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Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” has captivated a global audience. Green Gables Heritage Place is now among Canada’s top federal parks, with its Visitors Centre featuring traditional barn-style structures connected by a single-story lobby, all constructed with sturdy mass timber frames.
Designed by the firm, Root Architecture, the materials used in the centre are contemporary while harmonizing with the historical essence of the property, and inspired by its rural setting. The primary objective was to promote the use of natural mass timber construction, thereby stimulating the local economy and reducing emissions.
Simultaneously, the structure was designed to serve as an educational platform for visitors, featuring inviting and well-lit interior spaces. This project stands as a prime example of modern wood construction methods, incorporating high R-Value assemblies, photovoltaic (PV) panels, an outdoor air system, achieving 42 per cent water conservation, and relying entirely on renewable energy sources.
Given its seasonal tourist orientation, the design was substantially influenced by summer conditions. During the warmest months, entrances can remain open, extending the public areas outdoors and enabling natural ventilation to cool the interiors. Abundant natural light bathes all public spaces, casting a warm glow on the wooden elements, which are set against P.E.I sand-coloured concrete floors and white paint. The centre has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification.
This project not only enriched the narrative surrounding Anne of Green Gables and Lucy Maud Montgomery but also showcased some of the most cutting-edge mass timber systems available in the local market. The exposed structural elements continue to inspire and educate all visitors.
The following list provides information about the timber products used and their suppliers:
Structural
Frame: Mass timber trusses and glue-laminated (glulam) beams—Goodfellow Inc.
Floor and roof systems: Nail-laminated timber (NLT)—Kent Building Supplies; Wood tree columns—Goodfellow Inc.
Interior partitioning: Dimensional lumber framing—Kent Building Supplies
Exterior
Siding: Eastern White Cedar shingles—Shrewsbury Lumber; Composite wood panels—Prodema
Roofing: Metal standing seam roof—Vicwest; White (flat) roof—Soprema
Windows/doors: Curtain wall and windows—Windspec
Interior
Walls, ceilings, floors: Exposed wood structure—Goodfellow Inc.
Millwork: Maple hardwood lattice—C.A. Spencer; Counter fascia—Thermalwood; Concrete countertops—Innovative Countertops; and Solid surface— Formica.
