The Churchill Northern Studies Centre is a LEED Silver certified facility that was completed in 2011. It is a 28,000 sf self-contained living module located on a remote site, 23 km east of Churchill next to the historic rocket range. The building strives towards exceptional energy efficiencies to keep yearly operational costs down and uses innovative technologies applicable to the Northern climate to reduce reliance on outside services and utilities. Take a virtual tour of the Churchill Northern Studies Centre here (hosted by Sustainable Buildings Manitoba in December 2020)

The long shape of the building is designed to allow the strong northwest winds to scour snow away from the building. This reduces operating costs for snow clearing, a daily task to ensure curious polar bears don’t have access to the facility by snowdrifts. Further scouring of snow around the building is facilitated by the raised main floor above grade, the tapered west end and rounded roof to wall transition. The form of the building was inspired by the utilitarian practicality of a Bombardier B12 snow bus of the 1950’s, matched with the warmth of the insulated hood of a winter parka. The building is clad in pre-finished metal cladding to combat the harsh climate and durability requirements – and is reminiscent of the original rocket range buildings. 

The interior is formed by large glulam structure, with large windows which fill the facility with natural daylight. The Centre contains sleeping accommodation for 88 persons including staff, visiting scientists and students; 5,000sf of science laboratories for a variety of northern scientific studies, support facilities including a commercial kitchen, dining halls for 120 persons, fitness facilities, classrooms and administration offices to compliment the existing building’s renovated use. 

To learn more about this project, click here.