Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre

The 87,000 sf Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Fleming College brings together theoretical teaching and applied learning in a dynamic new environment that emphasizes program visibility, technology and collaborative learning. Connected to the existing main social and academic building, the KTTC houses SMART classrooms, faculty offices and administrative spaces, as well as teaching workshops, bulk project storage, and a 27,000-sf flexible multi-disciplinary project space called the “learning factory.”

Inside, on the upper level, a large common area with WiFi enabled lounge areas, chalkboard walls and presentation areas overlook the central Learning Factory, offering a dynamic venue for users of the building and campus alike. Organized in a split level that engages the topography of the site and conceived as two interlocking, shed-like volumes, the building’s form is loosely derived from an industrial typology.

"What an amazing vessel to create a significant real-world impact. It maximizes use of topography while creating a variety of highly flexible spaces in a way that reinforces and celebrates the educational program." ~ Jury Statement

A cladding of Corten steel and fibre-reinforced cement panels reinforces this theme, presenting a distinctive new face to the campus that blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Aligned with the main north-south axis of the campus, the building is conceived as a new gateway inviting pedestrian movement from the adjacent student residences and Sport and Wellness Centre.

The project is driven by the College’s mandate of ‘finding new pathways to learning’ through new partnerships with private industry. These partnerships have helped build a more collaborative culture of experiential and entrepreneurial learning, informing new types of flexible project spaces, a corporate classroom for on-site demonstration, and increased focus on technology integration. This close affiliation between training and employment has not only helped dramatically boost enrollment and helped identify new revenue streams for the College, but has also helped stimulate job growth within the surrounding Kawartha region.

The KTTC is targeting LEED Gold certification. Sustainability metrics of the project include:  

• 31% Total Site Energy Use Intensity Reduction
• 10% Total Lighting Power Density Reduction
• 55% Total Fixtures, Potable Water Reduction
• 70% Total Landscape, Potable Water Use Reduction