Centre For Conservation
NPCA - CENTRE FOR CONSERVATION @ BALL'S FALLS
“This is a finely detailed building, in which the plan and positioning on the site has the interesting feel of a sundial. It has exceptional energy and water efficiency. Sunlight, water conservation and ventilation were all carefully considered in the design which makes a fitting example for a building related not only to environmental conservation, but also for the growing number of small commercial and institutional buildings appearing in Southern Ontario that are striving to include qualities of sustainable design in an urban setting. In this regard, the on-site waste water treatment is a commendable feature.” - Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine Award Jury comments.
- 2008 Niagara Region Smart Growth - Community Design Award for Architecture, Large Budget
- 2008 SAB Magazine Design Award
- LEED® Gold Certification
The new interpretive facility, located on the Niagara Escarpment, will serve as a public entry point to the 20 Valley World Biosphere Reserve; featuring exhibits, displays and learning centers. The building is designed as a teaching tool to demonstrate conservation initiatives through design features and day-to-day operation of the facility. This project has employed the principles of sustainable design as mandated by LEED® - and has achieved gold certification, 46 points.
Sustainable Design Features include: - 73% reduced energy consumption when measured against the energy performance described by the Model National Energy Code for Buildings – mounting to approx. $28,431.00 per year in energy cost savings. This project received close to $60,000.00 in government grant money for energy efficient design initiatives. - Heating and cooling is provided for by a ground source heat exchanger. - Rainwater is collected from the roof and used for non-potable water activities. - Natural ventilation through operable windows for shoulder season or nighttime cooling - Southerly oriented windows and large roof overhangs control heat gain during the summer and allow the low winter sun to penetrate deep into the building interior. - On site Bio Filtration waste water treatment.
| Owner: | Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority |
| General Contractor: | Merit Contractors of Niagara |
| Completed: | 2006 |
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