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SPRING 2010 Vol. 10 No. 4 Q U A R T E R L Y IDIBC AwArDs of ExCEllEnCE DEsIgnEr mArC BoutIn | KItChEn & BAth PM 40063056 ShowcaSing Bc & alBerta’S architectS and interior deSignerS

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Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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Page 1: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

SPRING 2010 Vol. 10 No. 4

Q U A R T E R L Y

IDIBC AwArDs of

ExCEllEnCEDEsIgnEr mArC BoutIn | KItChEn & BAth

PM

40

06

30

56

ShowcaSing Bc & alBerta’S architectS and interior deSignerS

Page 2: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

®

Vancouver2285 Cambie St604-879-2494

Coquitlam1338 United Blvd604-523-6555

Penticton100-240 Industrial Ave250-492-2000

Robinson Bath Centre Kamloops830 Laval Cres250-372-7738

Edmonton18511 - 104 Ave780-453-5714

Calgary940 - 11th Ave SW403-245-8637

Robinson Bath CentreWinnipeg1760 Ellice Ave204-784-0111

Robinson Bath CentreSaskatoon829-46th St E306-664-2389

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Page 3: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

spring 2010 | DEsIgn QuArtErlY 3

:::::::kitchen & bath

PUBLISHERDan Gnocato

[email protected]

MaNaGING EDItoRCheryl Mah

GRaPHIC DESIGNERS Shannon Swanson, Cory Dawson

CoNtRIBUtING WRItERSSusanna ChuMark Danson

Michael GottschalkDerek NealeGlen Peloso

Karen RobertsonRochelle L D Zemlak

B.C./aLBERta SaLESDan Gnocato

604.739.2115 ext. 223

PRINtED IN CaNaDa

PUBLISHED BY

PRESIDENtKevin Brown

VaNCoUVER offICE 402-1788 W. BroadwayVancouver, BC V6J 1Y1tel: 604.739.2115fax: 604.739.2117

toRoNto offICE 1000-5255 Yonge St.toronto, oN M2N 6P4tel: 416.512.8186fax: 416.512.8344

Copyright 2010Canada Post Canadian publications mail sales publication agreement no. 40063056 – ISSN 0834-3357Return all undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Suite 1000 – 5255 Yonge Street, toronto, ontario, M2N 6P4

Design Quarterly is published four times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc.

Yearly Subscription $26.40 + GSt

REPRINtS: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form — print or electronic — without written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to the publisher.

for all subscription inquiries or changes of address, please contact [email protected]

Q U A R T E R L Y

SPRING 2010 Vol. 10 No. 4

www.designquarterly.ca

the purpose of Design Quarterly is to reflect and represent practitioners and professionals in the architectural, interior design and design resource communities throughout British Columbia and alberta.

PRoUD SPoNSoR of

contents

06 DESIGNER PRofILE Marc BoutinMarc Boutin is a well known and respected architect and a University of Calgary Environment Design professor who is creating engaging and forward thinking public realm design.

09 SPECIaL SUPPLEMENt IDIBC aWaRDS of ExCELLENCE

30 Kitchen & BathBring Bathrooms to New HeightsSustainable Bathrooms: a Green oasisKitchen futurismResponsible and Sensible Design

fEatURES

ON THE COVER: ocean front Residence designed by Mitchell freedland won IDIBC Best in Show. Ed White Photography.

DEPaRtMENtS04 from the Editor the Very Best

36 IDa fIrst Impressions

37 architects in BC Wood and Sustainable architecture

38 Design Headlines®

Vancouver2285 Cambie St604-879-2494

Coquitlam1338 United Blvd604-523-6555

Penticton100-240 Industrial Ave250-492-2000

Robinson Bath Centre Kamloops830 Laval Cres250-372-7738

Edmonton18511 - 104 Ave780-453-5714

Calgary940 - 11th Ave SW403-245-8637

Robinson Bath CentreWinnipeg1760 Ellice Ave204-784-0111

Robinson Bath CentreSaskatoon829-46th St E306-664-2389

www.rlrbc.com | www.fluidfaucets.com

Introducing the newest series from fluid: Track.

Excelling in speed, agility and grace, the Track series

infuses spaces with the dreams of a champion.

TM

TM

fEBRUaRY 23 & 24, 2011

MaRCH 22 & 23, 2011

NoVEMBER 3 & 4, 2010

Page 4: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 20104

from the editor::::::: :::::::

the very best

Every year, I look forward to seeing what exciting new trends are making their way into the kitchen and bath. I look forward to being “wowed” by the details, the unexpected, the mix of ma-

terials and colours and of course the cool applianc-es. From energy saving technology and improved functionality to bold colours and inspired forms, designers are constantly pushing these two spaces in the home to new heights.

So it’s always fun putting together our kitchen and bath feature every spring. In this issue, we take a look at some of the current trends in these popular spaces. Read about new innovative prod-ucts and key factors influencing design trends from the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show along with how top kitchen cabinet makers are raising design standards. Designers Glen Peloso and Michael Gottschalk share their insights into bathroom design.

This is also a favourite issue of mine because of the IDIBC Awards of Excellence. It’s an opportu-nity to showcase winning projects that reflect the ingenuity and creativity of the design and archi-

tectural community in B.C. From stunning resi-dential work to elegant hospitality designs, the designers featured in the following pages are some of the very best.

One of Calgary’s best is the focus of our designer profile. Marc Boutin is a renowned Calgary archi-tect and a professor of environmental design at the University of Calgary. So maybe not surprisingly our conversation revolves around architecture at a high level — the critical role of architects as leaders, social responsibility, the value of design and more. Read about his journey to where he is today and how he wants to transform the city’s public realm starting on page 6.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I did put-ting it together.

Cheryl MahManaging Editor

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Page 5: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

Introducing the industry’s best performing wall oven – the new Jenn-Air® 30" (76.2 cm) double wall oven. Boasting a 7" (17.8 cm) full-colour touch anywhere LCD with innovative Culinary Centre and a V2TM vertical dual-fan convection system, its performance speaks for itself. To enhance your every culinary endeavour with precision-crafted, Jenn-Air® appliances, visit jennair.ca or an exclusive showroom near you.

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Page 6: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 20106

designer profile:::::::

As a professional architect and a University of Calgary Environment Design professor, Marc Boutin enjoys the best of both worlds.

“There’s a wonderful synergy between teaching and practicing,” says Boutin, who is on sabbatical this year.

“In trying to pursue design excellence within the practice, it makes me a better teacher. And then likewise being in academia and dealing with the value of ideas and their intellectual currency force me in the office to be a better architect.”

As an architecture professor, he teaches students to become good designers; as an architect, he is making his mark on Calgary’s cityscape by contributing innovative designs to the public realm.

“It’s important to conceive of architecture as an important compo-nent to great cities,” says Boutin, who worked in Rome as the recipient of the 2002 Prix de Rome. “So even at whatever scale of design we try to imagine it having a much broader social and cultural implication.”

Boutin and his firm Marc Boutin Architects Collaborative have earned a reputation for creating engaging and forward thinking public realm design that integrate art, architecture, urban design and landscape architecture.

The award winning firm has three large ongoing projects with the City of Calgary: Eau Claire Plaza, Memorial Drive including Poppy Plaza and the Calgary Public Building (a LEED platinum, historical building, in collaboration with Busby Perkins + Will).

“The most fundamental challenge and reward for an architect is to take a leadership role in society and give back to society,“ says Boutin.

The Poppy Plaza, one of Calgary’s newest public spaces, is the first of many to be created as part of the second phase of the Memo-rial Drive renovation. Currently under construction, the project has already won two prestigious awards: the Canadian Architect Award of Merit and the City of Calgary’s Mayor’s Urban Design Award. “The project’s goal is to revamp Memorial Drive and develop a

:::::::

forwArD thInKErBY ChErYl mAh

space that commemorates Canada’s role during wartime, while offering a much needed contribution to the city’s fledgling public realm,” says Boutin.

Creating public spaces like Poppy Plaza is how the accomplished architect envisions moving Calgary towards becoming a more integrated and vibrant city.

“The City of Calgary has turned a corner and has begun to envision itself as taking a leadership role based on the quality of life they can offer citizens — quality of life meaning great parks, public spaces, great vibrant streets and cultural centres and buildings,” observes Boutin. “Key people in city departments have begun to embrace and understand that vision.”

The amicable 46-year-old is well spoken as he shares his thoughts and philosophy about architecture. Taking great pride in his profes-sion, Boutin has an uncompromising commitment to social responsi-bility and believes an architect’s role is one of an educator and leader.

”In architecture, we’re lucky to get an education that’s very com-prehensive from social and cultural to technical and legal so that ed-ucation gives us an ability to be good leaders,” he says. “We can take a much larger leadership role and that can take many forms.”

Although many positive changes have occurred over the years such as widespread commitment to environmental responsibility, Boutin feels quality design is still lacking.

“Canada in many regards is starved of good design,” says Boutin. “For a first world nation we are way behind other first world nations in terms of the quality of design of the built environment. That’s why architects need to be educators and make sure clients make informed decisions.”

It was a family trip to Europe when he was 13 that first opened his eyes to the world of architecture.

“Seeing the treasure of the world in architecture was very influen-tial,” he recalls. “When I came back, it was always in the back of my mind that architecture was a real interest.”

Calgary Soldiers Memorial

Page 7: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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Page 8: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 20108

designer profile::::::: :::::::

A native of Aylmer, Quebec, Boutin grew up in Calgary. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree from the University of Manitoba and a B.Arch. from the University of British Columbia. He earned his M.A. in Architectural History from the University of Calgary in 2000.

During his studies, he worked for different firms including Peter Cardew and Roger Hughes in Vancouver. In 1994, he left for Barce-lona to continue his studies and professional work.

Working with Peter Cardew and studying public spaces in Barce-lona were both influential in shaping Boutin’s career.

“Barcelona was very influential because design is such an em-braced value in that society,” he says. “Architects were called upon to do many things and they seized that opportunity and contributed at a high level to society. So that’s guided the things I try to do here.”

Boutin moved to Calgary in 1997 and opened his own practice. It has since grown to a small studio of about 10 people, committed to an inter-disciplinary approach to design.

Early projects focused on custom homes before the firm diversified into institutional and public space work. The Varscona Theatre in Edmonton was their first significant public project.

“One reason we really like the cultural sector and designing public spaces is that those tend to be the most public buildings,” says Boutin. “They tend to positively affect the greatest number of people so you feel the work you’re doing is socially relevant.”

His design philosophy is to create what he describes as “imprintable architecture.” It’s architecture based on direct experience and embrac-ing the diverse contexts of light, structure, material and technique.

“When we talk about imprintability, we’re talking about architectural space that is more of a catalyst for promoting ways people can use it and occupy the space and they can imprint upon the architecture their own personalities,” he explains. “It’s a way to recognize when we’re doing design that there’s a high degree of responsibility.”

The work of the firm has been recognized by numerous national and international awards, competition wins, exhibitions and publications.

Boutin is particularly proud of the 2006 in-ternational Progressive Architecture Award for the Calgary Centre for Global Community (which also won a Canadian Architect Award).

“That was pretty special just given the scale of the competition,” says Boutin, who has also been honoured with teaching and research awards.

His firm works at a range of scales from furniture to urban de-sign with a varied portfolio including residential, commercial, cultural and public projects. Projects are primarily located in Alberta with 10 per cent or less of the portfolio in B.C.

“What I think is unique about the office is that we take the word collaborative very seriously,” says Boutin. “The project de-livery system is structured horizontally which means that the people involved in the beginning of a project moves through all the design phases right through to post occupancy. It’s always the same group which maintains the intellectual rigor that went into the project.”

He also believes open discourse is key to good design.“Good design comes out of good ideas and then debating those

ideas. Having a spirited discussion will bring the best out of people and best out of the team,” he says.

As for the future of architecture, Boutin says BIM (building information modelling) will be an important tool for architects to re-establish themselves as leaders. The technology allows ar-chitects to visualize, communicate and manage building projects much more precisely than in the past.

“The other aspect is environmental stewardship. We need to con-tinue to design and contribute to the built environment in such a way that we realize all design decisions have repercussion well beyond the four walls of our particular project,” he says.

The LEED rating system has been instrumental in driving interest in environmental, social and economic accountability. An unfortu-nate consequence of LEED, however, is a tendency to point-chase rather than real sustainable design.

“It’s really disappointing that some firms are using it as a mar-keting tool as opposed to being better architects,” says Boutin. “LEED is only a single facet of that larger stewardship that we need to take on. It’s always been about common sense.”

Despite his hectic schedule, family life is as equally important to Boutin. He has three boys with his wife Allison, who he met in Calgary.

“We both went to school in Vancouver and our relationship blossomed there and we got married there,” says Boutin. “We love the West Coast and purchased a small lot in Bamfield and have recently been building a place out there.”

With his passion for creating meaning-ful reams for social interaction, Boutin will certainly be contributing positive changes to Calgary for years to come. And Calgary will be better for it. DQ

frame House (L) and Calgary Centre for Global Community

Page 9: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

IDIBC AwArDs of ExCEllEnCE

Page 10: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201010

T he Interior Designers of BC Awards of Excellence brings our attention to the aspiration of attaining top notch design. In a graduation address at

the University of Manitoba, I made a plea for excellence: “You have a chance to make the world a better place, don’t waste that chance. Don’t settle for pretty good. Set a high stan-dard and strive for it. Try to make every job better than the last.”

The design awards are our opportunity of looking at some of the most creative and beau-tiful projects created by our community in the past year. It is all about taking design to a new level — designers differ in their approaches, their muses and their techniques but the outcome is still to inspire mankind.

Economic times often press firms to temper their innovative techniques with practical applications. Designers are shifting their perspective from radically innovative to rationally inventive. Reces-sive times often produce interiors that are simpler, more beautiful and pure and honest. It is a good learning curve and often produces marvelous results.

The Winter Olympics showed the world about the attainment of excellence in a wide variety of winter sporting events. The city

looked dazzling and showcased the design talents of so many people to the world. We were all proud of our city and how it ap-peared to the rest of the world. The Olympic spirit should be an inspiration to continue to produce outstanding design solutions in the field of interior design.

Our design awards showcase the diversity of talent that is creating work in the Lower Mainland. Each year the awards submissions continue to grow and our illustrious awards judge’s panel selected the winners with a dis-cerning eye. This year there were 22 bronze, silver and gold awards. Particularly gratifying

was the large number of entries in the residential category. A special congratulations to Mitchell Freedland whose Ocean Front Residence was awarded “Best of Show”.

The Interior Designers Institute of British Columbia wishes to thank its sponsor community for their generosity and support of the awards gala. We hope that you enjoy the results of this year’s Awards of Excellence.

Bob LedinghamPresident, Interior Designers Institute of B.C.

ACHiEViNg ExCEllENCE iN THE WORld Of dEsigN

www.designquarterly.ca

Advertise in Design Quarterly and let us connect your products and services to the design industryEndorsed by the leading design and architectural associations, Design Quarterly is the publication of choice by advertisers who want to connect with the decision makers in the multi-billion dollar B.C. and Alberta design marketplace.

To advertise your products, services and expertise or for more information on customizing an advertising program, please contact:

Dan Gnocato604.739.2115 ext. [email protected]

Page 11: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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Page 12: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201012

Combining an elegant interior design with iconic archi-tecture can be difficult. But designer Mitchell Freedland manages to do that and more with this sleek and clean private master suite.

The ocean front master suite with bedroom, bathroom and living area was a 1,250 square foot second floor addition on top of a large existing studio in West Vancouver.

Freedland drew inspiration from the strong architectural vocabu-lary of the existing structure which drove much of the design concept and form of the addition. The result is elegant, clean and timeless.

“Everyone who has visited it doesn’t want to leave it including our-selves,” he laughs.

Freedland’s design ingenuity on this project earned him the Best in Show and a residential gold award at this year’s IDIBC Awards of Excellence.

“It was a big surprise,” says Freedland. “We love the project. It was a joy to do the detailing where everything comes together so clean and seamlessly. It was one of those special projects.”

The client’s objective was to create a private master suite which celebrated the outstanding natural beauty of its location.

“It’s right on the ocean so the client wanted to make sure whatever we built celebrated that magnificent view,” says Freedland.

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location: West Vancouver, BCdesign team: Mitchell freedland and Aaron Mackenzie-MooreSquare footage: 1,250

Page 13: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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spring 2010 | DEsIgn QuArtErlY 13

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The challenge of adding the master suite to the existing modern iconic structure was to seamlessly incorporate it. Materials and palette were selected to blend harmoniously with the existing space, but infused with extra touches to create a unique experience.

“The existing structure is minimal, quite beautiful, very white and restrained,” describes Freedland. “We wanted to keep to the vocab-ulary of that building while adding a bit of warmth and comfort since it is a private suite.”

The monochromatic palette (the client loves white) of the studio downstairs is continued up into the master suite. To create warmth, the cool white was accentuated with wood paneling.

“What we added was a limed oak panel wall which basically lines the entire back of the house,” says Freedland. “That really helps to ground the space and add the element of warmth and comfort that we wanted. And in-stead of doors we draped the entire interior of the closet with velvet which added a sexy feel.”

Millwork and all furnishings were custom designed and fabricated locally, utilizing natural materials. The exception to this is the iconic vintage Lucite chairs.

A fireplace anchors the space and acts as di-vider between the living and bedroom spaces.

“It also adds an element of fire and the client wanted a TV on either side so it ful-filled the entertainment factor,” says Freed-land. “It’s a pivotal element that helps orga-nize the space.”

The suite has an open concept layout with the entire front comprised of glass and a large terrace. Sun shading was designed for main-taining heat gain and energy consumption inherent to the vast southern exposure.

“The idea was that all of the usable space is joined as an open concept along the base of the glass — living, entertaining, sleeping and bathroom area — with the exception of the shower and toilet which are located at the back of the house for privacy,” explains Freedland.

Custom designed lighting completes the elegant composition of the space.

“Residential projects are very rewarding,” says Freedland. “It’s creating something for someone specifically and when the results are really great and they’re happy there’s a great sense of satisfaction there.”

Page 14: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 20101414

Andrea Raimondi enjoys visiting Europe, which she does four times a year. There, she draws inspiration from the risks designers take in juxtaposing ultra-modern and antique elements.

“Europeans are used to very traditional buildings, with a modern flavour. Adding on very modern elements is really expected,” says the president of Calgary-based Ingenium Design Group, adding, “They’re willing to push the edge… to be unusual — especially the Dutch.”

So when a client from the Netherlands sought a progressive design for his downtown Calgary residence, she was eager to take on the challenge.

