EcoPark House was designed to promote education, environmental awareness and community life within a highly industrial setting. Located along the River Lee Navigation canal, EcoPark House serves as both a public-facing gateway to the Edmonton EcoPark redevelopment and a permanent home for the Edmonton Sea Cadets.

Designed as part of the North London Heat and Power Project, the building demonstrates how thoughtful architecture and sustainable materials can help bridge the gap between infrastructure, ecology and community engagement.

A Building Between Industry, Water and Community

Positioned between the River Lee, major transport infrastructure and a growing residential neighborhood, EcoPark House occupies a uniquely complex site. Rather than competing with its surroundings, the building was designed to mediate between them, balancing industrial function with public access and environmental sensitivity.

The canal plays a defining role in the experience of the project. Sea Cadet training spaces and boat storage facilities are located at ground level with direct waterfront access, including a dock slipway and timber mooring deck.

Above, the upper floor provides flexible public spaces for exhibitions, workshops, events and educational programming focused on sustainability, recycling and waste reduction in urban environments.

Inspired by Traditional Boathouses

Drawing inspiration from traditional boat sheds and riverside pavilions, Grimshaw Architects created a restrained, highly functional design defined by simple horizontal forms and a carefully controlled material palette.

The building’s lower level is clad in durable precast concrete panels designed to withstand the wear associated with boating activity and its riverside environment. In contrast, the upper floor uses expansive glazing and warm natural materials to create a lighter, more transparent expression overlooking the canal.

“We used Kebony wood to highlight the contrast between the more solid elements and the lighter, open and transparent spaces,” explain the architects.

Why Kebony Was Selected

The demanding site conditions required exterior materials capable of handling:

  • Constant moisture exposure from the canal
  • Heavy public use on balconies and outdoor decks
  • Exposure to urban and industrial pollution
  • Reliable slip resistance in exterior gathering spaces
  • Long-term durability with minimal maintenance

For these reasons, Kebony Clear Dually Modified™ wood was selected for the project’s cladding, decking, sliding screens and soffits.

Developed using patented Norwegian technology, Kebony permanently enhances sustainably sourced softwood using a bio-based liquid and heat treatment process. The result is a durable real-wood material with the performance characteristics associated with tropical hardwood — without the environmental concerns tied to rainforest harvesting.

Designed for Long-Term Performance

EcoPark House was conceived as a low-energy, environmentally responsive building from the outset. Passive design strategies including mixed-mode ventilation, solar shading and green roofing help reduce operational energy demand, while the building operates entirely off-grid using renewable energy systems including photovoltaic cells and ground-source heat pumps.

Kebony’s durability and low maintenance requirements aligned naturally with the project’s long-term sustainability goals. Backed by a 35-year warranty, Kebony is designed to perform in demanding exterior environments while supporting responsible forestry and reduced lifecycle impact.

A Material That Evolves Over Time

Kebony wood is used throughout the project to create a cohesive architectural language across exterior surfaces and detailing. As the material naturally weathers, it will develop a soft silver-gray patina that complements the surrounding concrete, glass, metal and green roof systems.

“Kebony wood will soften over time, enhancing the building’s welcoming character and creating a backdrop that blends naturally with the surrounding vegetation,” conclude Grimshaw Architects.

The result is a building that feels both industrial and human, a  calm, durable civic space designed to evolve naturally within its riverside setting.