Located in Colwood, BC, the Royal Roads University Dogwood Auditorium is a shining example of sustainable transformation, converting a 1959 cadet swimming pool into a state-of-the-art 500-seat auditorium. Completed in March 2021, the project won the 2021/22 ASHRAE VI Chapter Technology Award in Educational for an Existing Facility, recognizing its innovative design and commitment to reducing embodied carbon.
The project overcame significant challenges in adapting an aging pool facility. A unique water-to-water heat pump system, integrated with the campus irrigation network, efficiently uses groundwater for heating and cooling. Existing service tunnels were repurposed for air supply, with air delivered through concealed displacement diffusers integrated within architectural wall slats. Where tunnels fell short, the team employed an innovative buried duct system, BlueDuct, for seamless air distribution while preserving the auditorium’s architectural focus.
The multi-functional design extends beyond the main auditorium to include smaller rooms for meetings and media services, plus a servery for catered events. The Skyfold partition, which descends from the ceiling, required precise mechanical integration to maintain uninterrupted airflow and clean architectural lines.
This exemplary space reflects Royal Roads University’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and community-centered design, setting a new standard for reimagined
infrastructure.