"The Kawartha Trades + Technology Centre is designed as a new addition to Fleming College?s Sutherland Campus. Connected directly to the existing main social and academic building, this 80,000 s.f. facility seamlessly brings together theoretical teaching and applied learning in a state of the art new facility. Organized in a split level that engages the topography of the site, the building houses classrooms, faculty office and administrative spaces, as well as various teaching workshops and a large 27,000 s.f. flexible multi-disciplinary project space called the ?learning factory? with integrated teaching cube.
Aligned with the main north south axis of the campus, the building is conceived as a new gateway inviting pedestrian movement from the student residences and recreational zone to the north. Inside, a large common area with interactive SMART classrooms, lounge areas and presentation spaces overlooking the central learning factory offers a dynamic venue for users of the building and campus.
The KTTC is designed as a demonstration facility for sustainable technologies with geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting and various heat recovery systems.
Conceived as two interlocking splayed shed-like volumes the building?s form is loosely derived from an industrial typology. A cladding of Corten steel and fibre reinforced cement panels reinforces this theme, presenting a distinctive new face to the campus, blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings."