CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory - 2015 AIA Top Ten Green Project

Natural Resources Canada relocated its CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (MTL) from Ottawa to Hamilton to be closer to the steel and manufacturing sectors it serves through metallurgical research and testing. It saw the opportunity to take a giant leap forward and become a showpiece of sustainable design. The facility was certified LEED Platinum in 2013, the third research lab to achieve this rating in Canada and the only one of its type. Architect: Diamond Schmitt
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Jury comment: We like how the different elevations address the climatic response. It is a thoughtful building, and not the typical sort that attains high performance. The interiors were very carefully resolved, with a clean, elegant, and obviously functional approach. This is probably a very economical building. There was thought put into solar control, the solar thermal space and photo-voltaic systems. The displacement ventilation system in the office and laboratory spaces saves energy and provides comfort.

Project data

Client: McMaster Innovation Park
Gross floor area: 177,280 square feet
Completion: January, 2011
Costs: US-Dollar 69 million