STACKED O3.

//form

Located in Cambridge, Ontario, the proposed project is within close proximity to many key institution, such as the city centre, Conestoga College, and the University of Waterloo architecture campus. The form of the building draws from the use cases of the spaces:

1. quiet 2. active 3. culture

Splitting the building into sections allows for a clear distinction of the spaces, according to the needs of each user.

//movement

Consisting of 3 volumes, stacked 03 separates the program of the community centre into different levels of activity.

Upon entry, occupants are welcomed by the lively and bustling cultural stack. Main gathering locations such as the lobby space, community kitchen and elder’s room are placed in close proximity to each other, creating a central area for people to gather.

Deeper into the building is where the active space is found. A semiprivate corridor allows the gym space and changerooms to be close together, allowing for users to use the gymnasium and access the changerooms seamlessly. The second floor of the building is a quiet space. Multi-purpose rooms are located close to stairways allowing for patrons to access them without disturbing the library.

Placed far away from other programs is the library, which transpires into a tranquil space for users to reset and think. Being completely isolated from the ground floor also allows very little sound transmission from any activities happening in the active and cultural stacks.

//structure + enclosure

Materials throughout the structure have been selected to complement the sustainable strategies used in the building. Accoya wood is used in the exterior architectural shading elements for its beauty, durability, and sustainability. Accoya is a manufactured solid wood product that is put through the acetylation process, where the cells in the wood are blocked from absorbing up to 80% less moisture than traditional lumber. The process is non-toxic, and Accoya is guaranteed to resist rot, pests and mould growth outdoors for 50 years.

Steel is used for the main structural components in the form of OWSJ and structural steel. Steel was selected as it is the only recyclable structural material on the market. Concrete masonry walls also provide shear resistance and optimize material use.

//CLIMATE RESILIENCE + HVAC

Architectural shading elements over the south & east facing glazing in the library and interior blinds in most spaces provide shading from direct sunlight. Substantial thermal mass in concrete slabs and radiant cooling systems, and well-insulated floor slabs and roofs keep the building comfortable. A green roof over the ground floor portion reduces the urban heat island effect.

A green roof over the ground floor controls runoff from the building. A rainwater cistern on-site stores excess runoff from the building for non-potable uses (e.g. watering landscaping). Bioswales and seepage chambers control runoff from other impermeable surfaces and return water to the aquafer to reduce the risk of flooding.

The building can operate without the power grid with backup batteries from solar PV. Spatial isolation between spaces and blinds on glazing help retain heat. Minimal use of double-height spaces keeps heat within the occupied portion of the building. Radiant heating through slab has substantial thermal mass and maintains temperature long after systems have been turned off or had their setpoints lowered