“I was lucky to have the opportunity [to take risks],” says Rai-mondi, who brought her cosmopolitan flair to Homburg Penthouse. “The more you see, the more willing you are to try different things.”

The result is an austere, minimalist design continually punctuated with surprises.

“It’s all about the unexpected. There is a huge amount of unex-pected elements.”

Beginning with the kitchen’s glass, stainless steel and white-on-white palette, Raimondi developed a contrasting palette of deeply saturated hues to accentuate key features. Sharp blue accents and swathes of burnt orange, warm tangerine and golden yellow are splashed throughout the suite. Even the pearlized white of hardwood contrasts with the opaque, warm white of dupioni silk drapery, which is in turn distinct from the glossy white of ceramic tile.

The design also called for a wide range of finishes, including glass inserts in the hardwood and floor tiles. The local sub-trades had nev-er encountered such a combination before, but rose to the occasion. The resulting front entry way features full-bodied, polished white porcelain tiles with glass floor tile inserts. On this unusual finish, the complex LED lighting creates surprising hues.

Then there is the eye candy. Moooi crystal chandeliers encased in transparent silver resin. Massive plant pots imported from Italy. And in the living room, a huge Marcel Barbeau original oil painting — as bold, intense and abstract as its new home.

Raimondi has taken great pains to ensure every detail — from the coil drapery to the Philippe Starck plumbing fixtures — remains em-phatically progressive yet thoroughly functional. Then again, behind the coil drapery hides an antique music player imported from Eu-rope, and a refurbished Steinway grand piano presides over the living room. Abstract yet functional design, antique and modern fixtures, diverse textures and a simple, bold palette play against each other in a dynamic yet unified composition.

“Look anywhere in this project: everything ties together.”The finished design may be polished and cohesive, but install-

ing the mechanical systems was no easy task. The suite features an extremely flat ceiling with no bulkhead details to hide an HVAC system. Working closely with a consultant, Raimondi ensured the drawings were done correctly. Then careful co-ordination among the trades ensured the commercial ventilation system was concealed as discreetly as possible behind linear diffusers within the ceiling.

The glass-and-stainless-steel water features presented yet another challenge. Due to their engineering requirements, the features were difficult to manufacture.

The Homburg Penthouse also features a complex smart home sys-tem. The complicated integrated LED lighting allows the client to pre-program mood settings, for entertaining, for relaxing etc. These controls had to be seamlessly integrated with the TV, satellite, music and other extensive technology components.

Looking back at the project, Raimondi is struck by how current the design remains. She conceptualized it “three to five years ago, but it’s still progressive today.”

So progressive that she was surprised Homburg Penthouse received the 2009 IDI Gold Award of Excellence in the residential category, which had the most entries.

“This project gets noticed. It’s out of the comfort zone of [many] clients and designers… [but] like it or not, it stands out,” she says.

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THE UNExpECTEdreSidential gold Hamburg penthouse – ingenuim design group inc.BY SUSaNNa CHU

location: Calgary, Albertadesign team: Andrea Raimondisquare footage: 3,196

Page 15: Design Quarterly Spring 2010
Page 16: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 20101616

Accolades for the new Vancouver Convention Centre West continue to pour in, and deservedly so. Since opening in April 2009, the state-of-the-art facility has received nu-merous awards in recognition of its innovative design and

construction techniques.Its latest award comes from the Interior Designers of B.C. which

honoured the project with a gold award of excellence.“It’s a spectacular building,” says Edith Wormsbecker, MCM In-

teriors partner-in-charge. “We had great clients and a great proj-ect team. It’s been very well received and people are very happy with it.”

The project was a collaborative effort between MCM Interiors, LMN Architects and DA Architects & Planners. The design team’s mission was to create a world class convention centre facility that would embody a strong relationship with its stunning location while showcasing B.C. products and its natural beauty.

Another important criteria was the incorporation of leading edge environmentally sustainable features and technologies. The building and design team surpassed their ambitious sustainability objectives, recently achieving LEED Platinum certification.

As the world’s greenest convention facility, it boasts a wide range of sustainable strategies from a six acre living roof and onsite waste water recycling system to recycled and local materials.

Built next to the existing convention centre, the west build-ing triples its capacity and includes Canada’s largest ballroom at 55,000-square-feet, 52 meeting rooms and an exhibit hall the size of five football fields. The sheer size of the facility alone makes the spaces grand.

But addressing the large volumes of space was a challenge, accord-ing to Wormsbecker.

“We had to make sure the design was highly evolved and imple-mented and would work in such a large volume of space and not lose impact while still being fresh and appealing to the users,” she says.

Other challenges included working and communicating with a large project team and a fast track schedule.

“We were dealing with a hot construction market at the time and trying to get the best value in the project was always a struggle be-cause prices kept escalating,” she adds.

The facility is four storeys with the exhibition halls located on the lowest level. Blue terrazzo flooring was selected for that level to reflect the ocean. It was also chosen for its low maintenance and durability.

“We tried very much to reflect in an abstract way the ocean, moun-tains, landscape and forest in the spaces,” says Wormsbecker.

The carpet patterning of blues and greys was evolved from a landscape like an aerial photograph of different patches of farm lands and road.

“That’s where the inspiration came for the carpet patterning. It was abstracted of course and put into different scales,” says Wormsbecker.

The primary interior expression is achieved through the use of locally harvested materials, including Douglas fir and Hemlock wood finishes. It creates an elegant and warm wood skin enclosing the ballroom, prefunction spaces and meeting rooms. This strong wood expression is especially dramatic at night as the building will glow like a waterfront beacon.

“The biggest design feature is the wood,” says Wormsbecker. “The interior core of the meeting rooms and function areas as well as

iNspiREd pUBliC spACEinStitUtional & edUcational SPaceS gold Vancouver Convention Centre West — MCM interiors ltd.BY CHERYL MaH

services was wrapped in a skin of wood that looks like a block from the outside to the inside.”

The design concept revolved around the idea of lumber stacks, result-ing in textured wood block walls that impart character and dimension.

Because of the sustainable mandate for the facility, a lot of consid-eration was given to the views and natural daylight, notes Worms-becker, which also help to minimize its lighting energy requirements.

The building maximizes its spectacular surroundings with an ul-tra-clear glazed exterior wall system that provides those inside with interrupted views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. The design creates a strong visual connection to the outside, blend-ing interior and exterior spaces.

Wayfinding visual queues were a combination of graphics and colours.“Some of the things we did for wayfinding was we identified meet-

ing room spaces by colour depending on which side of the building you were on,” says Wormsbecker.

Visitors will find shades of blue in north meeting rooms, shades of teal in the east meeting rooms, and shades of green in the south meeting rooms.

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spring 2010 | DEsIgn QuArtErlY 17

client: Vancouver Convention Centre/pAVCOlocation: Vancouver, BCdesign team: Edith Wormsbecker, lori Naig (lMN Architects, seattle), dale Kosowan(MCM interiors ltd), laura scrivens-sloan(MCM), Alex piro (dA Architects + planners)Square footage: 1.1 Million

In the Grand Ballroom, to add a sense of elegance and grandeur, it received a slightly different treatment. The lower half of the walls con-tinues the same wood lumber stack theme while the upper section is draped with wall fabric in a metallic tone, says Wormsbecker.

The scale and colour of carpeting patterning was also changed. The carpet in the ballroom is a pattern of copper and blue rectangles.

“It moves in a change of graduated colours from greys to blues along the glass to purples to copper colour which relates to the copper colour of the fabric walls on south end,” says Wormsbecker.

The ceiling of the ballroom is embellished with custom light fixtures which provide the necessary program lighting as well as a decorative feature.

“We introduced a lighting pattern of custom light fixtures that were clustered in groupings to create a sprinkling of light across the ceiling,” she says. “Those lights can have different settings for different moods too.”

All materials were selected for low VOCs, recycled and sustain-able content. Most of the furniture was locally manufactured with recycled or sustainable upholstery.

“The project met all the criteria and exceeded it in many respects,” says Wormsbecker. “A lot of visitors local or afar have been impressed with the facility and its quality of finishing.”

Page 18: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201018

The exclusive Terminal City Club in Vancouver underwent a multi-million dollar renovation of its first two floors in 2008. Established in 1892, the private business club has been at its current location for a decade and was beginning

to show its age.In 2007, SSDG Interiors was commissioned to design and manage

the renovation of the Terminal City Club. The objective was to create an exciting new look to distinguish the club from other private busi-ness clubs and attract new members while maintaining the history of the club.

Taking a tailored and sophisticated design approach, SSDG suc-cessfully re-establishes the grandeur of the club.

“It was a really great project to work on. The client was phenom-enal,” recalls Gerry Shinkewski, SSDG principal.

Terminal City Club combines traditional elegance with contempo-rary design to create a look and feel honouring tradition and embrac-ing tomorrow. Modern amenities and luxuries have been incorpo-rated alongside elements of the original Metropolitan Building.

“Honouring tradition, embracing tomorrow became the tagline for the whole project,” says Shinkewski.

During the nine month renovation, the team faced challenges of tight timelines, a hot construction market and renovating while the club remained open.

“The challenge was to make sure everything was in place when it had to be. For example, the ballroom had to be done first to ensure weddings could still happen,” explains Shinkewski.

SSDG reconfigured some of the spaces so they would be more functional and help streamline the club’s operations. The existing Member’s Lounge and Reading Room was transformed into the new location for the fine dining 1892 restaurant and Cuvee Wine Bar.

“There were a number of functional issues within the club that weren’t working well,” says Shinkewski.

