The Ross Creek Annex is a music-focused community space in Canning, Nova Scotia, designed for both Ross Creek Centre for the Arts as well as the larger surrounding community. The building is a renovation of an existing unused church. The distinct red shiplap wood exterior cladding distinguishes it as a community landmark in the small town. It was important that the building be accessible to all visitors. The entrance ramp is integrated into the front façade, instead of being a peripheral element. The main church hall is transformed into a much-needed flexible music performance space. The building also houses a new recording studio, multi-purpose room and community kitchen on the lower level.
A deep energy retrofit approach improved the existing building’s energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint to ensure it will be operational for decades to come. The main strategies to achieve this are listed below:
Exterior walls and above grade foundation wrapped in 3” exterior rigid insulation and new airtight weather barrier
Roof assembly improved by adding new airtight weather barrier and 6” rigid insulation
Replaced existing windows with new triple pane windows
Electrified HVAC with new heat pumps and high efficiency ventilation system
51 Solar PV panels installed on roof to offset building energy use
These upgrades have prepared this beautiful old building for another 50+ years of service to the community.
Project Team:
Builder: Cripple Creek Construction
Structural Engineer: Andrea Doncaster Engineering Ltd.
