WHW Architects

WHW Architects: Good design, good for you

Nova Scotia’s largest architectural firm is proving that excellent design can also be green design.

 
Halifax-based WHW Architects has been a pioneer in environmentally sustainable building in this region, designing the province’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified structure and Halifax’s first green roof system. Two WHW architects were also founding members of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) Atlantic chapter, where they continue to serve as board members.
 
“Sustainable building has been a significant focus at WHW for at least the past 10 years,” says John Crace, WHW Chairman and Director of Sustainability. “For us, every project is a green project. If our clients want to go for LEED achievement, or otherwise push the green envelope, we’re ready.”
 
Green buildings are prominent in WHW’s list of awards—projects like Juno Tower at CFB Stadacona, B.I.O. Energy Centre, Joggins Fossil Institute and Summerside Wellness Centre are all recipients of the Lieutenant Governor's Awards for Architecture.
 
Crace says to be successful, green building calls for a new approach.
 
“In traditional architecture, building design and construction is often a linear process,” he says, explaining that plans generally go from the architects to engineers to the construction team. “For green buildings, we take a more integrated, holistic, design path. Everyone gets involved from the very beginning—owners, building users, engineers, designers, cost consultants—anyone associated with the project.”

If the project is striving for LEED certification, a LEED facilitator guides the process from beginning to end. WHW has 16 LEED Accredited Professionals on staff who can serve as facilitators.
 
“If the group can agree on a collective philosophy—or charter—of green building for that building, then all future decisions must pass through that filter,” says Crace.
 
It’s an approach that makes it far more likely that the “green goals” will be met because their long-term operational benefits are assessed rather than just their up-front costs. Those benefits can include decreased heating or lighting costs, better air quality, reduced water consumption, or reduced maintenance costs.
 
“Buildings last a long time, and over 30, 40, 50 years or more these benefits are absolutely of interest,” says Crace. “Green buildings are increasingly recognized as higher quality, high performance buildings—particularly those that have achieved a level of LEED certification.”
 
Amonth the desing features WHW has used in its green buildings is a “green roof system” where a flat or slightly sloping roof is covered with soil and planted with wildflowers.
 
“This one feature pays off in so many ways,” says Crace. “By absorbing rainwater, these roofs reduce pressure on the storm infrastructure; the earth layer tends to protect the roof waterproof membrane and extend its life while providing additional insulation value; it’s a local dust reducer; and it promotes a bio-habitat for birds and insects like bees and butterflies.”
 
At the nationally recognized Joggins Fossil Institute, the green roofs serve an additional function—reducing the stress on the potable water supply by using run-off rainwater to flush the toilets.
 
But green roofs are just one of the many sustainable features used at Joggins—a building aspiring to LEED Gold level of certification.
 
The building gets most of its power from a wind turbine and solar panels; the exterior is clad with locally-supplied sandstone and hemlock; an abundance of locally manufactured energy-efficient windows let natural light flow well into the interior; local materials were used, supporting local economies; and,
climate-controlled zones allow off-season areas to be closed off to reduce energy consumption and maintenance.
 
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the fossil cliffs are of international interest, says Crace, and it’s appropriate that the building be of that calibre as well. “It’s a great example of what we can do in Nova Scotia,” he says, “and an example of our world-class green, Nova Scotia architects.”
 
WHW’s staff come from Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and from other countries—including Jordan, Iran and the Philippines. This diversity of culture and experience is positive for the firm and its clients, says WHW President Keith MacGillivray.
 
“We reach out across Canada, and indeed globally, to wherever we can find the best people, technologies and ideas,” he says. “We are now almost 60 people strong and continue to grow and develop with new skills and services.”
 
WHW Architect’s size reflects its commitment to retaining and growing its corporate knowledge. “In this cyclical business, some firms hire and fire people,” says MacGillivray. “We try to find the best people and keep them. It’s a strategy that has helped us achieve steady growth.”
 
They are also committed to maintaining a global connection while enjoying the quality of life in Nova Scotia.
 
“Those of us who live here,” says Crace, “know and understand it’s a great place to be. We are comfortable with today’s array of communication tools and use them to work effectively with our clients. Physical location matters less and less. That allows us to be here—to live where we love to live.”

Feature story written by Susan Corning