One of the key social areas in the club is the Wine Bar. The wine stor-age display is a central design feature in the space, housing champagne,

white and red wines in a contained climate controlled environment. It is one of the largest wine collections in the city.

An eye-catching three inch cast glass bar top dazzles against the backdrop of rich dark wood.

“We placed the glass on top of polished stainless steel so the light-ing coming down from above shines through the glass, hits it and reflects back a real watery look,” says Shinkewski.

In the fine dining restaurant, a contemporary linear fireplace, luxuri-ous fabrics, accent lighting and woodwork create a refined and intimate space where members can enjoy the club’s award winning culinary cre-ations. Retractable wood framed glass patio doors invite the outside in.

“We wanted a strong relaxed and comfortable feel in the dining room,” he says. “We put in a whole new window system so the room opens up to the terrace.”

The design team also bought in a more coordinated and sophisticat-ed colour palette to the space, using predominantly warm browns that compliment the original woodwork and fixtures that were retained.

The overscaled carpet similarly was in a light and dark chocolate and beige patterning. Brintons designed, manufactured and in-stalled the custom woven Axminster commercial carpet, a first in North America.

“The design we chose was traditional with a twist. What we used was very large broad floral patterns and leaf patterns that were may-be two feet instead of two inches so it has a much bolder statement,” says Shinkewski.

Existing woodwork was embellished, retained and refinished on site. The ballrooms’ existing chandeliers, which were in the club’s first location, were also retained.

The club’s transformation has resulted in increased membership and has instilled a renewed sense of pride.

“The heart and soul of the Terminal City Club is all about its members and guests,” says Shinkewski. “It was about defining who they are and creating a place to celebrate, do business and spotlight history and tradition.”

TRAdiTiON Of ExCEllENCE

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hoSPitalitY gold Terminal City Club — seeton shinkewski design groupBY CHERYL MaH

client: Terminal City Clublocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: gerry shinkewski, Julie Campbell, Jennifer Kurtz, shauna RootSquare Footage: 18,000

Page 19: Design Quarterly Spring 2010
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DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201020

situated on the second floor of the new Shangri-la Hotel located in downtown Vancouver, this new 6,000 square foot restaurant marks the Canadian debut for the high-profile international chef Jean-Georges Vongericthen.

The objective for Box Interior Design was to create a unique expe-rience that is different but complementary to the hotel’s traditional Asian design aesthetic. Feng shui principles guided strategic place-ment of various design elements, colours, and finishes.

Market by Jean-Georges is comprised of a series of distinct areas and experiences: the entry foyer, a bar-bistro, fine dining and private dining areas. Contrast and colour are used to differentiate the various areas; light and glamorous for the entry and dining, rich and inti-mate for the bar-bistro & washrooms.

The circular entry foyer is the bridge from the Asian hotel to the restaurant, with hand-plastered walls incised in a subtle geometric Asian motif. The bar/bistro areas are dark, strong, and sexy; while the dining room has a soft lightness, a perfect foil to the typical grey Vancouver weather.

The dining room features two private dining rooms that anchor the North and South ends. The North room enfolds you in dark wood with velvet upholstered walls and heavy lined silk drapery; while the airy South room suspends you in a glass box hung over the urban heart of the city.

The design team successfully delivers a contemporary restaurant exemplifying restrained luxury and glamour that has since opening, attracted strong interest and bookings. Revenues are continuing to exceed all initial projections for the restaurant.

hoSPitalitY SilVerMarket by Jean-georges – Box interior design

hoSPitalitY SilVerCoast Restaurant — Box interior design

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client: Culinary Concepts for Jean-georges Vongerichtenlocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: Jay Brooks, Cynthia penner, Tara lingle, Monica Jeffer Square footage: 6,000

client: Emad Yacoub & shannon Bosa – glowbal Restaurant grouplocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: Jay Brooks, Cynthia penner, Tara lingle, Monica JefferSquare footage: 7,000

d eep turquoise tones, custom mosaic-tile floors and lush leather banquettes define a new Vancouver aesthetic and extend a respectful nod to classic San Francisco seafood eateries with this new Vancouver seafood restaurant.

The expansive 7,000 square foot Coast Restaurant features a clean, contemporary design by Box Interior Design. The objective was to create a new modern seafood restaurant with a sense of tradition to attract a sophisticated guest demographic. The project also includes an adjoining 1,200 square foot lounge called O Lounge.

The main level of Coast seats 125, offering a high energy level ex-perience with its central bar, open kitchen, and harder surfaces. The upper level is more calming with darker tones and carpeted floor-ing. The slightly removed area at the top of the stairs now becomes a desired VIP room with its teak cladding and capiz shell drapery. A glass balustrade on the mezzanine level reinforces the connection between the upper and main floor of the restaurant.

The adjacent O Lounge, with its upper level illuminated abalone patterned drink tables and suspended glowing shades and the main level coral toned velvet maze seating with custom gold-mirrored mo-bile and dark indigo wall articulation, makes for a sultry lounge vibe.

The project has also earned the design team an International Interior Design Association IIDA, Pacific Northwest Chapter’s Best of Hospitality Design award.

Page 21: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

TORONTO ❘ GAINESVILLE ❘ MELBOURNE ❘ VANCOUVER ❘ WINNIPEGwww.mediaedge.ca

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Design QuarterlyResource Guide 2010

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DQ_Fall_09.indd 25 22/10/09 10:59 PM

TORONTO � GAINESVILLE � MELBOURNE � VANCOUVER � WINNIPEGwww.mediaedge.ca

• Editorial delivering the latest design trends.• Complete suppliers’ directory with cross referencing

product/services sections.• Display advertisements showcasing the latest in

products, trends, materials and services.

For Further information, please contact:Dan Gnocato 604.739.2115 ext. 223 [email protected]

Design QuarterlyResource Guide 2011

Distributed to Architects and Interior Designers in BC and Alberta

Now reserving ad space

Western Canada's most comprehensive resource tool for architects and interior designers

Featuring

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DQ_Fall_09.indd 25 22/10/09 10:59 PM

Page 22: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201022

T his project consisted of combining two adjoining apart-ment units into one 1800 sf space.

With their first child on the way and a desire to stay in the city, the clients opted to purchase and combine

the neighbouring suite with their own to create one large open space. Located in Vancouver’s historic Gastown, the design in-tent was to create an open plan that exploits the now south, north and westward views, natural light and seamless access to two terraces.

Existing window and mechanical locations challenged the de-sign and created unique opportunities for defining the space. The new kitchen and dining area occupy the centre of the new layout; a long, narrow space that separates the entry and liv-ing room from the office and master bedroom, and naturally becomes a high traffic area. Sitting on an elevated tiled floor that conceals fixed plumbing lines from the previous two suites, the kitchen and dining space are delineated by a dropped wood canopy that carefully aligns with the outside edge of the kitchen island and fixed custom dining table. This alignment, in addi-tion to a higher, drywall ceiling, defines the circulation space to the west.

To accommodate the new master ensuite bathroom layout, a similar strategy of raising the floor was necessary. The new bath-room is open to the bedroom but can be closed off by means of three floor to ceiling sliding panels, affording the user their own varying degrees of privacy and light levels. Built-in storage mill-work throughout the home conceals everyday clutter and become a means to divide and articulate space. This is particularly evi-dent in the master bedroom where a free standing built-in cabi-net separates the room’s dressing area from the kitchen. On the other side of the dressing area, the back of the cabinet becomes the headboard for the bed.

reSidential SilVerAbbott Residence – splyce design inc.

reSidential SilVerprivate ResidenceHeffel Balango design Consultants

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client: Tim Horsman & Kerry Mollerlocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: Nigel parishSquare footage: 1,800

location: Whistler, B.C.design team: lesli Balagno, Joel TriggSquare footage: 2,225

Heffel Balango Design Consultants approached this proj-ect with the goal of creating a modern and sophisticated yet comfortable family retreat without compromising the original structure and charm of this original 1970’s Whis-

tler ski cabin. To address environmental considerations the renova-tion included the installation of energy efficient windows, and sky-lights along with an upgrade to spray foam insulation to minimize loss of heat during the winter.

Much of the existing infrastructure was refinished rather than replaced and careful planning ensured that existing framing materials were used in an attempt to reduce waste and unneces-sary costs.

This narrow residence was given a fresh sense of style and space achieved through scale, a unifying palette and many of the clients own found objects. In an age where demolition is common practice Heffel Balango has successfully restored this home, given it new life and longevity through the integration of superior building materials and finishes. With the upgrade of all fixtures and appliances and the incorporation of state-of-the-art audio visual and lighting systems this home rivals the current standards of new home construction. Although it has retained its modest façade, behind the front door is a fresh, chic new interior, designed for comfort and conducive to the needs of a modern family.

Page 23: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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Page 24: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201024

Cosmo is Concord Pacific’s flagship building in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Its prestigious West Georgia address has made it extremely desirable. This Armani Casa inspired building has appealed to a wide cross sec-

tion of buyers. It is contemporary and upbeat, yet sophisticated and couture inspired.

The sheer window walls set off the great views from this location. Contemporary wide plank hardwood floors in neutral tones provide a great backdrop for a multitude of styles.

The public had the choice of three optional cabinets in either engineered wood or lacquer, complete with a multitude of features and European hardware. All countertops throughout these homes were quartz, in neutral tones to complement the palette. Miele ap-pliances provide the owners with a fabulous cooking experience. Floating vanities grace the bathrooms along with elegant tiled walls and floating contemporary mirrors. These materials were carried through to the furnishings throughout the condo. Natural wools, linens and subtle accents were used to set off the features of this great space. Furnishings were sleek and streamlined. Ulti-mately the goal was to create a timeless look.

