Indoor Systems 1 - Blog 3

The new Manitoba Hydro building in downtown Winnipeg is truly an architectural success. After our tour of the facility last week, I left with an enhanced sense of appreciation for the design and construction team. There is an extensive amount of detailed planning required  for a building that targets LEED Gold sustainability certification. In addition to the unique architectural features, what struck me as most impressive was the vast amount of daylight that penetrated through the workspaces. There was little need for artificial light because there are floor to ceiling windows with narrow floor plates on widely spaced floors. Living green roofs have also been planted on the lower exterior surfaces of the building. Green roofs help to diminish the ‘heat island effect’ that results when heat is absorbed at the roof’s surface. According to the Manitoba Hydro website, other benefits of a green roof include additional insulation, protection from solar gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, as well as protection of the roof membrane.

Not only does this building benefit the environment, but it also has an extremely healthy impact on the occupants. Several atrium and rooftop terraces are seasonally accessible to all employees and can be used for informal meetings or simply as places to relax. Many of the floors express a unique character; such at the Aboriginal floor, which incorporates a sharing circle in the carpet and pressed wheatgrass within 3Form wall partitions. These kinds of features make strong connections to the community and play a role in the revitalization of the city’s downtown area.

-Ashley W. (PM)

LEED Consultant / Interior Designer