Manitoba Hydro Tower, Winnipeg Canada

KPMB Architects designed the Manitoba Hydro Headquarters in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. It was completed in 2009, and set a new standard for environmental design. It cost $278 million and is 377 ft tall.

A massive solar chimney dominates the north tower’s form and punches through the top. A well-considered environmental system incorporates the heat stack effect and vast water features to vent each floor using this solar chimney. It stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Passive heat is gained through southern sun exposure and automatic louver shades. A double exterior skin reduces glare and vites in solar gain and natural breezes.

A geothermal temperature control system uses 280 bore holes to exchange heat and keep a consistent temperature. Green roofs give a visual cue to the green strategies. This vast utilization of green strategies along with rational structural systems and material use make this building a notable achievement for modern skyscraper design.

More Info


(tonyneu– flickr/creative commons license)

(Flatland through the lens– flickr/creative commons license)

(tonyneu– flickr/creative commons license)

(tonyneu– flickr/creative commons license)
 

(featured images by tonyneu on flickr/creative commons)