Opportunity

Opportunity

Linamar, a locally based manufacturing corporation in Guelph, Ontario, sought to create a new 2-storey combined office and industrial innovation centre, dubbed the “iHub”. The challenge was to design a building that not only housed engineering office and industrial innovation space but also embodied the company’s future-focused approach to product development and manufacturing process innovation.

Response

The iHub features a sophisticated cladding palette of silver mica aluminum panels, dark grey brick masonry, corrugated metal siding, and glass curtainwall. This combination not only presents a forward-thinking aesthetic but also incorporates functional elements to address environmental challenges. The building’s massing and the strategic placement of horizontal and vertical sunshades effectively decrease solar heat gain, thereby reducing the need for mechanical cooling. The design also includes expansive fitness and wellness areas to promote staff well-being, aligning with Linamar’s commitment to providing a supportive workplace environment.