Sustainability & Environmental Consulting
Bio Regional
Full Credential Description
The Ottawa Korean Church, in collaboration with Windmill Development Group, faced the challenge of outgrowing its existing facility while aiming to create a sustainable community that integrates well with the local neighborhood. The church, which has been serving the community since 2008, needed a modern facility to support its expanding congregation and outreach programs. The redevelopment of the existing church site was essential for the Ottawa Korean Community Church (OKCC) to secure its long-term financial viability and enhance its community programming.
To address these niche issues, Windmill Development Group proposed a tailored solution that involved the redevelopment and densification of the site into a 168,608 sq. ft. residential rental development. This project features a terraced design that includes three stories behind the existing church facade, a three-storey podium, a six-storey mid-podium, and a 24-floor tower. The design not only respects the heritage context of the site by retaining two facades of the existing church but also integrates seamlessly with the neighborhood scale.
The project is committed to achieving net-zero carbon operation, utilizing geothermal energy through ground source heat pumps for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, thereby eliminating combustion on site. Additionally, the development will include at least 15% accessible homes, adhering to the Ontario Building Code. The landscape strategy transforms the previously lifeless site into a vibrant haven for both people and nature, despite its high-density design.
Quantifiable results from the project include a walkscore rating of 79, indicating it is very walkable, a cycling score of 91, marking it as a biker’s paradise, and a transit score of 70, reflecting excellent transit access. The buildings are designed to maintain thermal comfort, ensuring temperatures remain below 26°C during summer conditions through high building fabric standards and thermally efficient glazing. This comprehensive approach not only meets the immediate needs of the OKCC but also sets a precedent for sustainable urban development in Canada.