Renovation
2018 / Edmonton, AB

An interior design and renovation project for the Patient & Family  Resource Centre on the main floor of the Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta Hospitals.

The Resource Centre is comprised of 3 spacial components: a front reception desk, the library and a semi-private seating area, all spread across both sides of a busy hospital corridor.  The new design started out as an exploration for an architectural connection among the 3 distinct areas, and resulted in a more cohesive visitor experience, a more pronounced presence for the Centre and the services it offers, while maintaining minimal disruption to the existing corridor traffic.

Renovation
2017 / Mundare, AB

A complete renovation and upgrade of a 90-year old facility accommodating brothers of the Order of St. Basil the Great in Canada.

The challenging project addressed numerous deficiencies related to building code standards, resolved issues with underground water infiltration, increased envelope integrity and efficiency, modernized mechanical / electrical systems and provided a refreshed aesthetic that also respected the historical character of the original facility.

The design was preceded by a thorough condition evaluation and cost estimate, as well as development of a functional space program suitable for current and anticipated needs. In addition to creating ensuite bedrooms for residents, the renovated facility provides shared living / dining areas, a modernized food preparation / service, waiting / office areas, conference rooms, classrooms, chapel, reading room and guest rooms for short-term stays.

The project team worked closely with the Owner and stakeholders to satisfy often conflicting requirements and overcome the many unforeseen issues uncovered during construction typical of such renovations.

2013 / Slave Lake, AB

A facility and site compound accommodating ESRD vehicles and equipment, personnel functions, necropsy / freezer area, and conference / kitchenette room.

The building is linearly organized, with personnel functions centrally located to break up the mass of continuous sloped roof, and provide an area for mechanical equipment.

Continuous translucent clerestory windows provide daylight and reduce the visual weight of the roof from the exterior. Insulated metal cladding panels provide a prefinished exterior and interior expression appropriate to the utilitarian nature of the contained equipment and operations.

2012 / Edmonton, AB

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program complements existing cardiac care services provided in the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

The program provides information, education, and physical rehabilitation for both adult and pediatric patients. Functions include reception / waiting area, exercise room, counselling rooms, private and open offices, health records area, education / conference room, and change rooms.

Various stakeholders and user representatives were involved in the conceptual design development, and continued to provide input in the detailed design.

Spatial expression focused on providing a warm and welcoming environment versus identification as a clinical treatment facility. A barrier-free entrance incorporating exterior walking circuit, was designed but shelved for future implementation.

2010 / Edmonton, AB

Located at Ellerslie Road and 156 Street, the facility contains approximately 30,000 square metres for the storage, recycling, maintenance, operation and administration of 250-300 Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses.

Specific spaces include Fuel and Wash bays, Booker shack / Coin drop, Dispatch, Driver’s Lounge, Parts Inventory, Tool Crib, Lube / Battery / Compressor, and personnel areas. The administrative components include private and open office areas, meeting rooms, reception, and staff lounge and rest spaces. Exterior development includes vehicle parking, perimeter access road, and landscaped courtyard.

Constructed of steel frame with envelope of precast concrete sandwich panel / metal-clad insulation panel walls, and reflective membrane roof, the facility is designed to achieve the LEED Silver standard for new buildings.

Commencing in spring 2007, as Design Architect within a large project team including structural, mechanical, electrical and transportation engineers, landscape architect, and LEED, Bldg. Code, and cost consultants, architect was responsible for functional programming, preliminary and final site layout and building design, preparation of Tender documents for architectural components, discipline coordination, and administration of the construction contract. The facility was completed in spring of 2010 on time and on budget.

2008 / Edmonton, AB

Located at 101 Street and 127 Avenue, the station replaces an existing aged facility in order to meet updated operational requirements, accommodate new firefighting vehicles and a Dangerous Goods unit.

The facility design reflects a number of criteria: The program was accommodated on 2 storeys due to the restricted site area and vehicle parking requirements; Constructed in steel frame lent construction versatility; masonry veneer and standing seam siding provide durability and scale: aluminum curtain wall and glass block control daylight, views and privacy.

Despite a late construction start and intensifying economy, construction duration remained within the projected schedule. The designed qualified for the federal government’s commercial Building Incentive Program through energy-efficient design.

2006 / Edmonton, AB

A new 400-square-metre ambulance station with three vehicle bays, lounge / kitchen, administration, exercise, rest, and change areas.

The design utilizes existing ambulance and staff vehicle road access off the Bonnie Doon traffic circle, and anticipates potential future drive-through function.

On the exterior, split-face concrete block provides a solid base for the visually lighter horizontal standing-seam metal cladding over used above window height. The material textures also serve express change in seasons by capturing winter snowfall.

Project challenges included the restricted site area and budget, and control of numerous requested changes during construction.

