The Confluence - One of Canada's first public buildings to combine the technologies of Passive House and Mass Timber. Photo Credit: Matt Bolt Photography

The Dawson Creek (DC),  Community Hub is driven by the desire to reduce DC’s Operational Carbon through the installation of solar panels on public buildings. DC receives significant sun through the year, making solar energy viable. DC also needs a new public gathering place. 

The Community Hub is envisioned as a 600 sqm unconditioned space. The roof would be translucent solar panels, turning the majority of the space into a four season shelter similar to a solarium. A small amount of floor area would be conditioned to protect the wet areas from frost during the winter.

The space could then support a variety of public activities and amenities, including the farmers market, live shows, weather protected play space for childcare, private rental, civic events, etc.

The building aspired to be Net Carbon Positive, using low embodied carbon construction materials and producing significantly more energy that it uses.