Cosmo is a very fashion forward building with the newest and the best. In appreciation of the art of modern elegance, Cosmo has an ultimate roof top lounge called Club Cosmo. It also has two 10 pin bowling lanes and an 80 foot swimming pool.

MUlti-reSidential SilVerCosmo – portico design group ltd.

worKPlace Partial SilVergowlings llp — group 5 design Associates ltd.

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client: Concord pacificlocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: Brenda Chiu, lisa Hansen, Allison Mark, Tara WellsSquare footage: 658

client: gowlings llplocation: Vancouver, B.C.design team: ian dubenski, Tracy Collins, Rick Mackillop, Melina Clancey-dubenskiSquare footage: 5,300

g roup 5 Design was commissioned to create a multi- purpose conference centre for the Vancouver office of a large Canadian legal firm. The objectives were to pro-vide a unique and flexible space for clients and staff to

meet or entertain as well as to make a corporate statement by design-ing a distinct Pacific Northwest space with a residential ambiance.

To reflect the natural B.C. setting, colours and finishes were pre-dominantly earth tones. A rich dark brown was selected for gen-eral carpeting and the walnut paneling. Custom architectural fea-tures include a lobby wool carpet inspired by Coast Salish motifs and colours. A wood canopy in the elevator lobby greets visitors. The canopy over the interconnecting stairs is key and provides a visual connection to the floor below. Local B.C. artwork is show-cased throughout.

Three fir columns were milled from reclaimed logs salvaged from the Stanley Park blow down, symbolizing the three pillars of the law firm’s practice (advocacy, business and intellectual property law).

The design team had to deliver a conference centre that was inde-pendent from the rest of the practice area and functions after hours. To help achieve that, a movable wall was incorporated to divide the large conference room. The space also features reconfigurable furni-ture with electrical capabilities. The shape of the building’s exterior posed initial planning challenges.

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spring 2010 | DEsIgn QuArtErlY 25

inStitUtional & edUcational SPaceS SilVerThompson River University student Unionstantec Architecture

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client: Nathan lane, Thompson Rivers University students’ Unionlocation: Kamloops, B.C.design team: Ray Wolfe, Nicole Brink, Brian Christianson, Rob HajdaszSquare footage: 12,320

stantec Architecture provided full architectural services for the renovation of the Students’ Union at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C. This 12,320 square foot stu-dent space originally consisted of a double height multipur-

pose space with adjacent offices and boardrooms. The new design and configuration resulted in an “object” that was inserted into the double height multipurpose space. Research and investigation of the skin of the “object” was a tectonic driver in this project, where the edge of the object has a multifunctional purpose. The wood slats provide warmth to the space, act as a light box, and provide acoustic absorption.

The intervention of the object creates a series of diverse gathering places that are integrated with a food and coffee bar, as well as a stu-dent self-serve kitchen. An adjacent reconfigured open office allows for greater transparency, flexibility, and encourages a higher level of collegiality. The redesigned student space creates a stronger student identify while creating a destination for students to gather on campus.

The environmental strategy of this project reuses the existing build-ing and systems, while all new materials are low emitting materials. The campus is intended to remain dense in the face of expected growth in the coming years and decades. The client’s strategy to achieve this goal is to maximize building usage and occupant density.

The Students’ Union project supports the university’s sustainability goals, by turning what was a cold, expansive shell space, into a series of highly used places and activity zones which have greatly intensified the students’ use of the building. In addition, building systems com-missioning minimal energy performance, CDF reduction in HVAC equipment performance criteria, storage and collection of recyclables, minimum IAQ performance, and environmental tobacco standards set out in LEED® CI were met.

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Page 26: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

DEsIgn QuArtErlY | spring 201026

reSidential BronZePrivate Residence, Whistler Heffel Balango Design Consultantsdesign Team: Lesli Balagno, Brad Lamoureaux, Gary olsen

MUlti-reSidential BronZe365 Waterfront — BBa Design ConsultantsDesign team: Sharon Bortolotto, Jennifer Brown

reSidential BronZeShuswap Residence — Splyce Design inc.design Team: Nigel Parish

MUlti-reSidential BronZeterminus — Evoke Internationaldesign Team: David Nicolay, alan Davies, Mark ostry, Russell acton

retail BronZeShe to Schic Boutique Beauty Lounge — Wai Luidesign Team: Wai Lui

Page 27: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

special supplement IDIBC Awards of Excellence

spring 2010 | DEsIgn QuArtErlY 27

inStitUtional & edUcational SPaceS BronZeVancouver Community College (Health Sciences) Stantec architecture Ltd.design Team: Kent Goodwin, Janice Hicks, Rainer fassier, Rick Clark, Colin Gardner

healthcare & PerSonal SerViceS BronZeCrossroad Dental — Seeton Shinkewski Design Groupdesign Team: angela Harrasser, Keith Seeton

healthcare & PerSonal SerViceS BronZeCovenant House Drop-In Centre false Creek Design Groupdesign Team: Jim toy, William Chan, Dale Boute, Jenna McBride

hoSPitalitY BronZeBC Place-Edgewater Lounge Stantec architecture Ltd.design Team: Lausenz Kosichek, Janice Hicks, ana Royea, Erika Kasuga, Denise Kranz

hoSPitalitY BronZeBC Place-Private Suites — Stantec architecture Ltd.design Team: Lausenz Kosichek, Janice Hicks, ana Royea, Erika Kasuga, Denise Kranz

Page 28: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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MEDIA PARTNERS

BUILDEX Vancouver draws crowds!We waited many years for our new home at the Vancouver Convention Centre but it was worth it! Our shiny new home allowed for a much larger event...and an even better view. This year we experienced dramatic growth resulting in 12,304 professional delegates crossing the exhibit fl oor — 4.7% more than in 2009. In addition, 21% more exhibiting companies were featured. Numerous seminars were sold out and it was a challenge simply keeping up!

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Book early for 2011!

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Join us at the next BUILDEX in AlbertaBUILDEX Calgary attracts over 4,000 professionals engaged in Calgary’s Construction, Renovation, Real Estate, Property Management, Interior Design and Architectural industries to see over 250 exhibits and attend more than 40 industry leading educational seminars. It’s the next great opportunity in Alberta to Network, Educate and Discover. Registration opens September 2010.

Supplier or Exhibitor? Access to Calgary’s best leads in the industry is just one step away. For more info and to book your exhibit space in Calgary, please contact:

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New for 2010, we will be co-located with CIPHEX WEST, the regional Plumbing, Heating & HVAC show which will add over 200 exhibits and more than 2000 industry attendees.

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www.buildexcalgary.comCO-LOCATED WITH

Great news from BUILDEX Edmonton!We are excited to report that event attendance was up 19% from 2009 and up 7% from 2008. This means the 2010 event was our BEST attended to date in Edmonton.

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C H I C A G O • JUNE 14 16, 2010S E A T T L E • OC TOBER 27, 2010C A L G A R Y • N O V 3 & 4 , 2 0 1 0VANCOUVER • FEB 23 & 24, 2011EDMONTON • MARCH 22 & 23, 2011

Buildex shows are about designing, building and managing real estate.www.buildexshows.com1.877.739.2112

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Page 29: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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MEDIA PARTNERS

BUILDEX Vancouver draws crowds!We waited many years for our new home at the Vancouver Convention Centre but it was worth it! Our shiny new home allowed for a much larger event...and an even better view. This year we experienced dramatic growth resulting in 12,304 professional delegates crossing the exhibit fl oor — 4.7% more than in 2009. In addition, 21% more exhibiting companies were featured. Numerous seminars were sold out and it was a challenge simply keeping up!

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Book early for 2011!

Supplier or Exhibitor? Act early to guarantee a high-profi le location:

Dave Tyldesley Ben [email protected] [email protected]. 604.730.2051 o. 604.730.2032

Join us at the next BUILDEX in AlbertaBUILDEX Calgary attracts over 4,000 professionals engaged in Calgary’s Construction, Renovation, Real Estate, Property Management, Interior Design and Architectural industries to see over 250 exhibits and attend more than 40 industry leading educational seminars. It’s the next great opportunity in Alberta to Network, Educate and Discover. Registration opens September 2010.

Supplier or Exhibitor? Access to Calgary’s best leads in the industry is just one step away. For more info and to book your exhibit space in Calgary, please contact:

Wolfgang Ortner Paul [email protected] [email protected]. 403.241.1088 o. 604.730.2057

New for 2010, we will be co-located with CIPHEX WEST, the regional Plumbing, Heating & HVAC show which will add over 200 exhibits and more than 2000 industry attendees.

MARCH 22 & 23, 2011EDMONTON EXPO CENTRE, NORTHLANDS

www.buildexedmonton.comOCTOBER 27, 2010THE CONFERENCE CENTER AT CONVENTION PLACE – SEATTLE

www.buildexexpress.com

FEBRUARY 23 & 24, 2011VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE

www.buildexvancouver.com

NOVEMBER 3 & 4, 2010BMO CENTRE, STAMPEDE PARK

www.buildexcalgary.comCO-LOCATED WITH

Great news from BUILDEX Edmonton!We are excited to report that event attendance was up 19% from 2009 and up 7% from 2008. This means the 2010 event was our BEST attended to date in Edmonton.

