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Recreation Complex expansion with Green Roof
2009

Although the Recreation Complex has existed for over twenty years, the new addition enhances and rationalizes aspects of the existing centre in ways that make it more environmentally responsive.

Expanding on the existing site in a two storey form, the addition minimizes the building footprint and does so without requiring additional costly infrastructure such as elevators and washroom facilities. Renovated portions recycle existing building walls to serve both as demising and supporting elements.

The City also decided to take the opportunity to improve the overall efficiency of the centre through updating the central equipment rather than treating the addition as stand-alone. The savings from upgrading to a more energy efficient central plant benefits the whole complex and offsets the added burden of the addition.

Other aspects of the design that improves its sustainability are:

1. the addition on the NW portion of the building bears the brunt of the prevailing winter winds with a new building envelope designed to a modern standard for insulation;
2. all lighting has been designed with energy conscious choices to minimize maintained energy use and day lighting was employed where possible;
3. a "Green Roof" has been installed over the new roof area and serves to offset the heat island effect, retain storm water, and improve the carbon balance. The system employed was an "extensive" green system composed of flats of sedums. Although sedums are generally described as "evergreen" they change colour throughout the seasons. The Green roof also serves as additional insulation, and hopefully as a prototype for future City projects