Lennox & Addington Family & Children's Services Administration Building

The Lennox and Addington Family and Children’s Services Administration Building features a 2½ storey atrium at the front entrance with clerestory windows at the high level, and an exterior landscaped courtyard within the footprint of the building.

+VG Architects developed these two features and the design of the exterior window systems to take advantage of the health and well being benefits of natural light.

The courtyard and the atrium bring natural light deep into the floor plate of the building on both floors. The windows are designed with exterior aluminum sun shades on the south and west sides to prevent overheating in summer months, and the windows are equipped with a translucent band of glazing at the ceiling level that disperses light inside. All employee workstations and private offices have access to natural light and views.

The new facility offers a 90 person conference hall, a staff lunch room and lounge with walkout at grade to a patio terrace, indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, a staff fitness room that opens onto the courtyard, and professional office accommodations for 80 staff.

Energy efficient mechanical systems, water conserving plumbing fixtures, and operable windows are additional sustainable design features.

Some of the many security features in the project include sight lines to individuals approaching the front entrance, a clear and simple circulation system, CCTV cameras, alarm and card reader systems. Having the second floor open to the lower public areas also allows staff to be able to see and hear if there is a security problem.