ALUCOBOND® PLUS Elevates the Expansion of Calgary’s One-of-a Kind  BMO Centre

In the heart of Calgary, Alberta, a groundbreaking project has redefined the BMO Centre, the city’s premier venue for events and exhibitions since 1982. Spearheaded by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the Calgary Stampede, and The City of Calgary aimed to create a world-class convention center that honors the region’s western heritage while symbolizing a bold vision and ambition for growth. A pivotal element in realizing this architectural vision for the 565,000-square-foot expansion was the strategic application of ALUCOBOND® PLUS, which gave shape to the team’s ideas with its signature design feature: a captivating façade echoing a forward-thinking spirit through the dynamic pairing of brilliant metallic finishes.

The collaborative design effort of Stantec (local architect of record), Populous (design architect) and S2 Architecture (lead contract administrators) sought inspiration from the unique tapestry of Calgary – its flowing rivers and rolling foothills harmonizing with the vibrant energy of the annual Stampede, an iconic ten-day event showcasing rodeo competitions, agricultural exhibitions and cultural festivities that celebrates the spirit of the Canadian West. This vision demanded an exterior cladding material that could not only embody these visual themes, but also the durability to withstand varying temperatures and the flexibility and integration necessary for a complex architectural form.

“ALUCOBOND PLUS was instrumental in allowing us to achieve the design intent for the BMO Centre expansion,” shared Matthew Craig, senior technical lead at Stantec, whose scope included overseeing the technical design and detailing for the project. “Its ability to be formed into complex shapes and integrate seamlessly with other building systems was crucial in bringing the vision of a dynamic, copper-inspired façade to life.”

The Design: A Stampede of Color and Form

The design team envisioned a multi-layered façade that told the story of Calgary and the Stampede. The Centre’s base, clad in brick, represents the rugged foundation and the dust of the rodeo. The mid-level, characterized by expansive glazing, offers a dynamic connection to the exterior surroundings, allowing the thousands of annual meeting goers who spend hours within the convention center each year to remain visually engaged with the vibrant cityscape and the energy of the events unfolding outside. Crowning the structure is the expansive third floor, encompassing the lion’s share of the project’s surface area, where a carefully curated palette of ALUCOBOND® PLUS finishes truly shines. The Almandine Garnet Metallic, a rich, jewel-tone, comes alive in the sunlight, adding vibrancy that is reminiscent of the energy and excitement of the Stampede. Complementing this, the Brushed Antique Copper offers a warm, textured counterpoint, echoing the gleam of aged pennies and well-worn leather. The inclusion of Atacama Bronze Metallic provides an earthiness, while the custom Mill Finish Antique Copper adds a bespoke touch, further enhancing the visual richness. The interplay of these metallic and brushed shades effectively mirrors the ornate metalwork of cowboy belt buckles and aged pennies, adding a layer of sophisticated detail to the building’s crown.

ALUCOBOND® PLUS: Enabling Rhythmic a Design Pattern

The sheer scale and intricate design of the BMO Centre expansion necessitated a cladding material that could perform flawlessly, leading to the selection of ALUCOBOND® PLUS. “The repetitive pattern central to the client’s vision required a material that could deliver absolute consistency over a vast area, and ALUCOBOND® PLUS was the clear choice for this critical aspect,” Craig explained.

Crucially, ALUCOBOND® PLUS offered the necessary flexibility for integration with the window system while serving as a show-stopping design element on the third floor, which takes center stage from every angle. “ALUCOBOND® PLUS was the best choice to create the form and function of the structure,” Craig emphasized.

The adaptability of ALUCOBOND® PLUS also allowed for its application on a complex, curved section of the roof, creating a fluid transition from wall to canopy. Its use in the soffits further contribute to the cohesive and refined aesthetic of the updated BMO Centre.

Fabrication and Installation: Expertise in Action

The complex geometry of the BMO Centre expansion, demanded precision in both fabrication and installation. PCL Construction, leveraging their expertise, oversaw the integration of the ALUCOBOND® PLUS panels across the extensive building envelope. To ensure a seamless installation, they engaged experts including Flynn Canada, who brought specialized experience in ACM installation. Their involvement from the design phase provided valuable insights and solutions, contributing to the project’s overall success.

“ALUCOBOND PLUS was instrumental in giving shape to our design ideas,” stated Matthew Craig. “The material’s versatility allowed us to craft a dynamic and modern façade that seamlessly blends with the extraordinary site conditions and the unique cultural context of the Calgary Stampede.”

The Possibilities: A Lasting Impression on a Grand Scale

The BMO Centre facade, with its distinctive range of ALUCOBOND® PLUS finishes, demonstrates the power of material choice in realizing a compelling architectural narrative on a grand scale. The project showcases how ALUCOBOND® PLUS can facilitate complex designs, integrate with other building systems and effectively capture a specific aesthetic vision.

The dynamic interplay of colors and forms achieved with ALUCOBOND® PLUS ensures that the BMO Centre will leave a lasting impression on Calgary’s skyline and its visitors for years to come.

For more information about ALUCOBOND®, visit www.alucobondUSA.com, call 1-800-626-3365 or email info.usa@3AComposites.com.