The Bill Fisch Centre Blurs The Line Between Indoors and Out

Nestled into the York Regional Forest, a community centre integrates into its surroundings

Designed by architecture firm Dialog, Whitchurch-Stouffville’s solar panel–equipped Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre is a net-zero energy building, meaning it harvests more than it consumes. Inside, exposed cross-laminated timber beams demonstrate the building’s commitment to sustainable materials. Other eco-friendly features include a rainwater reuse system and a stove that generates heat by burning deadfall wood found nearby. Offering framed views of the surrounding forest, the centre contains meeting space for the community, school groups and corporate retreats.

Originally published in our Spring 2016 issue as Urban Update: Make Like a Tree.