Manitoba Hydro Riel Construction Office Earns 2025 Wood Design & Building Award

From the outset, our client set an ambitious vision: to create a workplace that embodies inclusivity, flexibility, and socio-cultural sensitivity—while pushing the boundaries of sustainable and wellness-focused design. This 2,450 m² flagship facility, combining 1,730 m² of office space and 720 m² of workshop area, unites previously separate administrative and construction teams under one roof. Designed to LEED Gold standards, the project redefines what it means to build for people and performance.

At the heart of this vision lies a key special feature: the innovative use of structural wood ceilings. Far beyond a design flourish, these ceilings play a fundamental role in the project’s architectural, acoustic, and wellness performance. In the office areas, Dowel Laminated Timber (DLT) ceilings provide both structural support and a seamless, natural aesthetic. Suspended lighting and concealed electrical systems preserve the clean continuous lines of the timber, reinforcing the space’s sense of cohesion and calm.

The project demonstrates how a material traditionally associated with warmth and aesthetics can achieve far more. At Manitoba Hydro Riel Construction Office, the wood ceilings do not simply support the building—they support the people within it. This project is a model of how architecture can embody wellness, resilience, and innovation.

Ron Prociuk, Principal Architect, proudly accepted the award on behalf of Republic and the entire project team.