The Swiss-based Holcim Foundation has honored the FortWhyte Alive Buffalo Crossing Paul Albrechtsen Visitor Centre, designed by Stantec, with a Holcim Award—one of the world’s most prestigious recognitions for sustainable design.
Only four projects worldwide across five regions — Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East/Africa, and North America — received a Holcim Award this year, placing FortWhyte Alive’s new visitor center among the most significant global achievements in advancing sustainability through architecture and engineering.
A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
For more than 20 years, the Holcim Foundation has supported projects that set new standards in sustainable construction, investing over US$20 million in visionary design and research. Past winners include transformative works such as Bjarke Ingels Group’s BIG U Dryline in New York and Diébédo Francis Kéré’s Gando Secondary School in Burkina Faso.
The 2025 North American jury, chaired by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, recognized the Stantec project for its holistic approach to climate resilience, reconciliation, and sustainable design excellence. Winners will be celebrated at the Holcim Foundation’s Venice Forum on November 20, 2025, where global grand prizes will also be announced.
A Living Exhibit of Climate Action
Serving as a new gateway to FortWhyte Alive’s 660-acre nature campus in Manitoba, the 18,000-square-foot, all-mass timber visitor centre exemplifies sustainability in both form and function. It integrates zero-carbon design, Passive House principles, and locally sourced materials to promote climate education and community connection.
Since opening in April 2025, Buffalo Crossing has earned multiple honors, including the 2023 WAN Award for Future Leisure Projects, 2023 Passive House Network Design Award, and 2023 Metropolis Planet Positive Award for Innovation. It is also on track to become Manitoba’s first commercial building to achieve Passive House Certification.
“Buffalo Crossing represents FortWhyte Alive’s vision for sustainability and stewardship,” said a Stantec spokesperson. “This recognition from the Holcim Foundation underscores our shared commitment to designing for a regenerative future.”
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The company’s multidisciplinary teams deliver forward-thinking solutions for infrastructure renewal, energy transition, and urban resilience.
With a presence on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN, Stantec continues to redefine what’s possible through creativity, collaboration, and community impact.
