The project aimed to achieve CaGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard Design Certification, LEED v4 BD+C Gold Certification, and WELL Certification. Indigenous principles informed building design and operations, including HVAC strategies to support smudging and Roundhouse activity, and a high-performance enclosure to support energy efficiency.
RDH was retained by EllisDon Corporation in 2018 to provide enclosure, energy, and sustainability services. RDH supported early-stage design development by evaluating HVAC and enclosure system options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to size renewable energy systems for Zero Carbon compliance. Services included design reviews, shop drawing reviews, construction field reviews, field performance testing, and a monitoring-based commissioning (MBCx) plan for LEED Enhanced Commissioning. The team also addressed thermal bridging and developed a moisture protection plan for the 6-storey mass timber structure.
RDH’s whole-building energy modelling guided design decisions to meet Zero Carbon and LEED Gold targets, with focus on total energy use intensity (EUI), thermal energy demand intensity (TEDI), and integration of renewable energy. The enclosure design supports deep daylight penetration and improved insulation. A 10-month post-occupancy condition assessment has verified long-term performance.
