Located on the harbour of downtown Halifax, this LEED Platinum project retains and converts a decommissioned power generating plant into corporate headquarters for the Province’s electrical utility.
A new five-storey atrium retains the building’s original steel structure, providing a memory of it’s original function, and connects the neighbourhood to the waterfront, offering spectacular views of the water. This public space, with a central stair and glass backed elevators, in conjunction with an indoor street, promotes casual interaction amongst the facility’s more than 500 employees. Along the roof of the galleria, skylights set in the base of former chimney stacks provide abundant natural light. Glazed inter-floor stairs on the building perimeter and exterior balconies at the atrium keep users in contact with the harbour. Designed as an open work environment, the offices enjoy over 75% direct access to natural daylight.
A unique and innovative example of adaptive renewal, WZMH’s design involves the insertion of seven floor assemblies into the existing steel structure. The original exterior concrete cladding, saw-cut to provide window openings, is wrapped in a new energy-efficient envelope.
Awards:
Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Sustainability Award, 2014
Ontario Association of Architects, Design Excellence Award, 2014
CUI Brownie Award, Excellence in Project Development at the Building Scale, 2013
SAB Magazine, Canadian Green Building Award, 2013
World Architectural Festival Shortlist Finalist, New and Old Category, 2013
INSIDE: World Festival of Interiors Shortlist Finalist, Creative Re-Use Category, 2013
Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards, Medal of Excellence, 2012
ARIDO Award of Merit, Restoration and Adaptive Re-use in the Workplace, 2012
ARIDO Award of Merit, Sustainable, 2012
Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering, Refurbished Historic Buildings, 2011
Zero Footprint Re-Skinning Award, Finalist Large Commercial Category, 2010
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