Energy Recovery Facility
As part of a wider program of water treatment and distribution upgrades, the construction of a new reservoir in a well-loved City of Nanaimo public park was seen as a leadership project; an opportunity to adopt advanced thinking in design and sustainability to justify its prominent position.
The engineering concept, developed by Associated Engineering, releases the latent energy from the excess hydrostatic pressure caused by the differential elevations between the water treatment plant and the distribution system. The energy recovery building, designed to house the 360kW capacity turbine and other equipment, celebrates innovative infrastructure engineering, builds public awareness of water as a valuable resource, and utilizes sustainable design strategies to influence the form and character of the building. The dominant, asymmetrical roof is designed to represent the journey of water and this is expressed through a continuous reflective sheet metal roof. Two types of dark brick, one with a matte and the other with a glossy surface, are also a reference to the varied color and reflective qualities of natural water bodies, and the custom security screen facing Nanaimo Lakes Road is designed with a pattern reminiscent of raindrops.
Client: City of Nanaimo
Location: Nanaimo, BC
Completion: 2014
Project Team: Local Practice (Architecture), Associated Engineering (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Process Engineering), Koers (Civil Engineering), Gemella Design Inc (Landscape Architect)