WINNER OF A 2019 CANADIAN ARCHITECT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Beekeeping frames inspired the use of wood cells for the ceiling, walls and seating.
The new Honey Bee Research Centre is a place for research and education. The hive-like design takes its inspiration from bees, learning from one of nature?s greatest architects.
A ground-level pathway rises up onto a rooftop garden, allowing visitors to loop around in a manner similar to a bee?s flight path. The pollinator-friendly landscape on the roof and around the centre includes working hives, native plantings and agricultural plots. Shallow pools serve as fountains for flying insects, and introduce opportunities for up-close viewing and learning.
Pollinator gardens carpet the centre?s roof and surrounding landscape. A tower serves as an interpretive centre and solar chimney. Its exhibits raise awareness of pollinator pathways?natural corridors that allow bees, butterflies, moths and other insects to move through habitats. 
On ground level, the centre houses flexible research and learning spaces. The facility welcomes children and adults alike. Windows allow visitors to see into the centre?s labs and honey processing facilities. Glazed walls with oversized doors connect the indoor and outdoor learning spaces. The interior is covered with 500 x 370-mm cells, whose size derives from the wood frames used in beekeeping. They serve for display, storage, seating and other functions.
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