Rehabilitated Heritage Buildings
Here are some examples of projects where older buildings in British Columbia were rehabilitated. These sensitive repairs, alterations and/or additions to historic places are an important part of cultural sustainability and lowering the environmental impact of new construction.
Mountain Equipment Co-op, Victoria
Cornerstone Building, Fernwood and Gladstone, Victoria
- Low-cost housing on the upper floors
- Commercial space on the main floor
- Geothermal units to supply heat for the building
- Water-conserving fixtures
- Recycling and composting plan for residents
222 Vancouver Street, Victoria
- Top end, high-efficiency mechanical systems including a geoexchange heat pump, solar heated domestic hot water and a heat recovery ventilator
- Soy based spray insulation has been employed in order to add high thermal value to the narrow wall cavities (this type of insulation has the added benefit of improving the rigidity of the house)
- Improved air tightness through weather stripping and caulking
The Palladian, Victoria
- Original brick walls
- Heritage chandeliers and Edwardian lighting fixtures
- Original heritage windows with shatter-proof laminate insert
- Revealed original beams and roof in loft units
- Skylights in some units
- Benjamin Moore Heritage paint colour
- 100% natural wool carpet
- Heated marble/granite floors in bathrooms
- Dual-flush toilets
These luxury heritage condominiums received the 2008 Hallmark Society's President's Award for Heritage Conversion. They are a great example of how an older building can be retrofitted into a unique and comfortable living environment.
“The Five”, East 27th Avenue, Vancouver
- On-demand in-floor heating system (EnerGuide 82 rated)
- Tankless hot water system
- Energy Star appliances
- Dual-flush toilets
- Low-VOC paints
- Formaldehyde-free carpet, flooring and cabinetry
- Extensive use of sustainably harvested wood
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, UBC, Vancouver
- Radiant in-slab heating and cooling system
- High performance triple glazing
- Displacement ventilation
- Selected 'healthier' low emitting (or VOC-free) materials for improved indoor environment quality
- Demolition materials collected, sorted and either recycled or reused in the building.
- Refinished and reused heritage core doors, casework and other woodwork
- Recycled library shelving
- Materials sourced in close proximity to the project helping to reduce the energy required for materials transport