Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/663706
10 | A PR IL 2016 SAHURI + Partners Architecture Inc. "It's a significant size project in a very high-profile area of the city. The esthetic of the building exterior was split using two colours and a central glass column to blend well with the traditional height and colours of the iconic neighbouring Beltline architecture, which consist of '80s boom vintage and heritage buildings," says Law. Key features of the building include low-flow water fixtures, high-efficiency light- ing and HVAC equipment, improved indoor air quality, recycled and low emitting materials, and an enhanced waste diversion program. "This project required per- severance on Allan's part to get this building through rigorous approval processes, especially when it came to the three green roofs. It was very much about effective dialogue between the owners, the City and the design team," adds Smith. Using innovative techniques and the latest technology has allowed SAHURI + Partners to not only enhance their ability to communicate sustainable ideas, but enables clients to take a step into the future with them. When it comes to 3D graph- ics and virtual reality design the firm is on the leading edge. "We've always involved our technical side from day one with clients; that reality based point of view allows clients to see what is possible," explains Law, partner in charge of SAHURI + Partners' technology division. Using Revit technology the firm creates the 3D environments necessary for vir- tual reality applications. VR tools allow clients to walk through and experience the space around them. "Technology provides different opportunities. It has been a learning curve working with 3D and translating it into our design process," says Law. "We use a large tablet that allows us to draw directly onto it and our clients can be anywhere in the world and participate in a live drawing. It's really exciting. We do everything from sketching the original concepts to providing virtual reality views." And while SAHURI + Partners is very much a technology focussed company, its staff makes it a priority to remain engaged in the discovery and celebration of each project's unique opportunities. One of their most sought-after opportunities is to promote the idea of community. Whether that's through working on single or multi- family homes, charitable organizations like Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) and Renfrew Educational Services, or institutional projects. "At the beginning of our creative process and evolution as a firm, we designed some large-scale projects in the energy sector and brought a whole new way of looking at how to bring people together – something as simple as creating a space that can be shared by everyone. That was an innovation that propelled us forward, brought us new projects and is something we have carried through other projects," says Sahuri. The one thing SAHURI + Partners can't be nailed down on is specializing in one specific project type. Whether it's the 50th Parallel Estate Winery in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley, where SAHURI was tasked with marrying a wine production building, wine tasting facility and wine caves into the architectural complex as one simple yet iconic concept that adheres to the already present language of the land, or the countless school projects across the province, the company's portfo- lio of projects is as diverse and interesting as the staff who are driving the com- pany forward. "Our largest influences come from within," explains Sahuri. "We look for variety and to bring innovation to every project we work on. We challenge ourselves and our clients to find a better solution; we will turn an idea upside down if necessary to come to the best outcome, and people are noticing that. We get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that this is exactly what we should be doing and our honesty is appreciated." SAHURI + Partners remains focussed on the future sustainability of architecture. While the staff live the idea of work hard/ play hard, and can often be found out- side the office playing road hockey and barbecuing in their spare time, they under- stand that they have a huge responsibility – to explore ways to lessen architecture's carbon footprint. "Buildings are the largest energy consuming sector in the world and it is our responsibility to turn that around. We see a future filled with net zero energy buildings. We are doing more inspiring work than ever and I'm excited to see the way our architecture evolves further," adds Sahuri. A YYC Airside Maintenance Control Expansion. Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre. Shell Scotford Administration & Production Complex. West Lethbridge Centre Library (The Crossings Branch Library). PHOTOGRAPHY NATHAN ELSON/COURTESY SAHURI + PARTNERS