Award

64 | AUGUST 2019 Mountain Equipment Co-op maximizing efficiency and minimiz- ing environmental impacts. The project has two green roofs, one that slopes and rises up to the east and the other slopes and rises up to the west, with a blue roof between that is used to collect rainwater. "Green roofs are difficult to utilize for rainwater harvesting so we decided to express the water movement by creating a waterfall that flows down the building and discharges into a bio- swale," explains Cochlin. The underground cistern fed by this rooftop rainwater collection system will provide approximately 80 percent of the non-potable water used in the building. The bioswale and green roofs, as well as the plaza and roof decks were designed by Enns Gauthier Landscape Architects to showcase MEC's dedication to biodiversity. More than 40 species of plants native to the Pacific Northwest were planted throughout the project. "We wanted the planting to express the site's location on a for- mer estuary, while also acknowledging the industrial past of False Creek in the honest materials we selected, like con- crete, timber, and Core Ten steel," says principal, Bryce Gauthier. Bevan adds that the building is also tied into the City's district heating sys- tem. "It will be so efficient that it will produce excess heat for the local build- ings. Like all MEC buildings, when it opens, the store will be operationally carbon neutral, by using renewable energy," says Bevan. As MEC's second fully mass tim- ber store gets ready to open its doors in October, the team involved are extremely excited with what has been achieved. As Flood rightly says, "The store is the last piece in the puzzle for the area. It creates a transition towards the lower elevation industrial zoning to the south and the retail in the Olympic village. It's a great expression of West Coast timber construction and a true flagship statement for MEC." Bevan adds, "Being a member of MEC means belonging to something larger than oneself – a community that is passionate about outdoor activities and adventure, and loves wild places. With the help of our 5.5-million mem- bers, we're here in part to help grow and support our outdoor community." Just ask its members: "I have been a member of MEC since 1986 and not only was this project a lot of fun to work on, but it's something I can feel very proud of, too," says Friesen. A RENDERING COURTESY PROSCENIUM ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS INC. FM36933.indd FM36934.indd FM37018.indd

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