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FEBRUA RY 2016 | 71 RENDERING COURTESY FWBA ARCHITECTS Crossings Ice Complex example, the choice of a common entrance allowed the architects to create a double-wide concourse for guests as they walk into the Complex. While exterior metal cladding could also be considered a practical solution for the sake of budget and construction expediency, the material also suited the angular forms of the facility. "Inside, we designed acoustic wood ceilings and panels that would impart a warm ambiance," says Cocks. But the most spectacular example of a practical solution serving double duty as a design feature is the ice plant, which historically and typically is regarded as an eyesore and therefore tucked away in the rear of most arenas. "We decided to place it at the entrance, behind glass as a visual feature," says Webber. "Similarly, we used the cooling towers as a vertical attraction instead of trying to hide them." Groundbreaking on Phase One commenced in late September of 2013; Darren Boras, CFO for Ward Bros. Construction Ltd., says, "We got off to a shaky start. The site is on the western edge of Lethbridge and is completely exposed to the elements. The winter of 2013 hit us fast and furious. We lost time in our foundation work, but we subsequently made it up thanks to more favourable weather for the rest of the project." Close to 100 workers were on site at peak. "The rinks required large steel trusses to provide clear spans, so managing and installing them was challenging and time consuming," says Boras. "Plus a specialty contractor was required for the refrigerated rink slabs but they were great to deal with and their work went very smoothly." As Phase One neared completion, City of Lethbridge officials began focusing on the adjoining 250,000- square-foot Phase Two facility, which will consist of an aquatic centre, three gymnasiums, a multi-purpose field house, fitness centre, childcare and many other amenities. "Construction begins in May of 2016," says Matthews. In the meantime, Phase One stands as a testament of what can be achieved through meticulous planning and sound design/construction techniques. "We're extremely pleased with the final result," says Matthews. "Everything from the bigger tonnage capability of the ice plant to the attractive lounge makes this a facility that will attract locals for a long time to come – as well as accommodate many regional, provincial and national tournaments and competitions." A LOCATION Britannia Boulevard and Mauretania Road West, Lethbridge, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER City of Lethbridge ARCHITECT Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd. / FWBA Architects GENERAL CONTRACTOR Ward Bros. Construction Ltd. STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Entuitive MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Williams Engineering Canada LANDSCAPE CONSULTANT ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. FOOD SERVICE CONSULTANT Sanford Design Group TOTAL SIZE (PHASE ONE) 135,000 square feet TOTAL COST $41 million 12:09 PM 10:28 AM 8:31 AM PROUD TO BE A PART OF THE CROSSINGS ICE COMPLEX AND DESIGNING FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE IN ALBERTA ALPINE DRYWALL (LETHBRIDGE) LTD. Proud to have been the wall and ceiling contractor for the Crossings Ice Complex. Congratulations! 3020 - 12th Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 5J9 Phone: 403-327-8853 Fax: 403-328-6313 www.alpinedrywalllethbridge.ca Alpine Drywall.indd 1 15-12-14 2:37 Contract Flooring.indd 1 16-01-12 10:53 AM Masonry Contractor for the Crossings Ice Complex Gary Ouellette • Calgary Ofce • Bay 8 6613 44 th Street SE Calgary, AB Gunther Brau • Lethbridge Ofce • Bay 4 3655 18 th Avenue North Lethbridge, AB 403-808-7462 403-381-4752 Gunthers Masonry.indd 1 16-01-13 8:59

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