The Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Station is a landmark facility in Port Hardy. The integration of the facility into the challenging site takes advantage of its spectacular waterfront setting, creating a powerful identity for the Coast Guard base while highlighting environmental performance.
Situated strategically around natural site features, the challenge was to allow quick access from the residential building to the operations building and out to the boats in an emergency. With a steep slope separating the residential and operations building, a ramp connects the buildings to avoid disturbing the natural vegetation stabilizing the slope. In the future, a dedicated Canadian Coast Guard float will connect to directly the operations building providing a direct route from residence to operations building to marine float.
A focus on site character and ecological design performance places the project in strong candidacy for Green Globe Registration. Local plant species blend the site into the existing surrounding vegetation and visually harmonious rock stack walls to stabilize cuts in the slope required to fit specialized Coast Guard equipment.
Stormwater management is addressed through the use of infiltration swales and green roofs, slowing down and infiltrating water on site. Care was taken to retain existing trees on site providing weather protection to the facility and roost for the resident eagles. The landscape was designed with low-maintenance as a key feature, using hardy local plants and appropriate siting.
Ancillary design objectives included creating a functional space for employees, with special attention to user program and circulation. The Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Operations Building Facility and Joint Residence provides a haven for the employees to unwind and recharge with views out to Hardy Bay and an outdoor barbecue and eating area. The natural environment integrated carefully into the site’s design gives rise to the facility’s identity while empowering its environmental performance.
Photography by: Silent Sama