Sustainable Energy Centre of Excellence, Cambrian College

Project Type

institutional

Project Size

6,000 SF

Completion Date

2006 Not Constructed

Location

Sudbury, Ontario

One of four projects to pursue the Living Building Challenge (i.e. LBC) at the time of design, the buildings design was intended to reflect Cambrian College’s new sustainable design program. The LBC continues to be the highest standard of design and performance for sustainable design.

Cambrian College Sustainable Energy Centre (SEC) was designed to be used as an alternative energy laboratory by students across various disciplines and a facility to provide training in alternative energy systems. It was designed to allow students to prototype, study, test and promote sustainable energy systems and energy conservation in small buildings across northern Ontario environment.

Key Features

Research

The building was designed to act as a training facility for alternative energy systems.

Showcase

The buildings design was to showcase opportunities for sustainable development and energy efficiency in small buildings, including energy conservation and utilization of energy friendly building products.

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Services Rendered

3D Modelling + Animations

Architectural Design

Cost Analysis

Functional Space Programming

Master Planning

3D Modelling + Animations

Development of three dimensional imagery and animations to visually communicate with our clients.

Architectural Design

We offer comprehensive design services ranging from schematic design, design development, construction document to contract administration for new builds, additions and renovation projects. Our studio has a continuous presence throughout the project; from concept to completion.

Cost Analysis

Our studio develops cost analysis to support programming, feasibility studies, design and general review services. We prepare order of magnitude cost estimates that reference a library of unit costs and construction methods to identify the cost of the project and quantify the scope of work. Our cost analyses is led by our in house professional quantity surveyors - we use real construction cost data that has been collected over thirty years of practice

Functional Space Programming

Functional space programming develops a detailed list of interior and exterior spaces required to support a project. Programming is focused on quantifying spaces, developing the overall size of building or site and identifying ideal relationships between spaces. This process guides the development of the project.

Master Planning

The design and development of a broad vision for a project that responds to issues of context; urban planning, landforms, services, transportation networks, social, environmental, spatial needs and schedule for development and project costs. The master plan is a guide for the long range development of the project

Parameters

Reflect The Living Building Challenge sustainable design model.

Building to be a model of a healthy building including indoor air quality and daylighting
Site and building to utilize local materials and to match the site environment
Off the grid for electrical, water systems and waste systems
Use less energy and water than any other structure of its type in Canada without sacrificing comfort and usability through advanced design practices and technology use.
Generate all of its own electricity on-site
Capture all of its own water with the exception of potable water
Treat all effluent from the building on sit
Composting toilets to be used treat all effluent from the building on site
Building makes use of renewable energy in the form of wind and photovoltaic panels

Solutions

Classroom ‘pods’ create opportunities for hands on learning
Created a building to only provide the grounds for testing but showcasing and evaluating new and emerging green technologies