Whitehorse Central Operations Centre

Whitehorse, Yukon Territory

In association with Kobayashi + Zedda Architects

Marking RDHA’s first project in Canada’s North, this 11,567-square-metre facility was engineered to achieve an energy efficiency rating 84% above the Model National Energy Code of Canada. The building envelope utilizes an insulated metal panel cladding system and capless triple-glazing to maximize effective thermal resistance, while glazed apertures are strategically concentrated along elevations with high solar exposure to optimize passive thermal gain. Supporting these passive strategies, the roof integrates 1,050 solar modules and three inverters, forming the largest photovoltaic array in the region.

The building comprises an administrative wing and an operations wing, joined by a narrow zone that accommodates a lunchroom and change facilities that are shared between the staff in the two areas. The building footprint is strategically configured to allow for future expansion in three directions, ensuring that administrative spaces, workshops, or vehicle storage bays can be appended logically with minimal operational disruption. The transit infrastructure incorporates seven dedicated maintenance and repair bays - three of which are allocated to Whitehorse Transit - alongside tempered interior storage for a 20-bus fleet.