The driving force to build this flagship athlete development centre was the need for an integrated home where the best minds in sports medicine could collaborate and innovate.
This same fresh, holistic approach was used in envisioning the five-storey centre’s programming, design and materials. Initially a challenge, the design team succeeded in addressing the unique programming needs of each of its end users. The centre is home to world-class exercise and sports medicine facilities, a strength and conditioning centre, gyms and labs, office spaces, a 60-room athletes’ village, cafeteria and a 200-stall parking lot.
Fast + Epp devised an exterior structural solution that combined a curtain wall, composite cladding and metal paneling. A prominent entryway is marked by a curvilinear canopy and feature cedar soffit, which extends into the interior and transitions to a floating cedar ceiling in the main lobby.
The welcoming lobby space features radiant in-slab heating with a polished concrete floor and ample natural light – thanks to a two-storey clerestory and skylight with vertical tempered-glass sunshades to minimize the building’s heating load.
