Bata Shoe Factory has won an Active House Award in the "Transforming Active Spaces" category which was announced at the Active House Symposium NL in Rotterdam in mid-April. Bata Shoe Factory exemplifies innovative adaptive reuse that respects the Modernist heritage of the original structure and focuses on building a more sustainable future by integrating a geothermal heating and cooling system.

An Active House building offers a healthier and comfortable indoor climate for the occupants without negative impact on the climate – measured in terms of energy, fresh water consumption and the use of sustainable materials. The Active House Alliance is comprised of Academia & Knowledge institutions, Designers & Planners, Developers & Builders, Building Industry Producers, who think alike on how sustainable buildings work, are created and delivered. The partners are working with a holistic view of sustainable buildings, based on the three guiding principles: comfort, energy, and the environment.

As the only Canadian project shortlisted, the project stood out to the jury for "the important reuse and integration of materials, enhancing the environmental quality as well as social inclusion with affordable and beautiful spaces”.

Read more about Bata Shoe Factory and how the project met the Active House criteria: https://www.activehouse.info/cases/031-bata-shoe-factory/