Award

74 | august 2015 steinbach Credit union – Branch and Corporate Head Offi ce east, south and west – where the main entrance is located. It was important to harvest as much light as possible." When it comes to the design of the building, Len Letkeman, project man- ager for general contractor Penn-Co Construction, describes it as "only six- storeys, but one-and-a-half really per floor. The building is actually nine-sto- reys high." He adds, "It is built with an aluminum curtain wall and structural steel frame. That was unique. During construction the only problem we had was the water table that was higher than we expected. The base slab for the elevator was below the water table, so we were pumping 24/7, and the slab was large enough that we had to keep the concrete cool so it would bake. The stairwells and elevator shafts were all cast-in-place, and erected before the rest of the building." Kelly Hearson, structural consultant for Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd., adds that a flexible frame was chosen, as it was both economical and can be modi- fied if the need arises. Hearson adds that the new build- ing is monumental in both size and scope. "Care was taken by SCU and also particularly by Ray Wan. His design really embodies the credit union's goals, the way the credit union is present in the community. The building is special and lasting. The people of Steinbach will appreciate it for years to come." When it came to the landscaping, Winnipeg's McGowan Russell Group led by partner Susan Russell, focussed on two special aspects to the outdoor decor, according to Friesen. "In front of the building is a nicely landscaped walk- way surrounded by tree beds. It's very wide – a good 30 feet to the sidewalk," Friesen says. This beautiful outside ele- ment is also brought into the building. "There is a 40-foot water feature, com- puter-controlled, that has geysers and music. It's not exactly the Bellagio, but it is very attractive and offers some white noise, quite peaceful. It's a really great space," he adds. Friesen commends the entire team on building such a significant building for the city and for SCU. "We gave the architect our full specifications, how big we wanted the main entrance, what the member lobby should be like and the needs of the various departments, and the team delivered a beautiful iconic build- ing that can be seen for miles. It makes a statement. It's not ostentatious, but it's a good-looking, modern building." A October 2015 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Curtain Wall & Window Wall Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358

• Cover