industrial heritage, its wellconsidered mixed-use program, and its rehabilitation of the former parking lot that surrounded the building.” The jury also praised the design for its “focus on integrating the most sustainable approaches.” As examples, they cited the retention of the original 1939 concrete structure and the HVAC systems being powered entirely through a geothermal energy source. “In addition to the carbon benefit of retaining the concrete structure, the project has very good energy performance,” the jury wrote. “The resulting renovated building is a model for increased housing density in a rural setting with the lightest impact on the environment and a focus on community and social sustainability.” The revitalization project was the brainchild of the late Sonja Bata, whose family built the original manufacturing facility during World War II. The factory closed down around 2000, and Bata later had the vision of converting it into a mixed-use amenity for the community. She started the process working directly with BDP Quadrangle, the Architect of Record. Later, Dubbeldam Architecture + Design joined the team as Collaborating Design Architect. Heather is proud of the project for a number of reasons. Like the jury, she appreciated the dedication to sustainability through the retention of the complete concrete structure and the use of geothermal energy. She also appreciated that the project team were able to honour the heritage of the site. “The factory wasn’t built in the THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE CANADA
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