MIZA Architects | BCA DEM Headquarters Building

BCA DEM Headquarters Building

Date: 2011
Location: Port Coquitlam, BC

Previous Firm: BuntingCoady Architects (now B+H Architects)
R
ole: Intern Architect

 

Description:

A 40,000 sf office and warehouse building designed for an energy-efficient minded mechanical contractor situated on the edge of the Fraser River. Adhering to design strategies of ‘Passive House’ the building is oriented to optimize and reduce solar heat gain and reduce the dependancy on mechanical systems for heating and cooling.

The site strategy is two-sided – with the street portion dedicated to parking and loading, the river-side of the site is free for employees to enjoy  a constructed wetland which will process and clean the waste water from the building while supporting riverside wildlife and migrating birds.

A series of framed views within the DEM building have been considered and relate to the landscape and or distant views beyond. A series of framed, garden and sliced windows offer a preview of the expansive views beyond. Ambient diffused light enters spaces through a central sky window as well as a continuous clerestory ribbon window which floats the office volume above the warehouse.