Grey Bruce Health Unit
Owen Sound, Ontario

Architects: Lett Architects, Peterborough, Ontario

                     Salter Pilon Architecture Inc., Barrie, Ontario

Contractor: Semple Gooder Roofing Corporation, Toronto, Ontario

Photos: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studios

Winner – New Construction


Chosen from 38 architectural proposals, Salter Pilon Architecture Inc., in association with Lett Architects, was commissioned to provide full-service consulting and architectural services for the new 5,600 m² (60,200 sq. ft.) Grey Bruce Health Centre in Owen Sound, Ontario. The building is a multi-purpose facility with offices/workstations for 155 people, classrooms, laboratories, training areas, and consultation spaces. The building is three storeys, situated on a prominent site beside the Owen Sound harbour, and is rapidly becoming a local landmark.

Part of the building's appeal is the extensive skin of vertical copper cladding over much of its exterior. As it patinates, the copper will evolve to the familiar green colour common to the eastern part of Canada, and will be a striking complement to the other cladding materials used, primarily stone and cedar. The copper was installed by Semple Gooder Roofing Limited, a Toronto-based firm, with many years of extensive experience with copper systems in both restoration and new construction projects. The copper panel wall assembly consisted of approximately 850 m² (9,000 sq. ft.) of 20-oz flat lock copper panels (about 5,500 kgs or 12,000 lbs.) installed in a staggered pattern. The copper panels were installed over a Roofshield underlayment over a metal substrate.

As well, the Centre incorporates a full range of green building design concepts. The Grey Bruce Health Unit Board is committed to establishing a benchmark for healthy living by creating a healthy building for its operations. The innovative design includes the collection of rainwater for use in waterclosets and the use of natural ventilation in the office spaces. The current design reduces energy consumption by 53% of the Model National Energy Building Code.

The project is targeted for LEED Gold. Salter Pilon and Lett Architects will also be specifying and designing all the furniture for the project, including workstation and furniture standards. As well, to further its green aspect, the project was developed on a reclaimed "brownfield" site on the Owen Sound harbour. This project is seen as a catalyst for development in the area.


NACIAA home page