2024 Project Highlight: Transforming the Bedford Institute of Oceanography’s Fish Laboratory

As 2024 winds down, we’re looking back at a year packed with incredible projects that prove design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making a real impact. One standout achievement? The redevelopment of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) Fish Laboratory. This project isn’t just a renovation; it’s a bold reinvention of a legacy that merges cutting-edge design with a deep commitment to sustainability.

A Piece of History Gets a 21st-Century Upgrade

The Fish Laboratory, constructed in 1967, has always been at the forefront of marine research and technology. Over the years, it has evolved with the times—from expansions in the ’70s to major renovations in the ’90s. But the latest transformation takes it to a whole new level. The newly reimagined Facility for Intelligent Marine Systems (FIMS) is now a high-tech powerhouse for federal agencies, driving the future of marine research and innovation.

A $16 Million Challenge—And Triumph

At $16 million, this transformation was a massive undertaking—one that demanded creativity, precision, and collaboration. From working closely with Public Works and Government Services Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Defence Research and Development Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, to preserving the building’s historical character while integrating state-of-the-art labs and a 94,500-litre ballast tank, making it a complex puzzle that pushed the limits of design and problem-solving.

Sustainability at Its Core

We’re especially proud of the sustainability efforts that set this project apart. Achieving Three Green Globes Certification wasn’t just a goal—it was a driving force behind every decision. From energy-efficient lighting to rooftop solar panels and water-saving technologies, the facility is as green as it is groundbreaking. The results speak for themselves: a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and significant energy savings. Plus, real-time energy dashboards give staff the tools to optimize performance daily, making the building not just sustainable, but smart.

Design Challenges? Bring Them On.

No project is without its challenges, but it is those challenges that make the journey so rewarding. Tackling a building envelope damaged by decades of saltwater exposure? Check. Navigating the complexities of virtual collaboration during the pandemic? Done. What made this project truly shine was the team’s ability to turn obstacles into opportunities, using advanced tools like point cloud scanning and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to keep everything on track and on time.

More Than Just a Building—It’s a Vision

The BIO Fish Laboratory isn’t just a revamped facility—it’s a symbol of what thoughtful, forward-thinking design can achieve. It’s about more than walls and windows; it’s about creating spaces that inspire creativity, foster innovation, and stand the test of time. And that’s exactly what this project does.

As we close out 2024, we’re full of pride and gratitude for the chance to be part of something so meaningful. Here’s to another year of pushing boundaries, solving problems, and designing for a better, more sustainable future.