Solterre Design acted as the green design consultant to PHB Group for the Holyrood RCMP Detachment. The facility is the first “green” RCMP detachment in Canada. The project is presently in the tender phase. The design incorporates a number of green building strategies including: minimized site disturbance, stormwater management, low- impact materials, waste management, highly energy efficient systems, and healthful indoor environments.

Architecturally it fits the regional context through building massing and material use, while also portraying an image of permanence and approachability. The site is designed to eliminate the need for irrigation, enhance cooling summer breezes, reduce cooling loads, and minimize surface water run-off. The building was located to maximize winter solar gain. Materials were evaluated for their life cycle environmental impact.

A significant challenge was incorporating sustainable strategies in a more remote location. Many new environmental products are not commonly available in Newfoundland, require considerable transportation and cost to acquire, or have not been tested in the Atlantic Canadian Climate. Our approach was to select local natural materials wherever possible. This provided materials that generally have a low embodied energy, a regional aesthetic, proven track record in the region, and support the local economy. A second challenge was to work within the requirements of the RCMP for function and security. Both challenges required the design team to investigate a broader range of issues into the design decisions.

Project Team:

• Owner
  RCMP
• Architectural Design
  PHB Group Inc.
• Mechanical
  Newton Engineering
• Electrical
  Crosbie Engineering
• Structural Design
  Interior Design PHB Group Inc.
• Project Manager
  PWGSC
• LEED/ Waste Management
  Solterre Design