PROJECT Ontario Association of Architects Headquarters Retrofit, Toronto, Ontario
ARCHITECT David Fujiwara Architect (retrofit), Ruth Cawker Architect (1991 original building)
TEXT Kathleen Kurtin
This May, the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) officially reopens its doors to the public and its members after completing the renovation of its headquarters in Toronto. The net-zero targeted project embodies a commitment to demonstrate first-hand how existing buildings can be adapted rather than replaced, as the profession strives towards climate stability.
The OAA has a history of proactive environmental responsibility. When the headquarters was designed by Ruth Cawker, winner of the 1989 province-wide design competition, it was built to the R2000 standard?the environmental high bar of the day. The project anticipated the future, with its proposal for rooftop solar panels that would act as louvres. Thirty years later, that final piece has become a visible reality. As a whole, the building stands as an example of the profession?s environmental responsibility to members and guests as well as the neighbours and motorists passing by. The original headquarters were designed to high energy efficiency standards for their time. 30 years later, the building is being retrofitted to target net-zero carbon emissions. Photo by Michael Teneglia
The Road to Renewal
After serving the Association and its members well for more than 25 years, the OAA Headquarters required extensive maintena...