Technologies to Cut Energy Use

by Hugh Perry

Environmental groups were promoting the benefits of solar heating long before the federal government introduced its solar program in 1975. Over the next few years, domestic solar systems appeared on many buildings across Canada. But the program soon died from lack of commitment and maintenance. The infrastructure had not been as well established as it is now, 30 years later.

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Simplicity of design and execution make a winner

The north elevation. All windows are operable for natural ventilation

In cross-section, this two storey, 1,115 sq.m office building is a simple flat roofed rectangle, the upper level being a partial mezzanine leaving double height spaces to promote stratification of warm air. In plan the building is elongated in the east-west direction, maximizing the benefits of north and south exposure for day-lighting and passive solar heating. (more…)

Sustainable shelter

considering the need for both human and animal interaction with the building introduced an extra level of design complexity

Design strives for LEED Gold in harsh climate

Built to handle more than 10,000 animals annually, this 4,000 sq.m sustainable shelter facility is located on a wooded lot that extends deep into the neighbouring community. The goal was to develop a building form and architectural character that would allow it to sit unobtrusively in its forest setting.
The design challenges were heightened by Winnipeg’s extreme climate, which includes hot summers and the third coldest winters of any major city in the world. (more…)

Integrated design delivers Ontario’s first LEED Platinum

The north elevation. All windows are operable for natural ventilation.

The new Restoration Services Centre is located on the Toronto Conservation Authority’s ‘Living City Campus’ in Vaughan ON, home of the newly created secretariat of the World Green Building Council. The new structure symbolizes the TCRA’s commitment to energy efficiency and excellence in environmental design, within its broader mandate of environmental restoration and conservation in the Toronto region. (more…)

West Elevation

by Vladimir Mikler and Christy Love

A building’s form and interaction with the local climate are critical to its overall environmental performance. Climate adapted buildings optimize the performance of “passive” building elements and employ smaller, more efficient “active” mechanical systems merely to complement what the building architecture cannot achieve on its own. (more…)