The design of Lethbridge College’s new Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility (TTIF) has earned a prestigious industry award. The facility earned the award for top institutional wood design at the Wood WORKS! Alberta Prairie Wood Design Awards on Tuesday.
“Wood was selected as a design element because of our focus on sustainability and our efforts to target LEED gold certification,” says Simon Griffiths, Lethbridge College Vice President Corporate Services and CFO. “The architects found many innovative ways to incorporate wood into the design process and the contractors brought it to life. It was a truly collaborative effort and we are honoured that the facility has been recognized in this way.”
The completed Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility officially opened in September 2017. The 168,812 square feet, $77 million facility was the largest construction project in Lethbridge College’s history. It provides state-of-the-art training opportunities for students in a variety of skilled trades and technologies programming.
Wood elements in the facility include the rafters, custom designed doors and 22 massive pillars.
“In addition to its environmental properties, the wood also adds a design element,” says Francis Rankin, Lethbridge College project manager. “It is in there to give it a softer and more inviting feel for the students. And I think it has done that.”
Diamond Schmitt Architects, in association with Sahuri + Partners, designed the facility and Stuart Olson oversaw the construction. Wood suppliers included Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation, Wallworks and Lethbridge-based Millwork Innovations 3.
The Prairie Wood Design Awards program recognizes projects and organizations that advance the use of wood in construction through design excellence, advocacy and innovation. The winning projects were thoughtfully selected from over 30 entries by an esteemed international jury panel.
“The winning projects from our awards program demonstrate Alberta’s increasing commitment to exploring options for wood in construction,” says Rory Koska, program director of Wood WORKS! Alberta. “Advancements in wood research and technology are breaking down barriers for our industry and creating exciting new opportunities for the design community.”
The wood design has since inspired renovations in other areas of Lethbridge College’s campus, including Founders’ Square, Centre Core and the new Kodiaks trophy case.