Ross Grieve PCL Centennial Learning Centre

Point of Interest 01

The materials palette is a contemporary mix of concrete, metal, glass, and wood. Structural steel was a natural choice to accommodate long spans and gives a light, open appearance to a glass atrium bisecting the building. Ornamental metal is used to clad the exposed vertical duct shafts and to create the large overhead pivot door into the professional development offices. The large projection screen in the Assembly Hall is contained within a stainless-steel mantle over the fireplace.

Point of Interest 02

A central glass “spine” is an integral part of the ventilation system that provides summer cooling. The facility's exposed concrete also provides a high thermal mass structure that regulates interior temperatures. The central atrium acts as a solar chimney to drive natural ventilation during the spring, summer, and fall. It also captures passive solar heat during the winter. Intake air is channeled deep underground to make use of cooling in summer and heating in winter, reducing HVAC energy consumption.

Point of Interest 03

The central courtyard is developed as a sloped garden towards the lower level of the Centre. A series of lawns connected by walkways leads to a main terrace. Major events are held in the courtyard, along with daily use. Surface water is captured for irrigation purposes and all the Centre's plumbing fixtures are either low consumption or waterless to virtually eliminate the use of potable water for irrigation.

Point of Interest 04

At the project’s outset, LEED was emerging as a sustainable design protocol. PCL and DIALOG welcomed the opportunity to build a uniquely collaborative owner, constructor, and designer project team to explore the leading edge sustainable design principles.