Aqamnik Education Centre

Additional Info

Award Winner : ATCO Sustainable Communities Inc. (ASCI)

Architectural Excellence : ATCO Sustainable Communities was engaged by the First Nation client to custom design an elementary school solution to meet the need of their community. In following ASCI's Holistic Engagement Process, the design team met onsite with band leadership, school staff, and community members to custom design the facility based on community needs. The complete design of the project was finished in February of 2012 after less than eight weeks of design work. Through this highly consultative approach, ASCI was able to ensure that cultural and community needs were fully incorporated into the building. From the gabled metal roof to roof timbers, stone columns to exterior finishes, all were selected to augment existing architectural themes within the Village. The sitting of the building supports expansion of the facility to eventually include a multi-purpose building, including a gymnasium, commercial kitchen, and emergency response centre/storage.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : ASCI was able to increase project value to our client by offering a turnkey project delivery. From architecture and engineering through project commissioning and training, ASCI offered a single point of contact, allowing for a consistent and dependable communication process. In addition, the Holistic Engagement process allowed ASCI designers to provide the client with real time costs on design elements. This directly allowed ASCI and the client to make informed cost/design solutions quickly during the process. In having ASCI deliver the project as a turnkey facility, the client was able to open the school 259 days after the award of the contract.

Occupied Date : 8/23/2012

Production Start Date : 3/1/2012

Project Location City : Cranbrook

Project Location State Name : BC

Technical Innovation : ASCI designers leveraged years of successful modular knowledge, along with support from our manufacturing partner, to design a solution that balanced educational requirements with cost effectiveness. ASCI was able to specifically design interior spacing to meet the current needs. Additionally, ASCI focused efforts in ensuring that as the education community grew, the facility would be ready to support the growth. Natural daylight strategies were applied to encourage a healthy learning environment. Windows in interior classroom walls light up the hallways. ASCI understood the client's interest in developing a community wide district heating solution and designed the mechanical systems within the facility to support future tie-ins.

Total Square Feet : 9984