ecociao !
ART LAB ( University of Manitoba ) | LM Architectural Group , Completed 2012 | This 70,000 square foot building houses the University of Manitoba School of Art . Anchored by a central atrium , the impressive building has space for classrooms , art studios , lecture theatre , soundstage , and gallery space . On the east and south sides , vertical green walls suspended from the face of the building support Virginia Creeper vines , and 71 % of the building ’ s site is covered by reflective materials to prevent heat from building up . An impressive wall of windows lets in natural light , which is reflected by the interior ’ s gallery-esque white walls , reducing energy costs . 180 Dafoe Rd
Manitou a bi Bii daziigae ( Red River College Polytechnic ) | NumberTEN Architecture , Completed 2021 | Formerly known as the Innovation Centre , this extension to Red River College ’ s Exchange District campus houses classrooms and labs for the postsecondary school ’ s most innovative programs . The building ’ s Anishinaabemowin ( Ojibwe ) name translates to “ Where the creator sits / brings light .” The ambitious design incorporated energy modelling early in the process to optimize energy use , targeting a near net zero energy use efficiency . The most eye-catching feature are the gorgeous , colourful photovoltaic panels that line the exterior , which can capture and convert energy from the sun ’ s rays while also protecting the building from the elements . 319 Elgin Ave
Great-West Life Daycare | Prairie Architects , Completed 2017 | This gorgeous childcare facility breathed life into its neighbourhood by refitting a century-old home that had sat vacant for more than 20 years . The restoration project diverted almost 90 % of construction waste from the landfill , and maintained 75 % of the original structure and building materials . In fact , the entire house was cut and lifted from its original ( crumbling ) foundation , and reset once the foundation had been repaired . Along with preserving a heritage building , this meant a drastic reduction in environmental impact caused by extracting , manufacturing , and transporting new materials . The beautiful , light-filled interior is now home to the pitter patter of little feet in its new life as a daycare centre . 51 Balmoral St
FWA BX ( FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing ) | Stantec Architects ( with PCL Construction ), Scheduled for completion 2023 | The future southern gateway to FortWhyte Alive , Winnipeg ’ s urban nature preserve , Buffalo Crossing is an ambitious project that aims to reach new heights of eco-conscious design . The building will be the first commercially certified “ Passive House ” in the province — an ultra low-energy use building in which everything from shape to materials to heating and cooling systems work together to create a structure 90 % more energy efficient and eight times more airtight than the current building code mandates . It ’ s also been designed for the future , with Winnipeg ’ s extreme climate — and the growing extremities of climate change — factored in . The sleek , triangular building will serve as an entrance to the park and house a visitor centre , nature gift shop , event spaces , a cafe kiosk , and more . 1961 McCreary Rd
ciao ! / may / jun / two thousand twenty-two 9