Award

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 63 County of Simcoe's Social and Community Services Hub hub a perfect venue for community events that can vary in size and func- tion, reflecting the dynamic nature of community needs," McKnight says. The design was focused on rig- orous environmental standards, including a strategy and equipment based on Passive House principles and high sustainability standards similar to LEED. To meet these objec- tives, the project systems prioritize energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall environmental impact, while ensuring airtight construc- tion and minimal thermal bridging. "The mechanical system includes heat recovery ventilators, which provide continuous fresh air while recovering heat from exhaust air, thus conserving energy and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment," McKnight says. The exterior features brick, cho- sen for its thermal mass properties and longevity, aluminum compos- ite panels to create visual interest, and high-performance windows to ensure minimal heat transfer. The building design also includes green roof sections and Dark Sky-compliant lighting. Water management systems feature low-flow fixtures and efficient irrigation systems to ensure responsi- ble water usage. The Orillia Community Hub proj- ect was not without its challenges, but these were simple to solve, thanks to the team's previous experience with affordable housing projects in Simcoe County. "Each project teaches us something new, and we make sure to document these lessons learned so we can handle similar issues bet- ter in the future," McKnight says. One major challenge was preserv- ing the mature trees on-site, as they are vital for the local ecosystem and provide much-needed shade. After a thorough site analysis, the team engaged landscape architects to cre- ate grading plans that kept disruption to a minimum. "By carefully plan- ning this, we managed to blend the natural landscape into our design, which not only looked great but also boosted the project's environmen- tal sustainability," McKnight says. It was also challenging to blend the building's scale with the existing neighbourhood without overwhelm- ing the residential context. The solution was a two-wing design that created a six-storey wing fac- ing West Street and a four-storey wing facing Borland Street. This design broke down the building's mass, creating a smoother transi- tion with the surrounding area. "Keeping community support and minimizing disruption during con- struction was also crucial," McKnight says. "The Orillia community was really supportive of the project, and we wanted to keep it that way." The team co-ordinated construc- tion schedules to limit noise and traffic disturbances and kept the community in the loop with regu- lar updates and feedback sessions. "By drawing on past experiences and tackling these challenges with careful planning and collabora- tion, we managed to deliver a project that is functional, respectful of its context, and valuable to the Orillia community," McKnight says. A LOCATION 250 West Street N, Orillia, Ontario OWNER County of Simcoe ARCHITECT McKnight Charron Limited Architects GENER AL CONTR ACTOR Melloul-Blamey Construction STRUCTUR AL CONSULTANT SWS Engineering Inc. ELECTRICAL /MECHANICAL CONSULTANT Tri-Star Engineering CIVIL ENGINEERING Pearson Engineering L ANDSCAPE ARCHITECT JDB Associates Ltd. TOTAL SIZE 227,033 square feet TOTAL COST $79 million P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y T H E CO U N T Y O F S I M CO E Ontario Panelization installed the welcoming canopy at the County of Simcoe's Social and Community Services Hub, enhancing the entrance to their aff ordable housing project. OP is proud to contribute to a community-focused initiative that provides essential services and support. For more information contact: David Waugh - Architectural Sales Consultant david@ontariopanelization.com 519-659-8900 855-929-9994 Consider Ontario Panelization For Distinctive Cladding

• Cover