The project employs the Swiss "Batiso" (Batiment Isotherme) constant temperature building concept, combining an optimized building envelope, radiant slab heating and cooling, displacement ventilation, air to air heat recovery and a geothermal heat pump system.
Polyethylene pipe (PEX) was cast into the concrete floor slabs and the concrete tilt-up wall panels. Warmed or cooled water is continuously circulated through the embedded piping to maintain concrete surfaces at a set temperature, allowing it to act as a radiant emitter and/or absorber, providing heating and cooling to occupants. Since air is not being used as a medium for interior climate control, opening windows or doors has little effect on the performance of the heating and cooling system.
Two ground-source heat pumps are tied to a ground source heat exchanger consisting of 3,000m of “slinky” plastic piping installed below the parking area. The exchanger utilizes the earth’s stable temperature as a heat source, or heat sink, depending on the demand.
The ground-source heat pump system has the capacity to meet all building cooling requirements. A gas fired boiler provides domestic hot water needs and is available to supplement the ground source heat pumps during peak heating conditions.
Ventilation is accomplished using a displacement system. 100% fresh air is tempered and supplied at low velocity at low levels. This air rises, flushing contaminants upward, where it is captured and exhausted through a heat recovery ventilator.

Building Envelope

PHOTO: james dow

Walls:

Insulated double-wythe composite tilt-up concrete walls – R 14.9

Roof:

Insulated standing seam metal & heavy timber roof – R 34.5
Insulated ‘green roof’ –
R 30.15 (below growing medium)

Foundation Walls and slab:

Insulated foundation walls –
R 10.4
Insulated slab-on-grade –
R 14.3

Windows and Glazing:

Double glazing
Low E coating on surface 2 – U-Value 0.25

Solar Shading, Daylight & Lighting

PHOTOs: james dow

Clerestory glazing and skylights provide natural daylight illumination.
Artificial lighting is provided by energy efficient compact fluorescent lighting in offices, meeting rooms, lounge and daycare areas.
Linear fluorescent luminaires with energy efficient lamps and electronic HPF ballasts in the arts room and outdoor specialty area.
Lighting control system in the gymnasium provides for four different illumination levels to address the multi-use nature of the space and to reduce energy consumption.
Energy demand is reduced through multiple switching options and occupancy sensors installed in occasional use areas such as washrooms, storage and utility rooms.
Generous roof overhangs shade building interiors from excessive local solar loads in summer.
A system of internal manual and motorized blinds provides for additional shading and glare control.