Main goals The building reflects the mission of the organization: to promote more livable and sustainable urban communities To define a public space to respond to the needs of a religious congregation of 3000 persons To create a buildings that is active and full of life at all times of the week To create a space for sacred contemplation that includes education and care of the young, advocacy with the poor and disempowered, civic engagement on critical issues of policy.
Sustainable site The building is located in a suburban site, integrated into a mixed-use residential and commercial area. The site is not located on previously undeveloped land. The site is located at 500 m from a transit stop, according to Transit Oriented Development principles, in order to reduce parking and increase transit, walking and bicycle accessibility and has designated parking for carpool and rideshare vehicles. The building location promotes visibility of natural setting, and encourages access to open space for walking, and outdoors physical activity. The main facade is oriented along the eastern face, allowing maximum exposure to the sun during early warm-up hours Building design The main element of building design is the light. The space of the building is defined by light filtering from the concrete textures of the walls. The contrast between light and solid make the occupant to become aware of the continuity between the spiritual and the secular within himself or herself, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Light itself create a strong connection between the interior and exterior of the building, that creates a space that speak to the landscapes and skylines and maximize the connection between interior and exterior aesthetic. The boundary structures define rectangular space covered by a lightweight structure with a flexible solar cell coating, that defines courtyard type spaces with grass pavement and indoor spaces. The indoor spaces, where different uses are located, are separated by glass walls, deep windows and a stone pavement. The outdoor spaces are mainly restored landscape: native plant gardens that surround the building, that require no irrigation and absorb storm water runoff from the roof. The uses of the building are distributed into a simple one-room plan that includes gathering places for people in the community: A spacious worship space Food pantry Flexible use classrooms that can be used for gymnasium, meeting rooms and daycare Semi open spaces at entrance for an inviting feel Environmental aspects A well-insulated building envelope ensures energy efficiency, aided by high-efficiency mechanical equipment including a chiller that uses stored ice to cool the building. Most of electricity is generated by photovoltaic panels. Operable, energy-efficient windows provide daylight, views, and fresh air. The renovation reused 100% of the existing building’s structural material and 90% of its shell components. Over 70% of the building’s materials are recycled and earth-friendly. Over 30% of building materials are manufactured regionally. Concrete and other structural materials were left exposed to the greatest extent possible to reduce material consumption. Carbon dioxide sensors monitor and control ventilation within the project. By allowing the ventilation system (and therefore the heating and cooling systems) to operate less when occupancy is low. Attention to energy efficiency continues to save money on operating costs and improve the organization’s long-term financial security. The construction phase will minimize building’s impact on ecosystems and waterways, will control storm water runoff will reduce erosion, light pollution, heat island effect and construction-related pollution.