This prestigious award honors outstanding achievements in the industry. The project transformed a former industrial brownfield near the Rideau River into an eco-conscious, high-performance educational hub, reducing energy use by 57.2% and greenhouse gas emissions by 57.8% compared to conventional institutional buildings.
The building’s innovative engineering features include advanced energy modeling and the use of FSC-certified wood and recycled steel to minimize its carbon footprint. WSP’s design addressed site challenges, including contaminated soil, by utilizing an elevated foundation that minimized excavation and supported indigenous landscaping. This sustainable and culturally respectful approach created a vibrant, accessible space for students and faculty, enhancing the community with dynamic, tech-enabled teaching spaces and biophilic designs that bring the natural world indoors.
Despite supply challenges, WSP delivered the project within budget and on an accelerated timeline, achieving substantial completion in under 24 months. The building now serves as a landmark for sustainable design, underscoring WSP's commitment to eco-conscious construction and its vision for fostering inclusive, future-ready learning environments.
To view WSPs the project submission, click here.