Michael Green

The following images used in this post can be located on: http://mg-architecture.ca/work/

“There is no chance that modern science is going to catch up with the qualities of photosynthesis and therefore any materials that’s ultimately grown by the sun is the most technologically advanced materials we can use so let’s figure out how to use it in architecture.” -Michael Green

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WHISTLER RENDEZVOUS RENOVATION

In 1980, the 27,000 square feet Rendezvous was constructed in the alpine zone to provide customers food and shelter during their excursions around Blackcomb Mountain. Thanks to the construction of Peak to Peak Gondola, it serves as a year round tourist attraction. As tourism increased renovations were required to mend wear and tear of the facility. Michael Green was commissioned to design the facility during its renovation. With a modest budget and a short time window for construction, Michael’s design serve to maximize space through centralized circulation to mitigate congestion and frustration during busy seasons, this was accomplished by aesthetically establishing clear functions for space inside the building. Adding to the timber frame transformed a central dinning hall and increased seating areas. Often renovating is a cost effective approach for a building experiencing degradation. I respect Michael Green, his designs justly reduce congestion, renew interior and exterior finishes that exhibit dysfunction, and facilitates time and materials by transforming the efficiency of a system.

The column to beam system is reinforced with a truss system, which creates structural stability. A truss system effectively transfers compressive loads to columns that are the main support for the frame. Through a mechanical connection, tension stress experienced in the beam in the lateral direction is transferred to the column where gravity takes over.  

Source: http://mg-architecture.ca/work/whistler-rendezvous-renovation/

OTTAWA AIRPORT PHASE 2

Ottawa, Ontario

The client sought to expand the Ottawa Airport, so Michael as a Project Principal joined forces at his predecessor firm to find a design solution for expansion. Standing the test of time, material is history, and Michael Green designs using material to expand its purpose. For this project reclaimed heavy timber was introduced from a demolished WWII aircraft hangar. Since the reclaimed heavy timber was airport property, it was a cost effective solution for the client. Look around the natural environment and marvel at growing spears piercing the atmosphere exhaling what we need to live and sequestering what we exhale. Forests when managed and replenished for future generations are our saving grace. When resources are limited and demand is high, wood’s anisotropic behavior provides the tensile strength required for cost effective solutions during construction. For clients who accept bids based on cost effective solutions presented, Michael Green provides an additional service to clients by designing with materials that have social benefits. There are more reclaimed heavy timber columns than metal beams. This is an example of where metal connections brace a timber frame. Wood is not only an ornament in design but aids in structural stability. The columns bear compressive forces and are stabilized through horizontal bracing to prevent lateral deformations in the columns of the facade.

PRINCE GEORGE AIRPORT

Prince George, BC