“The idea that this building type can trans-
late across so many different community
needs is really exciting to see.”
SUSTAINABILITY
The use of wood is an over-arching theme
for all of Johnston and Davidson work, and
is a major contributing factor to the sus-
tainability of the firm’s designs. “People
tend to think of wood as being a residen-
tial product, but that is only one aspect on
how it can be used,” says Johnston. “It
brings a lot of joy to people when exposed
wood becomes part of the architectural
language.”
Locally-sourced wood is an important el-
ement in an environmentally-sustainable
design, which focuses on energy reduc-
tion, and as these buildings are publicly-
funded projects, using local materials en-
sures some of the budget is cycled back
into the community.
Cross Laminated Timber, for example, is
lauded as an alternative for convention-
al materials such as steel or concrete,
and used in 90 per cent of the firm’s
“It creates a really nice relationship between themen andwomenwhowork in fire
protection and the community they serve.” Kim Johnston, Principle Architect
Vancouver Fire Hall No.5 &YWCA Housing
MARCH 2017
H
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