b'CONSTRUCTION TRENDSETTERSPhoto by Carman Tang, WCA.THE RISE OF TIMBER centred design. The facility combines 1,632 sq. m. of office space and 720 sq. m. of workshop area within a LEED Gold-guided framework that sets a Manitoba Hydro Riel Construction Office is a flagshipnew standard for flexible and inclusive for sustainable, inclusive design workplace design.The program includes a range of wellness-focused amenitiesa staff Across Canada, architects and buildersand construction teams into a cohesive,gym, wellness rooms, gender-inclusive are rediscovering the beauty, warmthfuture-ready hub. The project recentlyaccessible washrooms and lockersand performance of wood. Beyondearned a 2025 Wood Design andreflecting a deep commitment to equity its timeless aesthetic appeal, timberBuilding Award, underscoring Manitobasand employee comfort. Central to the is increasingly valued for its ability togrowing leadership in sustainable design process was the transition to an improve occupant wellness, enhancetimber construction. Through theactivity-based workplace (ABW) model acoustics and reduce environmentalinnovative use of Dowel Laminatedthat encourages flexibility, collaboration impact. Whether used structurally or asTimber (DLT) structural roofs andand movement. a design feature, this natural materialceilings, the project showcases howIn Manitoba Hydros Environmental, is shaping the next generation ofmass timber can deliver performance,Social and Governance (ESG) Report, sustainable, high-performance buildings. beauty and wellness on par with nationalMark Pauls, Manitoba Hydros project Locally, the Manitoba Hydro Rieland international benchmarks. manager, said, Riel Construction Office Construction Office, designed byA VISION FOR INCLUSIVITY is [an example] of sustainable design Republic Architecture Inc. andAND SUSTAINABILITY in our facilities. It features an activity-constructed by Bird, embodies thisFrom the outset, the client set anbased design approach, which provides national shift. Envisioned as an inclusiveambitious vision: to create a workplacea variety of workpoints for employees, and sustainable flagship facility,that embodies inclusivity, flexibilitysuch as workstations, offices and athe 2,450-sq.-m. workplace unitesand socio-cultural sensitivitywhilework caf, which encouragespreviously separated administrativeadvancing sustainable, wellness- healthy movement.42 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'