St. Gabriel’s

Passionist Parish

Presentation.

1. Describe the project functionally.2. Describe the projects ambitions with respect to

Sustainability3. Provide your analysis of the building in terms of LEED

CI points that would have been earned if it had been a LEED CI building

4. Provide your analysis of the building in terms of One Planet Living parameters

5. Pick the two most interesting aspects (material, design detail, innovation) and explain them in greater detail

6. Where do you think the project failed, greenwashed or could have done more

Project Functionality.

Insitiution: Saint Gabriel's Passionate Parish (Roman Catholic Organization)

Site Location: 650 Sheppard Avenue East, North York, ON M2K 3E4, Canada

Architecture Firm: Larkin Architect Limited

Primary Architect: Roberto Chiotti

Context: Site deconstruction and demolition of a 50 year old church

Theology of Saint Gabriel's Passionate Parish:

"Our primary motivation was to establish a link between the sacredness of the gathered community of Faith and the sacredness of the Earth.“- Fr. Paul Cusack, C.P., current Pastor

http://www.stgabrielsparish.ca/

Link was established by constructing a Canadian LEED CI Certified Building (Achieved a Gold rating)

Eco-theology (interrelations between religion and nature) is practiced by Passionate Father Thomas Berry; his works stress the importance of creating a “mutually-enhancing, human-earth relationship” (a cause and effect direct correlation between the human race and the natural habitat)

http://www.stgabrielsparish.ca/

Project Ambitions.Gain LEED Certification.

Aim to Acquire LEED Silver Certification

Project Ambitions.Minimize Transportation Use.

Priority Parking for Carpooling; Easy Access to Public Transportation

Project Ambitions.Increase Water Use Efficiency.

Rooftop Rainwater Collection Efficient Plumbing Fixtures.

Project Ambitions.Reuse Furniture.

Pews, Ambo, Altar, Font, Etched Glass Panel, and Murano Glass Tile Mosaics all Salvaged from Previous St. Gabriel’s Church

Project Ambitions.Bring Nature to Forefront.

Landscaping in Place of Parking Lot. Living Wall.

Project Ambitions.Harness Sun’s Energy.

Capture Winter’s Sun Through Glass Wall.

Project Ambitions.Use Concrete as Structure

and Finish.

No Extra Decoration Needed.

Project Ambitions.Utilize Displacement Ventilation.

Unique Flooring Alternative.

Project Ambitions.Use Sustainable Power Source.

One Planet Living.

1. Zero Carbon.2. Zero Waste.3. Sustainable Transport.4. Local and Sustainable Materials.5. Local and Sustainable Food.6. Sustainable Water.7. Natural Habitats and Wildlife.8. Culture and Heritage.9. Equity and Fair Trade.

10. Health and Happiness.

http://www.oneplanetliving.org

Zero Carbon.

- Passive solar heating

- Sun protection

- Natural Daylighting

- Energy Neutral

- Living Wall

Zero Waste.The following items were salvaged from the original church:

- Stained Glass (now on display in the entrance/foyer)- Ceremonial Doors (entrance to Church Hall)- Pews were re-installed into the new Church Hall- Marble for the Altar was used from the pervious Altar- Gold mosaic glass tiles were salvaged and now adorn the emergency exit in the south garden

Zero Waste.

Construction Waste Diversion Chart59% Recycled; 41% Waste

Sustainable Transport.- Preferential parking>Carpool>Hybrid- Bike racks and showers provided- Underground parking garage- 68% of total>Allows for larger garden space surrounding the church- Subway>two subway stations and bus lines are located within 800 meters of church

Local and Sustainable Materials.

The following are considerations taken when choosing materials for St. Gabriel’s:- Using salvaged materials (Mosaic Glass to rebar and concrete)- Using materials with a high recycled content- Using materials which can be found regionally (Limestone from Manitoba which have the fossils of ancient sea creatures embedded in the stone)

Sustainable Water.- Roof rainwater collection>78% reduced water used outdoors

>Drip irrigation system for garden>drought resistant plants

- Waterless urinals- Dual low flush toilets (6/3L per flush)- Ultra low flow bathroom faucets (1.9L/minute)

>solar panel operated- Reduced flow kitchen faucets (8.3L/minute)

Natural Habitats and Wildlife.

Living wall and front garden provide habitat for insects and urban wildlife-Garden restores native ecosystem

Culture and Heritage.The church represents an inclusive body of people who support one another which is demonstrated through the words of Fr. Paul.

Belonging – you are welcomed and it is your obligation to welcome others

Believing – deep and receptive relationship between yourself and God

Becoming – being an active and responsible parishioner

St. Gabriel`s aims to enrich a personal and intimate relationship with God so to anchor your beliefs

Equity and Fare Trade.Roman Catholic sectors are selling Free Trade Coffee and Chocolate

At St. Patrick’s Parish, there were aggressive announcements and sermons which addressed the issue of Fair Trade products

Health and Happiness.

• Increased levels of natural light exposure• Better indoor air quality• Healthier means of transportation (bicycling

and walking)• Internal network for community support (i.e.

clubs, social events, prayer sessions, religious celebrations such as marriages, baptisms, confirmations, graduations...)

• A deeper understanding and appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between theology and nature

• Positive recognition for innovative, sustainable and responsible design initiatives

Interesting Aspects.Day Lighting.

Stained Glass.

Interesting Aspects.Day Lighting.

Light Harvesting

Interesting Aspects.Living Wall.

Failed, Green washed?Transportation.

Sustainable transportation to the church could have been further encouraged through fewer parking spaces.

Failed, Green washed?Building Reuse.

To create less waste, St. Gabriel’s could have salvaged more materials from its previous building.

Failed, Green washed?Local Production.

To encourage and support local production in Canada, the builder could have researched and decided to use more locally produced materials in the new St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish.

Failed, Green washed?Air Quality.

A second living wall could be incorporated in the main gathering space where the altar is located.Another option could be to transform the living wall into an ‘active wall’.

St. Gabriel’s

Passionist Parish