The University of Toronto – The Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Trinity College

The Lawson Centre for Sustainability is a four-storey hybrid mass timber, steel, and concrete structure clad in local brick and limestone. Designed by local office of RDHA in collaboration with Mecanoo Architecten, the 165,000-square-foot facility provides 339 student residence spaces along with academic, community, and dining areas.

The building includes flexible study and workspaces, classrooms, lecture rooms, and common areas with views of surrounding gardens and green roofs. Food services feature a full-service dining hall, an industrial kitchen, and a community kitchen. The George and Martha Butterfield Rooftop Farm supports campus food programs and community partnerships.

Outdoor spaces include two courtyards and a reintegrated North Field, creating green areas for recreation and campus activities.

Sustainability Features

The facility is designed as a model of sustainable building practice, targeting LEED Platinum and Zero Carbon Building certification. Key features include:

• Materials & Resources: Hybrid mass timber, local brick and limestone, durable/recycled content, and comprehensive waste management with recycling depots.
• Energy Efficiency: Geothermal heating/cooling, chilled beams, rooftop solar panels, high-performance envelope, all-electric kitchens, and water-efficient fixtures with grey water reuse.
• Environmental Quality: Efficient ventilation and lighting systems, non-toxic materials, barrier-free design, exposed wood and natural light, and design encouraging stair use.
• Climate & Water Management: Planted green roofs with native species, underground cistern for rainwater reuse, bicycle facilities with showers, and proximity to public transit.