Buffalo Crossing

Modern building with a sleek, dark facade under a partly cloudy sky. Thin trees line the front, while a few people walk nearby. Calm and minimalist.

Passive Design | FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre

FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre is Manitoba’s first all-Mass Timber [columns, beams, floor, roof, exterior & core walls] building, first to achieve the CaGBC’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, and is on track to be the first commercial certified Passive House; and the first cold climate certified Passive House Leisure Facility, Event/Meeting Place, or Exhibition Space in the Canada.  

Buffalo Crossing is a case study in the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, planning, and construction, brought together through discipline, collaboration, and service to shape and craft a project that achieved the clients mission, ‘…to promote awareness and understanding of the natural world and actions leading to sustainable living.’ and their 5 project principles: 1 to create a  living exhibit of climate resilience and stewardship, 2 to advance reconciliation with Manitoba’s First Nations and Metis peoples, 3 to create a marquee gateway, 4 to enhance the quality of visitor experience, and 5 to expand programming and revenue capacity.

Project Deep Dive Series 

The Faculty of Architecture presents Project Deep Dive, a talk series that explores the complexities of design practice beyond images. Each session features a 30–40 minute presentation followed by open discussion, highlighting the processes, challenges, and lessons behind significant projects. Students, faculty, and professionals are invited to learn from real cases that reveal how design unfolds through negotiations, logistics, and technical expertise, celebrating local excellence and professional rigour.

PRESENTERS

Michael Banman, FRAIC, Int'l Assoc. AIA, MAA, SAA, OAA, LEED® AP

Michael Banman is an Architect, Senior Principal, and Design Director for North America for Stantec Architecture. Michael is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture Environmental Design [2003] and Masters of Architecture [2007]. Michael was the Principal-in-Charge and lead the Design for the FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre.

Steph Fehr, MAA, MRAIC

Steph Fehr is an Architect and Senior Associate with Stantec Architecture Ltd. Steph is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture Environmental Design [2006] and Masters of Architecture [2009]. Steph was the Project Architect for the FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre.

Jordan Lanoway P.Eng., LEED AP, PMP

Jordan Lanoway is a Mechanical Engineer and Senior Associate with Stantec Consulting Ltd. Jordan is a graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Price Faculty of Engineering [2005]. Jordan lead the Mechanical Design of the FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre.