insulation.
A LANDSCAPE THAT RESTORES AND NOURISHES
The approach to the landscape is one of natural rejuvenation rather than harsh intervention. All new plantings will be locally native boreal and grassland species. The areas directly adjacent to the building will feature low-growing and drought resistant-grasses. Trees will be planted to contribute to the existing landscape while enriching the biodiversity and biomass of the park. All of the paths in the design will have permeable surfacing constructed from recycled materials.
STRATEGIC OPENINGS TO BLUR THE BOUNDARY BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
The ends of each wing are fully glazed to capture views of the park, while offering views of the buildings functions from without. Additional glazing is strategically located to both allow abundant daylight into the pavilion, and reveal glimpses of the rich wood structure to the outside.
A PUBLIC ART STRATEGY THAT BUILDS ON THE ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
Just as the building in nestled into its site, the public art should be in the forest as objects that one comes upon. Careful siting of the public art will expand and create links between the building and the site and provide opportunities for discovery, moments of reflection, dialogue, and engagement.
AN ARCHITECTURE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The building is "green" not only in spirit but in body. Many of the concepts put forth raise awareness and inform visitors about the principles, values and specific applications of creating sustainable buildings. The building incorporates sustainable construction technologies and features such as a thermal chimney, rain and snow harvesting capabilities and an on-site biofilter system. Sustainably sourced timbers and post industrial recycled stainless steel panels are both an aesthetic and practical reminder of the building's focus.
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
- Sustainable sites
Reuse of existing building site rain water harvesting for site irrigation porous pavement exterior luminaires to reduce light pollution. A naturalized landscape promoting bio-diversity.
- Water Efficiency
Install sub-meters to monitor consumption Reduce quantity of water needed via low-flow faucets Solar preheated water Storm water cistern supply and recycled water for toilets and site irrigation Dual-flush tank- type water closets, waterless urinals and low flow plumbing fixtures. Self-powered hands-free faucets with low-flow aerators. On-site Sewage System by biofilter system
- Energy and Atmosphere
CFC reduction in HVAC & R equipment Energy efficient lighting systems, indirect overhead light minimizes glare and provides soft, even lighting controlled by sensors that turn on only when daylight is not sufficient. Natural daylighting through high efficiency windows and sky windows Automatic sensors for lighting power and controls Energy-efficient equipment & appliances Natural Gas- to supplement passive solar heating and provide hot water for radiant floor heating Solar heating for domestic hot water, ie. sinks. Vegetation will be strategically planted to provide shade during the summer but allow sunlight to penetrate the building during the winter. Passive solar heating and in slab radiant heating Passive cooling and natural ventilation facilitated through vegetated screening and stack effect. Potential for use of alternate energy sources (solar, geo-thermal, bio-gas, bio-mass etc.)
- Materials and Resources
Divert construction waste from landfills Recycled, rapidly renewable, and regional products and materials Minimum PVC product and low VOC finishes and sealants High albedo reflective roofing
- Indoor Environmental Quality
Space planning optimizes users' exposure to natural light Planning integrates daylighting and architectural design Natural ventilation driven by combined wind and stack effects. Adequate outside air to all spaces through natural or mechanical equipment Construction materials with low or no emissions of formaldehyde or voc's Carbon dioxide monitoring High performing building envelope Building automation system/monitoring.
(Competitor's text)
This submission generated a great deal of discussion partially because the graphics were so appealing. The building, as presented, would be significant landmark. In the end, the jury was not convinced about the functionality of the A-frame structures, providing a great deal of interior volume. The proposal for incremental construction was not convincing to the jury. The images presented the building only in the winter and the jury wondered how the building would appear in summer, and if it would have the same visual appeal.
(From jury report)
10 scanned / 9 viewable
- Presentation Panel
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- Perspective
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- Site Plan
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