The Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) building was designed to complement the existing historic building on campus while providing state-of-the-art classroom and office spaces. This facility enables the college to increase student intake in Practical Nursing and Paramedicine, Bioscience Technology, Environmental Applied Science Technology, Construction Technology, and Wildlife Conservation Technology programs and to establish new programs in Heritage Retrofit Carpentry and Energy Systems Engineering Technology.
The many laboratories are similar in nature to a ‘design studio’ atmosphere, providing students with areas where they can work on their own projects. Bright common spaces and reading areas throughout the building provide socially engaging spaces for students and community. A new campus plan was also undertaken, which enabled the addition of a new outdoor amphitheatre, quadrangle and walking paths.
Sustainability features of the project include a closed loop geo-thermal heating system, greywater collection system, water use reduction technologies, daylight harvesting, photovoltaic cells, a living green roof and complex building systems integration and control.