Government of Canada Building, Coaldale

Coaldale is an emerging community in the heart of Southern Alberta. The Protective Services building was designed to embody the steadfast horizon of the flat and rolling plains as seen in the clean, even lines and gentle slopes. As a facility that is essential to the safety and security of the community, masonry elements were used to convey a sense of strength and protection while still being true to natural materials and a welcoming connection to the environment. The exterior design of the street-facing side of the building features a light-coloured, smooth-textured Tyndall Stone with a sawn finish installed in an alternating-sized panel coursing. A black, rugged, and irregular Rundalstone creates an interesting architectural contrast to the subtle lines of the adjacent Tyndall Stone. For the backside of the facility, polished terrazzo concrete block is used to harmoniously tie the materials together and complete the architectural goals of the building. Through the careful selection of beautiful masonry materials, the Coaldale Government Building is effective in its architectural design to subtly and naturally convey the distinctive contrast of the Alberta landscape – from rolling prairies to regal Rocky Mountains.