Ralph Klein Park & Environmental Education Centre

The Environmental Education Centre is the architectural showcase for the Shepard Wetlands, a constructed wetland that lies within the newly designated Ralph Klein Legacy Park on the outskirts of Calgary. The Shepard Wetlands act as a management, filtration and cleaning system for the city’s storm water. The centre sits on piles within the wetland itself, appearing alternately to hover or float with the rise and fall of the water level in the retention pond.

The 20,800sf (1932m2), two storey building includes classrooms, exhibition space, administrative and support facilities, and provides a location for interactive public education on wetlands, water issues, sustainability, and environmental ethics and values. The smaller upper floor contains the off ices of Ducks Unlimited, and provides access to viewing terraces and vegetated roof areas. The majority of the structure consists of exposed concrete, glulam beams and joists that integrate structure with architecture. Long span glulam beams support heavy patio and vegetative (green) roof loads.