Located in Fort St. John in northern B.C., the Birch Building called for an office building that both complemented the beauty of the surrounding wilderness and confronted the grey sprawl of the urban environment. Departing from the local norm of low, wide buildings separated by parking lots, the building’s main floor is lofted above ground level parking, providing commuters cover from harsh winter weather.

Focusing on reducing energy use, to environmental and economic benefit, the building’s double exterior walls accomodate more than twice the standard insulation. North-facing light scoops provide indirect daylight, reducing the need for electric lighting while brightening the space through the darker months, when the sun can rise and set during working hours.

Design: Cedric Burgers, Marieke Burgers, Ben Coulston

Build: Kalmar Construction LTD. Structural: Beairsto & Associates Landscape: Forma Design inc. Photography: Plaid Interactive