Located in Banff National Park, the Okâch – Îyethkabi Oûgitûbi pavilion sets a new benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient, and accessible infrastructure in cold climates. Designed in collaboration with HSS Design Build and the Town of Banff, this low-carbon, high-performance facility highlights how public spaces can enhance community well-being while minimizing environmental impact.
The state-of-the-art pavilion features:
- Mass timber and wood fiber insulation to reduce embodied carbon and promote long-term durability.
- Passive House Low Energy Building Standards for high energy efficiency and superior thermal comfort.
- A fully electric, net-zero-ready design, featuring a VRF Air Source Heat Pump, airtight envelope, and upcoming solar PV panels.
- A circular design approach that allows for material reuse and future adaptability, ensuring the building’s longevity for 100+ years.
- An 18 kW solar array that will supply an estimated 70% of the building’s annual energy needs (installation in summer 2025).
About Town of Banff:
The Town of Banff is deeply committed to sustainability, working to preserve its natural surroundings while fostering a resilient, environmentally conscious community. With a strong focus on reducing its ecological footprint, the Town of Banff embraces innovative solutions in energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable development to ensure a harmonious balance between growth and the protection of its unique natural heritage for future generations.
About HSS Design Build:
HSS Design Build is a design and construction firm dedicated to accelerating the transition towards a net-zero future through energy-efficient Passive House design and sustainable building practices. With a collaborative design-build approach, HSS Design Build strives to create efficient, timeless structures that harmonize with nature. Their commitment to honesty, craftsmanship, collaboration, and sustainability is at the core of every project they undertake.
