Premiere Edition - ACEC|Manitoba

2010 11th Annual Awards of Excellence in Consulting Engineering
For example, the building features a one-metre-wide
double façade curtain-wall system with a double-glazed
outer wall and a single-glazed inner wall. Creating a buffer
zone between the interior and the outdoors, the curtain wall
insulates the building against both heat and cold. Automated
louver shades control glare and heat gain, while radiant slabs
function as an internal heat exchange with the geothermal
field. Vents in the exterior façade open automatically with
actuators whenever the building mechanical ventilation
systems are shut down. When this occurs, the building’s
internal computer network notifies occupants that the building
is in ‘natural ventilation mode’ and that occupants are free to
open interior façade windows at their own discretion.
Low-intensity, thermo-active concrete ceilings heat and cool
the building by circulating heated or cooled water in plastic
tubes embedded in the concrete. This also allows the thermal
mass of the concrete to stabilize the building temperature;
moderating the temperature swings from day to night also
helps minimize building energy use.
Another significant building feature is the 115-metre
solar chimney. Marking the north elevation and main Portage
Avenue entrance, the solar chimney is a key element in the
passive ventilation system. Relying on the natural stack effect
to draw used air out of the building in the summer months,
a solar absorber retains heat for building operations after the
sun has set. In winter, exhaust air is drawn to the bottom of
the chimney by a fan. Heat recovered from this exhaust air is
then used to warm the parkade and preheat incoming cold
air from the south atria.
In contrast to conventional buildings, occupants of
Manitoba Hydro Place can enjoy fresh air regardless of
outside temperatures. This is largely the result of three
six-story south atria that form the ‘lungs’ of the building.
Drawing in outside air, the atria precondition the air to
10 degrees Celsius before it enters workspaces through
adjustable vents in the raised floors. In addition, a 24-metre
waterfall feature in each atrium humidifies or dehumidifies
the incoming air.
page 24 | Consulting Engineers of Manitoba Awards of Excellence
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