Thank you for attending and exhibiting.

Supplier or Exhibitor? We are now securing exhibit space for 2011.

Paul Maryschak Wolfgang Ortner Ben [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. 604.730.2057 o. 403.241.1088 o. 604.730.2032

Introducing BUILDEX Express!This ONE-DAY streamlined event is designed to effi ciently facilitate new business relationships, product launches and professional development for Seattle’s Architecture, Design, Real Estate Management, Construction and Renovation industries. Three industries. One roof. One day only!

Supplier or Exhibitor? Book early for best rates and locations. For more info and to book your exhibit space at BUILDEX Express, please contact:

Paul Maryschak Dave Tyldesley Ben [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]. 604.730.2057 o. 604.730.2051 o. 604.730.2032

C H I C A G O • JUNE 14 16, 2010S E A T T L E • OC TOBER 27, 2010C A L G A R Y • N O V 3 & 4 , 2 0 1 0VANCOUVER • FEB 23 & 24, 2011EDMONTON • MARCH 22 & 23, 2011

Buildex shows are about designing, building and managing real estate.www.buildexshows.com1.877.739.2112

buildex dps dq june.indd 1 6/9/10 10:34:56 AM

Page 30: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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kitchen & bath:::::::

the last decade has seen the bathroom morph from a smaller and highly functional room where corner tubs and tighter showers were the norm, to a much more opulent space, consuming more square footage than ever before in multi level homes. At the same time, the proliferation of condo-

miniums has worked at squeezing an opulent space into a much small-er foot print. In both directions the bathroom has become more com-partmentalized with water closets, and defined areas for tubs, vanities and storage, while still maintaining an overall cohesive design.

showersThe combined tub and shower has most certainly gone by the way side. In fact many clients will opt not to have a tub at all in most of the bathrooms. The larger the shower the better and the requirements for that space have evolved to require much larger area of water flow from the shower head, body jets, some seating and steam require-ments. The placement of the five -way diverter in this collection of plumbing requirements, including edge drains and the exceptional planning that has to go into the mechanics, is at an all time high. Currently the operation of these diverters seems to require as much education for the client as do some audio visual remote controls. Cre-ating a sleek look in the showers is often achieved with solid surface walls like natural stone slabs or man made solid surface products. The rain shower heads are often recessed into the space as are the jets, creating squares of chrome in the walls like water tiles.

With these shower systems, often with the inclusion of steam fea-tures and benches in the shower stall, the shower curtain has gone by the wayside completely. Glass divisions to contain the shower stall, which generally have enough square footage in the bathroom to suc-cessfully house more than one person at a time, keep the space feeling open to provide that spa feeling that clients are looking for. Shower doors are less frequently used, allowing for a ‘walk in’ shower system, however with the addition of a steam unit, a complete closure is re-quired. In steam units the glass must continue to the ceiling with the addition of a swivel vent glass, generally installed over the door.

tubs The tub has become a piece of art in the spa bathroom. This free stand-ing unit has changed from the angled and skirted version of a few years ago to something much more organic in shape. Porcelain bowl shapes tubs or tubs that emulate the tradition slipper shape complete to the floor. Tub fillers are simple in design with single pole ascending from the floor in one simple rise as opposed to the double of a few years ago. The taps are also simple x hatched or in a single leaver. In the near fu-ture, look for wooden veneer tubs in a Japanese soaker style.

Around the tub we are seeing feature walls, in a variety of textures and colours. This is where more textured tiles are being seen. The pro-liferation of wall papers in strong geometrics and flowers are also being seen in trend tiles. These are the tiles being used in feature walls. I hesi-tate with this trend as the shelf life is shorter than the strong patterns that are found in cross cut marbles which work well as feature walls.

vanitiesVanities are a combination of open storage and closed storage and the colours vary from stark white in high gloss finishes to warm wood finishes that we are seeing in furniture pieces as a reference to the

60s. The floated cabinets work best in smaller spaces. The sinks are either under mount (look for flower details of the 60s) or vessels sinks. Faucets set into the wall for the vessels sink in simple details or surface mounted or under mount sinks often in a single pole ver-sion. Open shelving on vanities where towels can be featured, are combined with closed storage units sometimes as room dividers or tucked into a corner of the space.

toiletsThe water closet is back as a way to close in the toilet from the rest of the room. If space is a consideration, then a partition made with frosted glass is also acceptable. While bidets are not generally in-stalled, the combination bidet seats (which include warming units, automated opening and closing with the wash and dry features) are becoming more common place in high end applications. In the more modern applications, in wall cisterns or hat box styles are most prev-alent. The tank is hidden in the wall keeping the floor space open. A great selection for the space challenged bathrooms.

The yin yang pull to create a large and spa like bathroom experi-ence, as spaces get to be smaller and smaller, has moved the design of the bathroom to new heights of simplicity in combination with strong features to give the room excitement and luxurious detail. DQ

Glen Peloso, principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors Inc., has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for 15 year and hosts such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover and Take This House & Sell it. www.glenpelosointeriors.com

bring bathrooms to new heightsBY glEn PEloso

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one of the most trafficked areas in any home, bath-rooms are no longer considered a purely utilitarian household essential. Instead, many homeowners are choosing to place a greater emphasis on the look and feel of their bathrooms.

From spa-like bathware to the return of boldly coloured wallpaper, many design trends have populated the bathroom industry over the last number of years. But perhaps one of the most influential move-ments in bathroom design is towards “green” design.

The idea of sustainability has permeated every aspect of our lives, and bathrooms are no exception. From products that promise lower water consumption to new bathware materials made in an environmentally friendly way, many options exist for creating a green oasis in your home.

Perhaps the most important element in sustainable bathroom design is the integration of low flow or high efficiency bathware products. A trend that began many decades ago in Europe, low flow toilets, showerheads, and tapware found their place in North American bathrooms beginning in the early 90s.

As more information came to light on our daily water consump-tion and on the dwindling fresh water supply, it became apparent that wasting up to 25 litres of water with each flush was not a sus-tainable practice. In fact, because bathrooms are responsible for up to two-thirds of a homeowner’s indoor water usage, much emphasis was placed on improving bathware products.

Today, ultra low flow or high efficiency toilets offer a more envi-ronmentally friendly product, using as little as three litres per flush. The dual flush system — widely used in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand — is now a popular choice for both residential and commer-cial consumers in North America, offering the flexibility of a three or six-litre flush, depending on the user’s needs.

The low flow trend has also shaped the evolution of showerheads and tapware products. Today’s low flow showerheads use as much as 70 per cent less water per shower than showerheads used a decade or two ago. An aerator, a device at the end of a tap used to decrease water usage by infusing air into the water flow, is also a popular tool for increasing a bathroom’s eco-consciousness.

How product materials are sourced and made is an important part of the green bathroom equation as well. As demand increases for sustainable bathware products, manufacturers are getting more cre-ative with the type of products used. A popular trend is to incorporate renewable materials such as bamboo into bathrooms, through tra-ditional uses such as flooring but also through non-traditional uses such as sinks.

Another product, a cast solid surface, offers homeowners a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ceramic products. While ceramics are cured in kilns at temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit for 24 hours, newer products such as our innovative blu•stone™ product — a cast solid surface sourced from quartz — only requires a heat of 90 degrees Fahrenheit for just two hours. The energy savings alone offers sustainability advocates a great alterna-tive, but these products are also superior inside the home. Improved insulation allows water temperatures to be kept higher for longer, saving on having to refill the tub with hot water when bathing.

Green bathrooms also follow another sustainable trend — de-signing for durability and longevity. As bathrooms tend to weigh heavily on the value of a home, it’s important that a bathroom’s design incorporates good quality, durable products and a classic, clean look that will stand the test of time. A movement towards spacious, spa-inspired bathrooms offers homeowners a very prac-tical sense of sustainability. The less need to remodel or update a home’s bathroom, the fewer materials used and the less impact we have on the earth.

Sustainable bathroom design is more than just a trend; it’s an ex-pectation for a new standard of living in North America. More and more, both residential and commercial consumers are willing to pay a higher price for products that not only look beautiful, but also are high quality, durable, and environmentally aware. DQ

Michael Gottschalk is co-founder and president of Blu Bathworks, a Vancouver-based design company specializing in European-inspired, contemporary and eco-friendly bathware products. Contact him at [email protected] or learn more at www.blubathworks.com.

sustainable bathrooms: a green oasisBY mIChAEl gottsChAlK

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going as far back as the ‘50s, futurist designers have pressured manufacturers of all industries to forge new paths. While automakers were detail-ing tail wings on vehicles, carpenters were craft-ing unit kitchen systems. In hindsight, the Cadil-

lac never defied gravity, however, the unit kitchen has soared and eventually became the international standard for kitchen design. The basic idea of a unit kitchen system requires units to be placed side by side in a sequence to create a functional floor plan. Our familiarity with this concept is as common as our association with the wheel but re-in-venting the cabinet has been a primary focus of European cabinetmak-ers for several decades. In the kitchen space, you can source cabinetry and appliances that are as sophisticated as a vehicle or as basic as your grandmother’s cupboards. When considering the most recent advance-ments in technology, it is hard to avoid realizing that the future is now.

Experiencing the dreams of futurists is a reality since manufacturing technology has caught up to the aspirations of industrial designers. Al-most out of science fiction, a new German made line of fridges by Miele utilizes wifi to contact you when the freezer door is left open and call the factory if it gets sick. Compact steam ovens allow you to prepare nutri-ent rich vegetables, poached eggs, fish and even defrost food without microwaving. If a microwave is still a necessity, a convection microwave is an alternative with circulated hot air. Convection cooking far surpass-es the molecular altering microwaves that use 1950’s technology.

