The final installment of Airdrie’s recreation facility, Genesis Place, has been completed by Bird. The exterior of the facility boasts a roof sloped towardsthe centre composed of concrete composite panels. The building envelope includes light-diffusing exterior glazing, unique to this type of facility.

Bird first joined the project in 2008 as the contractor of choice to complete Phase II, the construction of soccer field houses and a gymnastics facility. Bird returned in 2012 to complete the construction of two NHL-sized arenas, seating for 250 people at each rink, refrigeration plant, ice resurfacer room, conference rooms and a foyer area for events.

Given the limited site area, one of the main challenges was to provide connectivity to the other phases and functional access to the twin arenas. Faced with a tight project schedule, the team experienced a threat to the project schedule when poor soil conditions were uncovered. However, Bird was able to successfully remove approximately 25,000 cubic metres of unsuitable soils, an additional 8,000 cubic metres more than the original contract, in order to reach the required quality of soil needed for structural stability.