Built 128 years ago on a tiny lot in downtown Toronto, the renewal of this 135m2 single-family residence revitalizes the urban fabric instead of razing it, incorporating as many sustainable systems and ideas as possible within a limited construction budget. The result is a liveable environment conducive to modern lifestyles within the original footprint.

By Suzanna MacDonald (more…)

Maximizing the density on a site by replacing a small single-family house with a 530 m2 four-unit building housing 13 people, was the key strategic decision in improving housing affordability which is a problem in Vancouver.
A complex, intertwined configuration provides each unit access to light and air from at least three sides, supporting passive ventilation and natural lighting while maximizing desirable views to the North Shore.

By Nick Sully (more…)

The eight projects selected in the 2013 Canadian Green Building Awards are among the most exemplary sustainably-designed buildings in Canada. Our thanks to our jurors for their diligence, and to our sponsors whose support make the Awards possible. We especially thank all those who entered the 2013 Awards. Your participation is helping to advance ideas of improved building design for the betterment of the Canadian public.

GEORGIA GREEN ECO 4-PLEX, Vancouver, BC

THROUGH HOUSE, Toronto, ON

ALGONQUIN CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE, Ottawa, ON

STATION NO.1 HOUSING CO-OP, Montréal, QC

THE BELMONT | BUILDING ENVELOPE RENEWAL, Vancouver, BC

UNIVERCITY CHILDCARE, Burnaby, BC

NOVA SCOTIA POWER HEADQUARTERS, Halifax, NS

COUNTY OF SIMCOE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE EXPANSION, Midhurst, ON

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JURY COMMENT -
This project was notable for the quality of its planning and for the impressive energy performance numbers. The refined aesthetics, the clever circulation system and the beautifully laid out and light filled interiors make this a welcome addition to a rather bland and banal residential neighbourhood. The superior building envelope, including high-performance windows, are indicative of the considered approach to passive design, focusing more on the reduction of energy loads than on state-of-the-art energy technology.

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JURY COMMENT - A simple and elegant renovation/addition that combines beautiful design with impressive energy performance. The straightforward approaches taken to daylight and natural ventilation are indicative of how the many green strategies are deftly interwoven into the architecture. Located in a neighbourhood of modest, late 19th century worker housing, this project demonstrates the potential for this typology to provide a sustainable, ground oriented and cost effective alternative to the high-rise condominium.

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J URY COMMENT - This LEED Platinum project was particularly strong in its combination of energy performance and architectural quality. The project incorporates several well considered green strategies including green roof and solar shading. The jury also felt that the design team had taken full advantage of the program, a school for a new generation of sustainable construction trades, by making the building itself a powerful educational tool.

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J URY COMMENT - A very nice rehabilitation of an existing industrial building, in keeping
with the Montreal tradition of inner city renewal. Retention of the existing urban fabric helps maintain social continuity. Artfully placed additions to the existing structure support the creation of a cohesive community. Good energy performance numbers indicate that considerable attention has also been paid to passive design strategies and detailing of the building envelope. An excellent response to a challenging program.

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JURY COMMENTS - The project represents an important collaboration between a number of stakeholders including the federal government, provincial government,  utility companies and engineering consultants to address one of the more pressing problems in the built environment. The jury was impressed with how the design team turned the envelope renewal on this 1980s building into an opportunity. They took a systematic approach to recladding that has increased the value of the asset both through improved aesthetics and enhanced energy performance. The cladding eliminates the thermal bridging inherent in steel stud construction and offers a solution that could be transferred to literally thousands of other similar projects.

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J URY COMMENT - A project notable for its modesty, but which at the same time is warm and inviting in its materiality and use of natural daylight. The interiors are beautiful, the surrounding landscaping makes for an appealing playspace, and the performance numbers for energy and water are particularly impressive. The directness of the design approach and the simplicity of the environmental systems offers a level of confidence that net zero performance can be maintained over time. All and all an engaging environment in which future generations can learn about sustainability.

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JURY COMMENT - The transformation of a coal-fired power station on the Halifax harbour to a commercial building employing 600 people made for a compelling story of environmental,
economic and social sustainability. These broad ambitions were reinforced with impressive energy performance, good use of natural light and an innovative envelope upgrade. The project acknowledges its industrial past in the scale and character of the atrium space, and offers public access to the waterfront where none existed before.

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