Located in Squamish, BC, the Don Ross Biomass Plant is a unique opportunity to contribute to School District No.48’s infrastructure and goal of implementing sustainable and renewable energy throughout the school facilities.

Totaling 1,600 SF, the biomass plant is a hybrid installation that can support both wood chips and pellets. The structure also houses a fuel silo, a mechanical plant, electrical room, field house storage, and a secured covered outdoor area for student gathering and collaboration. It utilizes biofuel as an alternative form of energy, furthering the plant’s sustainable agenda.

While this small-scale project is industrial in nature, we asked the question: “Can the building be more than just a mechanical enclosure?” The result is an attractive, cost effective project that can simultaneously serve multiple functions and user groups. Rather than hide the industrial technology in an unattractive shell, the biomass plant becomes a teaching tool.

Durable, non-combustible materials were enhanced with a bold colour palette and the outdoor classroom was clad with locally sourced wood. Completed 2019.