When considering appliances, think integrated. Panel ready fridg-es, cabinet infused wall ovens and coffee makers are all adaptable in a way that will protect investment and enhance the pride of ownership every time you or your client steps foot in the kitchen. New to the list of appliance alternatives would make Lieutenant Spock admire the logic behind a creation that is completely different from all other cooking technologies called induction cooking. It does not involve generating heat transferred to the cooking vessel, it makes the cook-ing vessel itself the generator of heat through a high frequency elec-tro magnetic field. The benefits retained are faster than gas cooking and environmentally superior technology.

In Europe, competition is so great that continued innovation is paramount to the top kitchen cabinet brands where the true lead-ers of industry have forged exclusivity agreements with top suppli-ers to bolster their offerings and further discourage competition.

Established global leaders have the wherewithal to invest in all aspects of their business including research and design where the trend over the past 10 years has seen architecturally inspired de-sign languages that require industrial engineering to accommodate their ambitions. Our company in Europe stands above the rest list-ing six design languages to their credit with a stable of international awards to support their claim of leading through innovation.

With any cabinetmaker, be sure to ask if their systems are modular, custom or modular with customization. The easiest way to tell is by asking to see a previous design and look for large fillers or abnormal gaps around appliances. Ask what their delivery times are for one kitchen compared to 10 kitchens, compared to 30. This will help you understand their manufacturing capacity that will allow you to as-sess your risk if the kitchen maker accepted additional orders after yours. Investigate what their weight ratings are for cabinets, shelves & drawers. Do they have third party certifications? What health and safety certifications are enabled to protect the end consumer? What airborne toxins are prevalent in the particular brand that you are seeking and are there health and safety certifications in their man-ufacturing facility? When a company boasts green technology, ask to see third party certifications as there is a vast difference between ‘going green’ and certified green. With Canadian manufacturers, you can generally assume when the price goes down, the toxicity goes up.

When you are paying for a service you can’t help but feel that things are going to work out for the best in the end. Even when considering some of the information noted above it is easy to fall into a trap when shopping around. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions regardless of who the kitchen maker is because you could end up sourcing a finished product that’s not what you expected. If you choose to buy a kitchen through a top brand, there is a good chance that your kitchen will remain in fashion several years later. European cabinet makers introduce concepts that are considered to be cachet in the design industry and anything that resonates an aura of value that spans beyond a brand name should be considered a great partner in achieving your future dreams in the kitchen. DQ

Mark Danson is principal of Poggenpohl Alberta. Poggenpohl is the best known kitchen brand in the world. Contact him at 403.301.0288 or visit www.poggenpohl.com.

kitchen futurismBY mArK DAnson

Page 33: Design Quarterly Spring 2010

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Just three years ago, the kitchen and bath industry was spinning on the momentum of buzz words like uber and luxury, fuelled by the sleekness of European modernism and a resurgence of traditional architectural influences such as Rococo & Baroque.

Much like the Roaring 20s, we seemed to be on a never-ending train of consumption, wealth and excess, as oversized, highly pam-pering spa bathrooms and fully appointed kitchens with jewel-like adornments were becoming more than just a trend — they were on track to become the new “norm”.

Historically, the pendulum swung the other way, and the economic high of the 20s came to a screeching halt with the stock market crash that led to the Great Depression.

Fortunately for us, the experiences of the past proved edu-cational, and the more recent world-wide financial crisis that erupted in 2008 was a wake-up call. We have evolved and emerged with a renewed sense of social maturity and sensibility, and, like a breath of fresh air, these changing values are driving the current trends in residential kitchen and bath design. Kitch-ens have become smaller, more efficient and budget conscious. They have grown in responsibility, becoming more the true “hub” of family life as centrally located within the home and facilitat-ing multi-purpose spaces and functions. Likewise, bathrooms are now moving to calming respites with clean lines, soft tones and natural finishes.

One of the best ways to see current trends is to attend the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. This year’s show, held in Chicago in April was no exception. A sense of practicality, cost consideration, value and ethics were all key factors influencing design trends for 2010.

integration & aging in placeWith baby boomers nearing or entering retirement, aging in place continues to grow as a significant design directive with ergonomic and accessible planning. The use of strategic appliance placement grows in popularity with innovative products like Fisher Paykel’s new integrated 36” dishwasher drawer and 36” multi-temper-ature refrigeration drawers as a series of modular products that increase flexibility of design of the kitchen workspace by allowing undercounter or at counter height installations to reduce bending over. Another growing trend that benefits mobility restrictions is the zero threshold shower system by Delta, and the trench style linear ProLine drain system by Quick Drain USA which allows for near seamless flush rollover and practically eliminates standard shower floor slope which can cause balance and stability issues for some bathers. Then top it all off with touch operation for faucets, like Brizo’s Touch Smart Technology — simply touch anywhere on the faucet body or handle to turn on or off the water. Also available is touch to open hardware by King Slide Technology for cabinet drawers.

responsible and sensible designBY roChEllE lD ZEmlAK

Liebherr integrated wall

wine cabinet

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new luxury for new economyLending standards have tightened — resulting in a distinct move away from ‘bigger is better’ thinking when it comes to home ownership as consumers reduce excess and are more frugal with their money. Da-vid Kohler, keynote speaker at KBIS 2010, noted that “times change, and we move on,” and that consumers are looking to be inspired to a more practical way of living by simplifying their environment and lead-ing a more balanced lifestyle. Kitchens will see cleaner, more classic themes reflective of the comforts found in tradition without the fuss of aged or antiqued finishes on cabinetry. New matt finishes on Art Deco inspired bath fixtures by Devon & Devon reflect the tendency for classic styles with a cleaner and more contemporary twist. Brushed nickel and chrome continue to be popular choices in modern faucets as well as more classic styles like Barbara Berry’s new Counterpoint Collection for Kallista, which is distinctly sensible and sophisticated and reminiscent, (ironically?) of the minimal elegance of the 1930s. Traditional formality will continue to give way to casually contemporary spaces that hint back at a simpler interpretation of a more classic style.

social conscience In light of current economic instability, consumers have become more conscious of the distinction between value and cost when con-sidering purchases for the kitchen or bath, as well as considering the long term benefit of investing in more costly products that have long term social and environmental benefits.

Integration and specialization will still play a role in both kitchen and bath fittings, but expect to see a more balanced consumer cheque book as unique luxuries such as the Ronis entertainment sink by Blanco and the new integrated wall wine cabinet by Liebherr are selected and used strategically rather than en masse with other splurges and excesses.

The green theme is holding strong, though a more educated and informed sense of the term among consumers will direct designs towards local and efficient products. Energy Star appliances, Water Sense plumbing fixtures and low voltage lighting continue to domi-nate as consumers can see tangible return on investment.

So, as the pendulum swings once again, we start to see balance return in the relativity of design elements in kitchen and bath trends. Value will settle comfortably on quality of product, quality of life, with “greening” moving further from a social opportunity towards social responsibility. The move from gluttony to sensibility encapsulates an evolutionary step forward in responsible design and responsible living. DQ

Rochelle LD Zemlak, AKBD, is owner and principal of the design/build firm Rochelle Lynne Design, located in Cochrane Alberta, and is currently president of the Prairie Provinces chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

fisher Paykel’s integrated 36” dishwasher drawer (left)

Ronis entertainment sink by Blanco (above)

Kallista Counterpoint Collection (top)

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ida::::::: :::::::

Economic recovery appears to provide beneficial times for corporations requiring or considering new space or lease renewals in Calgary. In 2009 corporations were in cau-tion mode. Postponing expansion plans and downsizing as a result of the uncertain market. This created more

sublease space and as a result, a decrease in lease rates. We have seen an increase in vacancy rate of approximately 10 per

cent in Calgary over the past year and it’s on the rise with new high rise construction well underway with completion dates a year out.

Corporations now have the opportunity to strategically plan their ideal office space instead of reacting to the pressure of committing to a lease agreement because the space was available not because it was the right space for their needs.

Companies are taking a good look at how they can do business smarter. They are taking a good look at what they can do better.

Designing a workplace should reflect the corporation’s functional needs and core values inclusive of sustainability awareness. This is an awesome opportunity to develop or enhance their brand. This speaks to workplace as well as personalities, products and professionalism.

We are all very familiar with the importance of first impressions. What can be more important than what clients and employees think and feel from the moment they enter your work environment. De-signers are using a hybrid design approach and introducing hospital-ity principles and product into the workplace. Our designers are cre-ating ambience by designing the unexpected: reception and waiting areas that better represent a “concierge” in a hotel/spa or lounge en-vironment. In addition to creative design, lighting and furniture, the language and staff attitude plays a huge part in the success of the first impression. Being invited into a guest lounge versus the waiting room does relieve the perception of unimportance and inconvenience. An in-

vitation to the lounge is certainly more appealing than being directed to take a seat in the waiting area. This first impression is a collaborative opportunity between great space and great people that creates a “wow factor” that attracts people to want to do business together.

Employment and retention should remain at the top of the list as there are great opportunities to grow stronger with the right team at this time. People are the number one asset as well as expense in business. The challenge to this is acknowledging the different gen-erations and how they work differently. It’s up to the employer to accept this quickly and work with design experts to help facilitate and educate them on what can be a functional work environment even though it may appear on surface to be “nonconforming”. Then there’s the inevitable question that is decades old: offices or work-stations? The decision to go one direction or another or to use a combination solution should rely entirely on what “you do” and not “what your title is”.

