Completed in 2017, the Sifton Centre in London, Ontario, stands as an early Canadian benchmark for net-zero commercial buildings. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects within the ambitious West 5 sustainable community, this 60,000 sq ft facility exemplifies how advanced facade technologies, including Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), can achieve stringent energy targets while defining architectural identity.
The West 5 Net-Zero Vision
The Sifton Centre serves as the cornerstone structure for West 5, a 70-acre development aiming to be Ontario’s premier net-zero mixed-use community. Its design sets the precedent for integrating sustainable technologies directly into the architectural fabric, offering valuable insights for subsequent projects within the development and elsewhere.
Facade Design & BIPV Integration
The building envelope is central to the Sifton Centre’s performance and aesthetic strategy. Primary facade elements include:
- Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): Façade-mounted PV panels work in conjunction with a substantial rooftop array, contributing significantly to the building’s on-site energy generation required for net-zero operation. While specific integration details (e.g., curtain wall vs. rainscreen application) require deeper investigation, their inclusion demonstrates a clear intent to utilize the facade’s surface area for active power production, merging renewable energy technology with the building’s exterior expression.
- Electrochromic Glazing: The incorporation of electrochromic glass allows window tinting to adjust automatically based on sunlight intensity. This technology is crucial for managing solar heat gain and glare, thereby reducing reliance on HVAC systems and artificial lighting, while optimizing occupant comfort and connection to the exterior.
- High-Performance Thermal Envelope: Underlying these active systems is a highly insulated and airtight building envelope, minimizing thermal bridging and energy loss – a prerequisite for achieving net-zero performance.
Energy Generation & Performance
The combined output from the rooftop and facade PV installations is substantial, reportedly generating enough electricity annually to power 14 average homes. This on-site generation capacity is fundamental to offsetting the building’s energy consumption, showing the potential of integrating solar technology directly into the architectural design to meet ambitious environmental goals.
Complementary Sustainable Systems
The high-performance facade is augmented by other integrated systems reinforcing the net-zero objective:
- Efficient Mechanicals: A Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system allows for zone-specific thermal control and heat recovery.
- Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting supplies non-potable water needs (toilet flushing, irrigation).
- Biophilic Elements: A vegetated green roof and a prominent two-story interior living wall contribute to insulation, air quality, and occupant well-being.
Design & Execution Considerations for Facade Professionals
The Sifton Centre project yielded important lessons relevant to facade planning and execution:
- Integration Complexity: Successfully merging BIPV, electrochromic glazing, and conventional cladding systems required thorough planning and close collaboration between the architectural team, engineers (structural, electrical, mechanical), and specialist contractors.
- Installation Expertise: Implementing novel facade technologies like BIPV necessitated specific training for local trades, demonstrating the need for workforce development alongside technological adoption.
- Regulatory Adaptation: Projects incorporating advanced envelope systems and on-site generation may require proactive engagement with regulatory bodies concerning standards and approvals.
