Goderich, ON
The new office and commercial building at 51 Kingston Street is located on a distinctive Flatiron site within the historic radial street plan of Goderich, Ontario. Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, Goderich is a small town in Southwestern Ontario and has been recognized as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” The building serves as the offices of an architectural firm.
A defining feature of the project is the use of nail-laminated timber panels for the walls, floors, and roof, all of which are left exposed within the interior spaces. This low–embodied carbon building incorporates a rooftop photovoltaic system designed to offset 100 percent of the energy used by the firm. The durable and honest use of materials reduces embodied carbon, minimizes interior volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and supports a biophilic design approach that softens the interior environment and introduces a subtle aroma from the exposed pine surfaces.
The building was designed to achieve Passive House levels of energy performance. Its exterior design complements the heritage character of downtown Goderich, while the contemporary interior showcases the firm’s design expertise.
