Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)

Ottawa, Ontario

To put MEC's values into practice, the design of their 22,000 sq.ft. Ottawa store demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental preservation.

The building is designed to operate with only 50% of the energy consumption permitted by the Canadian Model National Energy Code for Buildings. Many components of the building originally located on the site were re-used in the new structure - such as structural steel columns, beams and joists, and the original terrazzo floor and parts of the foundations and concrete blocks. As well, new structural elements were salvaged including timbers from the bottom of the St. Lawrence River.

Awards & Recognition:

• International Design Magazine: Top 40 Socially Conscious Designers, 2001
• Ottawa Citizen: Critical Acclaim by Rhys Phillips, 2001
• First Retail Building to earn the Canadian Government C-2000 Rating

Linda Chapman Architect and Christopher Simmonds Architect in Joint Venture