Diamond Schmitt Architects recently received two LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold ratings for new construction buildings. The buildings are located in Ontario and Alberta, respectively.
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is the first theatre in Ontario, and the only one in Canada, to receive LEED gold certification
“We pursued an aggressive sustainable directive to reduce energy consumption and lower the environmental impact for this building type, which is not typically associated with green design,” says Gary McCluskie, principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The sustainable narrative for the Burlington theatre was present throughout the project and started with innovative on-site remediation initiatives to treat contaminated soil. Energy-efficient design was achieved with thermal/lighting controls and monitoring, use of natural daylight and exterior building envelope design.
Ninety per cent of waste from construction was diverted from landfill, while 19 per cent of construction materials contain recycled content and 50 per cent of wood-based materials used are FSC-certified. These efforts resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in water use, both indoors and outdoors, and 47 per cent reduction in energy consumption relative to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB).
The centre has a 720-seat main theatre, 260-seat studio, six-storey fly tower, and public lobby and plaza that integrates the facility with downtown Burlington.
Located in Banff, Alta., the Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation is the new hub of the Banff Centre, the Rocky Mountain arts and conference facility.
The three-storey, 60,000-square-foot structure houses learning and meeting rooms, innovative rehearsal and performance space as well as an informal gallery, a café-lounge and the Paul D. Fleck Library & Archives.
“The multi-disciplinary purposes of the Banff Centre and its setting guided the design to ensure the protection of the natural beauty, wildlife and environment within the park,” says Jarle Lovlin, principal with Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The building includes an efficient exterior building envelope, sun shading to reduce energy use and a stormwater management system. The Kinnear Centre capitalizes on its mountain setting and provides 100 per cent of occupied space with access to beautiful views.