In addition to the workplace proper, collaboration spaces such as conference rooms, board rooms, media rooms, staff lounges, break-out spaces, teaming areas and fun zones are very much a reality today. This is an awesome way to support and enhance business through ef-fective communication space for planned and impromptu meetings.

Successful corporations exude a creative work environment that inspire employees and makes them proud of what they do and where they do it. This does enhance productivity which has a positive effect on the bottom line. It just makes sense. DQ

Karen Robertson, principal of KLR Interior Design Inc. is a regis-tered interior designer who sits on the board of Interior Designer’s of Alberta. This boutique design firm is celebrating their 5th anniversa-ry of corporate, healthcare and retail design this year. www.klrid.com

first impressionsBY KArEn roBErtsonCreative workplace designs reflect corporate functional needs and core values.

Staff Lounge

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wood and sustainable architecture

since the first aboriginal peoples crafted longhouses from the forests of coastal British Co-lumbia, wood in its many forms has played a pivotal role in our

built environment. As a young British archi-tect in the early 70s, I was drawn here by the seemingly limitless design freedom offered by post-and-beam and platform-frame con-struction — the liberation of space from the restrictions of load-bearing masonry familiar to me. This freedom of spatial expression cen-tral to the West Coast modernism of the day was strengthened further through the often seamless connectivity between interior and exterior spaces — between man and nature.

In recent years, architects, engineers and fabricators have collaborated to develop ever more creative ways to advance wood con-struction beyond the domestic to a higher presence in public and institutional buildings. The fruits of this collaboration continue today, perhaps more than ever and are evident in the architecture’s skin and bones — the connec-tions of heavy engineered wood members and the creativity applied to interior and exterior cladding.

The rationale for the use of wood products is compelling on several fronts.

health and well-beingIn buildings such as seniors care facilities where residents spend much of their time indoors, the architecture and the interior environ-ment are critical to health and well-being. Few question the warmth and beauty, or the tactile and aesthetic qualities of natural materi-als such as wood and stone but there is growing evidence to support their positive psychological benefits. For several decades, gerontol-ogy research has clearly shown the design of the physical environ-ment has a profound impact on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of the elderly. Wood has emerged as a material of choice in providing a warm and welcoming connection to nature.

At the recently completed Gateway Lodge seniors long term care facility in Prince George the use of wood takes front-and-centre stage in the social spaces, the community hall, the entry lobbies and garden pavilions.

Wood also plays a major part in the proposed Canadian Cancer Society Northern Lodge, also in Prince George. Its design is rooted in northwest regionalism characterized by a close integration of interior spaces and the landscape, exposed engineered wood post-and-beam construction, and a palette of natural materials. Northern Lodge is a symbol of hope for people with cancer where the architecture wraps a warm arm around your shoulders comforting the body and spirit.

durability and adaptabilityWith the rapid pace of development and change experienced in recent years the service life of some buildings was not high on the agenda.

Higher priority was placed on other factors such as the ability to change and adapt, functions that wood buildings perform very well. When well engineered and detailed, wood structures are extremely durable, with as example, our recent transit stations designed with a 100-year service life. Many countries have been at this much lon-ger than we have. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the largest wood structure in the world — the 300 year old Todai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and the imposing Sammon gatehouse structure at Kamakura held together without nails or metal parts and withstanding numerous tremors since 1783.

Recent additions to the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Administration and Transit Build-ings demonstrate the adaptability and versa-tility of wood structures, while contributing to the overall environmentally sustainable de-sign. The primary engineered wood structural components of the administration building are pulled away from the cedar-clad building envelope allowing freedom of planning for a variety of interior spaces.

low environmental footprint

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way”. William Blake 1799.

The environmental benefits of wood are well documented. It is the only renewable building material of note. Life cycle assessment studies have shown that wood products have a clear environmental advantage over other building materials at every cycle, with lower greenhouse gas emissions, less air pollution, energy consumption, climate change and air pollution. The validity of these benefits is con-tingent upon sustainable forest management harvesting practices that protect fish and wildlife, soil and water. Our forests can mitigate climate change through the absorption and storage of carbon. With deforestation hovering around zero for the past 20 years, and the ap-plication of third-party certification standards, it would appear that Canada is on track.

The illustrated projects are located in the heart of two princi-pal forest product regions of B.C. and exemplify how wood can continue to play a central role in a sustainable and regional West Coast architecture. DQ

“The best friend of earth of man is a tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on earth”. Frank Lloyd Wright

Derek Neale, MAIBC, FRAIC is a founding principal of NSDA Architects. NSDA has completed a wide range of award winning se-niors health care, mixed-use, institutional, civic and community, and special-needs housing projects.

BY DErEK nEAlE

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ADVErtIsIng InDEx

2nd Century rugs IBC

Bartle & gibson 4

Buildex 29 & 30

Coast wholesale Appliances 5

Commercial Electronics 19

hari stones 11

Kohler 7

light resource 13

odyssey wall Coverings oBC

robinson lighting and Bath Centre IfC

Vangogh 15

windowworks 25

tELUS WoRLD of SCIENCE

The $160 million TELUS World of Science building will be Canada’s first purpose-built science centre in more than 25 years. When complete, the facility will be one of Canada’s largest science centres.

Currently under construction, the science centre is located at the intersection of Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive and will sit on an 18 acre parcel of land and will be more than 153,000 square feet in size. It will encompass four learning halls in addi-tion to a feature exhibit hall that will showcase travelling exhibits. It will also include a 10,000-square-foot atrium, a learning and leadership centre, a 240-seat dome theatre and the Creative Kids Museum.

The new centre was designed by lead architects Cohos Evamy integratedesign. Kasian Architecture Interior Design & Planning is the lead firm designing the Dome Theatre as well as the interior spaces. Landscape architecture is being led by O2 Planning + Design and CANA will lead the construction of the new facility.

CLaREVIEW ExPaNSIoNThe Edmonton Public Library has selected Teeple Architects Inc. in association with Ar-chitecture Arndt Tkalcic Bengert to design the expansion of the Clareview Recreation Centre and Library. The Centre is currently lacking an iconic civic presence and will be redesigned to animate the street front and promote interaction and connectivity be-tween the two programs.

The Clareview Recreation Centre will be connected to the transit station via the rede-signed public drive through a woodlot within the park. By animating the main public fa-çade and connecting to the greater surround-ing community, a true civic realm will emerge that will enrich and support this Edmonton neighbourhood. The project is scheduled for completion in 2013.

IDC REStRUCtURESInterior Designers of Canada (IDC) has re-structured its organization. The goal is to strengthen its role as the voice of interior design, which will benefit the profession in terms of advocacy and promotion.

The meeting was attended by more than 40 representatives from across Can-ada who came together to celebrate the restructuring and elect a new board of management.

The restructuring moves IDC from a seven-member organization of provincial associations to an association representing nearly 3,000 individual interior designers from coast to coast, and strengthens the association’s relationship with manufac-turers and suppliers.

Newly elected president David Hanson is joined on the board executive by Donna Assaly as president-elect and Jenny Muel-ler Garbutt as past president. They are from Alberta and British Columbia, respectively. Susan Wiggins is the executive director of IDC. She will lead a team of nine staff out of the Association’s Toronto office.

Representatives from each of the seven provincial associations that formed the former IDC sit on the board as directors. They are: Ada Bonini, British Columbia; Adele Bonetti, Alberta; Aandra Currie Shearer, Saskatchewan; Stephen Lamou-reux, Manitoba; Clinton Hummel, Ontar-io; Monique Leger, New Brunswick; and Carolyn Wood, Nova Scotia.

VaNDUSEN PRoJECtGround was broken on a $19.4 million visi-tor centre at VanDusen Botanical Garden in May. It will welcome up to 300,000 visitors annually and showcase sustain-able design features in an iconic building. Designed by Busby Perkins + Will, the new VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitors Centre will be a signature green facility resembling an orchid and tied to the ecology of the surround-ing gardens. Walls will be constructed of earth and petal-shaped green roofs of herb gardens, butterfly meadows, solar collectors and rain-water collection areas. The facility will be built to target LEED Platinum certification. The Government of Canada and the City of Vancouver will each invest $6.4 million in the new visitor’s centre. The VanDusen Botanical Garden Association is contributing $4.7 mil-lion and the Province of British Columbia is contributing $2 million.

aSID HoNoURSThe American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) is recognizing Mogens Smed’s leader-ship in the field of interior design at an awards ceremony during the 2010 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair in June. He will receive the ASID Product Prize — Individual. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has contrib-uted a significant and lasting body of work relat-ing to products for interior design. Mogens will receive the honour during a Celebration Awards Ceremony at the ASID National Conference in Chicago on June 14. He joins a select group who will receive the Society’s highest honours and be inducted into the 2010 Class of Fellows.

RaIC NEW ExECUtIVEJim McKee has been named the new execu-tive director of RAIC, effective July 19. McK-ee comes to the Institute with experience heading the Coalition for Cultural Diversity (CCD) where he was responsible for all as-pects of its operations, including governance, strategic planning, budgeting and fundrais-ing, policy development, government rela-tions, communications, and staffing.

He replaces Jon Hobbs, FRAIC who is re-tiring at the end of June after 14 years with the RAIC.

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