Renovation
2006 / Devon, AB

Healthcare services were improved through accommodation of an innovative model in Ambulatory and Community Care Home Care, involving renovation to approximately 50% of the existing hospital.

The scope of work also included the expansion of existing functional settings for integration of Palliative and Alternate Levels of Care clients with Continuing Care residents, relocation of Emergency services closer to Acute Care and public entrance, and moving non-client, support staff services to the lower level.

A comprehensive program was developed based on consultation with representatives of each department, and 3 plan alternatives were presented to the Hospital for review and input. Through numerous subsequent meetings with stakeholder groups, a preferred plan was chosen for further development. Design development involved the detailed description of components, and accommodation of furnishings and equipment. A plan for phased construction was developed concurrently with the detailed design in order to minimize disruption to hospital services and operations, and streamline the relocation process.  In light of the budget and escalating construction costs, Project components were being prioritized with a view to reducing the scope of work in the event of cost overrun. The tendered construction cost was below the project budget.    

Addition + Renovation
2006 / St. Paul, AB

An addition and renovation to the existing Health Centre to provide additional beds, update and improve functionality, and amalgamate Community Mental Health Services with Psychiatric Health Care Services

Initiated as a relocation to the third floor, a preliminary study that examined alternative development options concluded that it was more cost-effective to add onto the existing facility and renovate. A program of space requirements was developed and subjected to ongoing modifications according to input from user representatives and other stakeholders.

The architect visited several psychiatric facilities in the province and studied current operations to glean information on which to base the design. The design focused on providing circulation efficiencies, maintaining strict security for staff and patients, and visually integrating the addition with the existing health centre.

In order to maintain continuous service throughout the construction period, the work was separated into 3 phases, with each completed phase suitable for temporary accommodation of essential psychiatric health services. Re-tendering of some sections of the original bid, resulted in a construction cost that was almost 100% of the pre-tender estimate.

Addition
2005 / Edmonton, AB

The conservatory addition provides a refreshing indoor environment for long-term care patients, embraced by thriving plants and warm rays of sun. Daylight floods the space through tall expanses of glazing, tempered by automated roller blinds, and relieved by lower-ceiling, wood-trellised areas containing rock garden, water and fireplace features. The octagonal form in plan both distinguishes the space from the remainder of the hospital, while allowing details (exterior walls, roof) to be integrated with the existing vocabulary. Interior materials include coloured / patterned concrete floor existing masonry walls, and exposed steel structure.

As part of the larger scope of work, the existing ambulance bay was expanded to accommodate both emergency response vehicles and passenger bus for long-term care patients. Design criteria included provision of a safe, comfortable and protected environment for loading / unloading, adequate margins for vehicle ingress / egress, convenient operations for emergency response personnel, and visual integration with the existing hospital facility. 

Renovations
2003 / Edmonton, AB

The project involved the interior renovation of 2 areas within a 30-year old addition to the main building. One provided new instruction space for the Foods and Nutrition program. The second area provided training and classroom space for the Cosmetology program.

A larger scope was originally designed to provide twice the number of kitchen work stations and included an upgrade of the Construction and Textiles Technology areas. In response to a reduced budget, the Architect prioritized and grouped the total scope of work into phases, for implementation to suit available funds.

Several organizational plans and 3-D sketches were initially presented to school staff and administration for review and discussion, with user input maintained through levels of review involving selection of finishes and colours, millwork / hardware details, and the accommodation of specialty equipment and furnishings. Additional presentation material was prepared for public display at the school.

The expression of the Cosmetology space was developed to be visually compatible with a particular commercial salon anticipated to provide program instruction. This goal was balanced with the need for economical and low-maintenance materials. Structural modifications included the provision of large areas of glazing to bring natural light into both spaces.

Addition + Renovation
2002 / Fahler, AB

The broad scope of work included addition of CTS instruction / workshop areas to the existing historical building, renovations to provide Kindergarten Classrooms, Offices, Multi-use area and Vestibule, and upgrades to improve acoustic separation, remove asbestos, replace finish hardware, replace the heating system and upgrade electrical systems.

The addition design acknowledges the historical significance of the existing façade through the use of matching brick and glass block materials, and sensitive massing and articulation. The incorporation of sloped glazing brings natural daylight into the shop areas, while alluding to traditional roof and building forms common to the French heritage.

Challenges included the age / condition of existing structures, complexity of meeting current code requirements, restricted site area, and lack of as-built documents for the original building and its numerous additions.

2001 / Edmonton, AB

A facility to accommodate administrative and personnel functions, workshop, and equipment and vehicle storage. Located prominently on golf course grounds, the design balances operational , servicing and budget concerns with the need for sensitivity of form and materials to the natural setting.

The linear form – accentuated by change in materials and masonry wing walls – provides a screen from the public course area for much of the equipment and materials stored outside. Personnel functions are placed at the end of one building, with the Lunchroom and exterior deck area oriented toward the south.