Grey-Bruce Health Unit

Architect

Salter Pilon Architecture Inc.
Barrie, Ontario

Sheet Metal Contractor

Semple Gooder Roofing Corporation
Toronto, Ontario

Chosen from 38 architectural proposals, Salter Pilon Architecture Inc. in association with Lett Architects, were commissioned to provide full-service consulting and architectural services for the new 5,600 square meter (56,000 square feet) Grey-Bruce Health Unit in Owen Sound, Ontario. The multi-purpose facility houses offices/workstations for 155 people, classrooms, laboratories, training areas, and consultation spaces. The three-story building, situated on a prominent site beside Owen Sound harbor, is rapidly becoming a local landmark.

Part of the structure's appeal is the extensive skin of vertical copper cladding over much of the exterior. As it patinates, the copper will evolve to the familiar green colour common to the eastern part of Canada, and will be a striking compliment to the other cladding materials used, primarily stone and cedar. The copper was installed by Semple Gooder Roofing, a Toronto-based firm, with many years of experience with copper systems, both for restoration and new construction projects. The copper panel wall assembly consists of approx. 9,000 square feet (12,000 lbs) of 20 oz flat lock copper panels installed in a staggered pattern. The copper panels were installed on top of a Roofshield underlayment over a metal substrate.

The Unit also incorporates a full range of green building design concepts. The Grey-Bruce Health Unit Board is committed to establishing a benchmark for healthy living by creating a healthy building for its operations. The innovative design includes collection of rainwater for use in waterclosets and the use of natural ventilation in the office spaces. The current design reduces energy consumption by 53% of the Model National Energy Building Code.

The project is targeted for LEED Gold certification. Salter Pilon and Lett Architects will also be specifying and designing all the furniture for the project, including workstation and furniture standards. To further the green aspect of the project, the facility was developed on a reclaimed "brownfield" site on the Owen Sound Harbour. This project is seen as a catalyst for development in the area.

Architectural Category: Flat Seam Roofs and Walls