Growing Dome
A defining architectural feature of most of the buildings dotting the Shawnigan Lake School campus is the decorative, ornamental "half-timbering," which consists of exposed, dark-colored wooden beams set against light-colored stucco. Yet, there is one building that stands out in striking contrast to these medieval-era English Tudor facades because of its modern – even futuristic – appearance: the Growing Dome.
Located on the south shore of Lake Omar, Shawnigan’s Growing Dome – a solar-heated geodesic greenhouse – is made of polycarbonate plastic panels, designed to provide maximum light and airflow within. Inside, lush, verdant, fragrant foliage rises from beds and cascades from hanging baskets. A pond and waterfall in the centre of the space contribute to its humid environment. Outside the dome, raised beds grow a variety of plants, complementing those found inside.
The dome was completed in early 2021, donated to the School from the Brew Creek Centre, a wilderness retreat and event centre located near Whistler, BC. Brew Creek has its own geodesic dome, which provides much of the food for its guests year-round. The success of this model – and the owners’ desire to educate and excite students on sustainable practices – inspired the donation to the School.
The Growing Dome is cared for by the School’s Environmental Lead and Horticulturist and is used by students across the grades in a variety of ways. The Growing Green program, a co-curricular group that meets a few times a week, learns how to care for plants from seed to harvest. “Gardening is something I had never considered before, as I grew up in Tokyo, which is a big city. But it is something I've always wanted to try,” shares one of the Growing Green students. The space is also used by other student groups throughout the year. Classes ranging from biology to environmental science to career life education take advantage of the experiential learning environment under the dome.
It represents an exciting step in the School’s journey of sustainability and innovation – a way to strengthen the connection between students and the environment while educating them about food sustainability and security as well as their own health.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The dome was completed in early 2021, donated to the School from the Brew Creek Centre, a wilderness retreat and event centre located near Whistler, BC. Brew Creek has its own geodesic dome, which provides much of the food for its guests year-round. The success of this model – and the owners’ desire to educate and excite students on sustainable practices – inspired the donation to the School.
The Growing Dome is cared for by the School’s Environmental Lead and Horticulturist and is used by students across the grades in a variety of ways. The Growing Green program, a co-curricular group that meets a few times a week, learns how to care for plants from seed to harvest. “Gardening is something I had never considered before, as I grew up in Tokyo, which is a big city. But it is something I've always wanted to try,” shares one of the Growing Green students. The space is also used by other student groups throughout the year. Classes ranging from biology to environmental science to career life education take advantage of the experiential learning environment under the dome.
It represents an exciting step in the School’s journey of sustainability and innovation – a way to strengthen the connection between students and the environment while educating them about food sustainability and security as well as their own health.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
