Strathearn Hub
A community-oriented building in the Strathearn neighbourhood of Edmonton, to be the home of Strathearn Psychology and provide new community amenities.
In need of a new home, Strathearn Psychology decided to build one themselves. The result is a new net-zero ready building in the mature neighbourhood of Strathearn, located on a standard residential lot rezoned to allow for commercial use.
This project features a large solar array, geothermal heating and cooling, mass timber floors and large expanses of north-facing glazing to optimize for natural light. A relatively small site for a development of this nature, Strathearn Hub stands out as the landmark in a neighbourhood undergoing a large transformation. The project creates a pedestrian realm along the laneway, which is activated by a range of amenities and commercial spaces for nearby residents.
The anchor tenant, Strathearn Psychology, will have exclusive occupation of the building’s upper floors, where they will continue to provide their valuable services to the immediate and broader community. holo-blok is also responsible for the fit out service for this project, getting Strathearn Psychology set up to operate and promote the shared values of social responsibility, community and well-being.
The proposed site is located on 85 Street, just south of 95 Avenue, located across the lane from a new Light Rail Transit (LRT) public transit substation. As such, this lane provides several opportunities for both commercial activation and community amenities.
Previously a residentially zoned site, the lot is smaller than is typical of a commercial build. Therefore, careful consideration was given to site planning in order to respect zoning and code regulations while also opening the facade to the community as much as possible.
Strathearn Hub’s exterior design dovetails modern efficiency with the classically influenced style of its surroundings. The two-and-a-half-storey building employs a 45-degree sloping shed roof, which rises moving north to maximize solar PV potential and minimize massing impacts on the adjacent neighbour.
The laneway-facing side of the building features a prominent triple A-frame form to mimic the predominantly post-war style of the neighbourhood. This also serves to open the building visually and create interest as a means of activating the lane. The materiality combination of brick, cementitious panels and composite wood siding lend to the residential character of the design.
Generous plaza areas serve the principle commercial spaces on the ground floor, allowing activity to flow outward and create an active amenity for the community.
The design of the interior space was largely tailored to the fit out of Strathearn Psychology. With a focus to promote the well being of patients and staff, the interiors are influenced by biophilic principles. The designed intends to create a relaxing atmosphere by spotlighting the mass timber structure and reinforcing the use of natural materials.
Simplicity is key. Simple polished concrete floors provide a means for heating and cooling the building, while also allowing the natural wood to dominate the space. Wood screens throughout reinforce the natural themes and provide privacy for patients. Lastly, large expanses of glazing invite natural north-facing light to flood the relatively narrow footprint.
holo-blok Team
