Manitoba Hydro Visit

The Manitoba Hydro building has become a new Winnipeg landmark.  It sets the standard for a more responsible way of building.  Today we saw how some of the systems we've learned about in class actually work.  


Our tour guide told us that a large percentage of the heating and cooling of the building was supplied from the geothermal system.  The geothermal system is a series of pumps, heat exchangers, ground wells and pipes which are embedded into the structure of the building.  


She also pointed out several features of the windows.  The building incorporated double curtain wall system, allowing fresh air to enter the interior space without creating a draft in the winter while insulating from heat in the summer.  The blinds are automatic and close once the interior is receiving too much heat from the sun.  

The part of the tour that interested me the most was when we visited the south atrium.  Even after having only toured a small portion of the building before we reached that space, the atrium still felt very refreshing.  If the atrium had that much of an impact of me after only a few minutes, I can only imagine how much the employees appreciate the relief of that space.  The fresh air immediately hits you, as does the sunlight and also the water feature.  


Natasha Bargen
Mechanical Engineer