February 24, 2021

The Canadian Wood Council has announced the six winners of its 2020 Ontario Wood WORKS! Program. Diamond Schmitt is honoured to receive the Low Rise Commercial Award for the SmartVMC Bus Terminal in Vaughan.

The awards were presented by Marianne Berube, Executive Director for the Ontario Wood WORKS! Program at this year’s virtual Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) Annual Meeting and Convention.

“It’s a great honour to be recognized for our work on York Region Transit SmartVMC Bus Terminal. Diamond Schmitt’s innovations embodied in the terminal’s design were made possible by the use of wood.” Said Mike Szabo, Principal, Diamond Schmitt. “Designed to invert the normal transit typology, the warmth of the exposed heavy timber curvilinear roof fulfills York Region Transit’s ambition to elevate the experience of public transit. The project points the way to a low-carbon future that embraces civic excellence and architectural expression.”

“The winning projects reflect the innovation of an evolving wood culture that is gaining momentum in Ontario,” explained Marianne Berube, Executive Director for the Ontario Wood WORKS! Program. “We’re happy to partner with OFIA this year to recognize the design and construction teams that are pushing the boundaries of innovation for wood construction.”

The inspiring submissions for this year’s awards program were a reflection of the advancements in wood research and technology that are diversifying the application of wood in construction. The winning projects are thoughtful in design and execution, highlighting both structural and aesthetic benefits.

Read more here.