The fulcrum between earth and water
This new building, a community center, includes an exhibit and meeting hall of 200 seating capacity, a smaller 12 person meeting room, an office and support space. At the lower level, it provides storage space for canoes, kayaks and recreational material, a workshop, lockers and showers for the users/cyclists.
As a social, cultural, and recreational centre, the pavilion unifies beach, river walk, picnic area, just off a historical road, into a healthy expression of community development. The project is the fulcrum between earth and water. As the beach emerges from the river, the pavilion emerges from the community. Easily accessible, the pavilion introduces a play of levels with ramps that encourage fluid indoor/outdoor connections throughout the ‘’parcours’’.
The city of Otterburn Park was eager to support a sustainable project as a reflection of the community’s values. The collegial design approach (IDP) permitted an open and fluid process of conception. Environmental impacts were analyzed at several levels including the immediacy of personal comfort, the health of the community and the reduction of ecological footprint. The LEED-NC criteria were integrated as a base reference standard (under review). Site Integration, Building Performance, Water Conservation were also important elements of the design strategy.
Strategic Direction
The wisdom of sustainable design necessitates a holistic approach that integrates disciplines of architecture, engineering and others from the beginning. The city of Otterburn Park was eager to support a sustainable project as a reflection of the community’s values. The collegial design approach permitted an open and fluid process of conception. When trade-offs were necessary, the team was able to collaborate to find solutions. IDP was implemented and all environmental impacts were analyzed at several scales including the immediacy of personal comfort, the health of the community, and the greater global impacts of decisions. Among other sources, the LEED-NC criteria were used as a base reference standard.
Community
The city of Otterburn Park is reaffirming its image as an active community of 8000 inhabitants on the shores of the Richelieu River. Pointe-Valaine was the focal point of local recreational activities dating from 1885. Once again, Pointe-Valaine will regain its vocation as an eco-recreational park. Initially the project revolved around rebuilding the once famous Club de canotage d’Otterburn Park, founded in 1921. It fell to flames in 2002. and a dedicated grass area is for parking overflow for certain popular events.
The city adopted new policies to put in motion initiatives that benefits families in terms of social, cultural, sports an environmental project. Our approach began with an exploration of the site’s history. The historic ‘’chemin des Patriotes’’ road and old Otterburn Park were sources for understanding the community’s vernacular design. The site needed restructuring, including restorative measures of the riverbank and a redefinition of park functions. This location is where the river encounters the community. People: Encouraging active lifestyles Earth: walks, bicycles, picnics, festivals, holidays, culture Water: canoes/kayaks, skating, beach only pervious surfaces cover the site. The pervious parking area is reduced and a dedicated grass area is for parking overflow for certain popular events. Two bus stops are at 200 and 400 M from the site and walk & bike paths passes trough. Public showers are available.
Site Ecology
The construction of the community center is the first phase for redefining park functions and restructuring the site, including restorative measures of the riverbank. Rainwater collected from the roof provides for the dual/low-flush toilets and grey water recuperation is planned for site irrigation. Native and low maintenance landscape covers the grounds; hence, no irrigation system is required.
Light and Air
The project design favored natural light, natural ventilation, and energy efficiency. For security reasons, operable were removed from the initial concept. However, natural ventilation being the primary source for fresh air delivery in the building, responding to the positive and negative wind pressures, the automated louver systems are activated by interior monitors, hence delivering fresh air into 70% of the main floor area. All public spaces, main hall, entrance, interior circulation path have all abounded natural light. Window are strategically integrated to permit natural light, designed to screen solar gains and permit direct view to the exterior and river.
Water Conservation
The project design favors reduced water consumption and waste output. The roof recovers water run-off for the dual low-flush toilets. Waterless urinals are installed. Low flow faucets and showerheads and time control fixtures are installed. Grey water is planned to be collected for site irrigation.
The anticipated results:
1. Reduction of potable water consumption 235 000 liters/year
2. Reduction of rain water run-off 533 460 liters/year
3. Reduction of waste-water production 171 500 liters/year
The calculations are based upon the following premises:
1. Toilet use 10 000 flushes/year
2. Shower use 400/year
3. Bathroom sink use 10 000 operations/year
4. Average rainfall 1046 mm/year
Energy Present and Future
Passive design strategies were privileged and integrated as such; Responding to the positive and negative wind pressures, natural ventilation is the primary source for ventilation in the building. Automated louver system responds to monitors, hence delivering fresh air and for air evacuation. Overhangs (vegetated in time) were designed to control solar gains.
The HVAC system with energy (heat) recovery, a closed-loop geothermal heating/cooling component, and real-time interior air quality control are incorporated into an automated building system. Another component for natural cooling is an energy star rated white roof membrane that reduces the heat transmission.
1. Energie consumption (the project) 490 260 MJ/year
2. Energie consumption (Reference Building) 1 091 355 MJ/year
3. Energy efficiency savings 601 095 MJ/year
4. Reduction in greenhouse gas output 13 567 Kg/year
The energy efficiency as well as the reduction of greenhouse gases is based upon simulations using the EE4 software from NRCAN. The official CBIP calculated efficiency is 56%.
Materials and Resources
One of the design features was to integrate reused precast concrete insulated wall panels from two Quebec Canadian Tire Stores. These panels cover +/- 40% of exterior wall surfaces. Other exterior materials are high efficient curtain wall system, fiber cement board and wood.
Interior walls are mainly built with masonry and recycled brick. Besides elevating the thermal mass inertia, the masonry provides a resistant warm finish. Radiant floors precast and concrete slab (hollow core floor slabs) finished with a clear sealant reduces the use of additional flooring materials, provides a healthy and efficient form of heating.
Painted exposed OSB from SIP panels used for the roof structure and deck procures a simple roof assembly and an economic wood interior finish. Other goals was to favor local materials (28%) and services, the use of easily dismountable, recyclable materials with a high recycled content materials (15%). 80% of construction waste was diverted from landfill site.
Life Cycle Considerations
The anticipated building life is of 75 years. Most elements are easily dismountable for reuse (with the exception of the foundations) and 85% of material used can be recycled. The interior finishes necessitate low cost maintenance following analysis and comparison with other city buildings.
Education and Information Sharing
All sustainable integrated elements and gestures will be shown and exemplified with educational panels throughout the project. The project received a $380 000 grant from the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund and $45 000 from Hydro-Québec.
