Behind the Design: How Ware Malcomb Shaped the Evergreen Project.

In honour of this year's SIOR CCC Spring event, Building Tomorrow: The Next Chapter In Sustainable Real Estate, we’re excited to share the design philosophy behind Prologis Evergreen—Canada’s first mass timber industrial building.

We sat down with Frank Di Roma, Regional Vice President at Ware Malcomb and a featured panelist on the session, The Prologis Evergreen story. In this brief spotlight, Frank shares how thoughtful design, collaboration, and sustainability came together to shape the Prologis Evergreen project.

SIOR Canada: From a design perspective, what excites you most about the Prologis Evergreen project?

Frank Di Roma: For me, it's the ambience of the space. The use of timber creates a very warm, appealing and inviting atmosphere.

SIOR Canada: What are some of the key considerations or challenges in designing for sustainability within large-scale industrial projects?

Frank Di Roma: In large industrial projects, it's crucial to prioritize the most important sustainability goals. Whether it's installing solar panels, achieving net-zero emissions, or obtaining LEED certification, you need to determine what aspects are most important to the client to achieve their objectives while also aligning with budgets.

SIOR Canada: Ware Malcomb is known for its integrated approach—how did collaboration shape the design and delivery of this project?

Frank Di Roma: Collaboration played a crucial role in the design and delivery of this project, particularly due to the use of timber. The coordination between various sub-trades and consultant teams was essential during the shop drawing review process. Timber beams differ from steel and glulam beams and require significant coordination in manufacturing, as all components need to be pre-cut. This resulted in minimal on-site adjustments, emphasizing the importance of precise planning and teamwork.

SIOR Canada: How do you see the role of design evolving as sustainability becomes more central to commercial real estate?

Frank Di Roma: As sustainability becomes more central to commercial real estate, design will need to be more cautious and considerate in various aspects. There is a continuous focus on creating amenity spaces for tenants and ensuring energy efficiency. It's essential to factor in the well-being of tenants and occupants while being respectful of the environment. Cities have established standards for LEED and sustainability, but design is now evolving to go beyond these standards.

SIOR Canada: What do you hope attendees walk away with after hearing this panel—particularly those involved in development, design, or planning?

Frank Di Roma: I hope attendees leave with the conviction that anything is possible—and with a renewed appreciation for the power of thinking big. While cost-effective solutions have their place, they aren't always the right answer. It's essential to aim high, challenge conventional thinking, and embrace bold, innovative approaches that can lead to truly transformative outcomes.

Building Tomorrow: The Next Chapter In Sustainable Real Estate, will take place on Wednesday, May 14th. The Evergreen project stands as a testament to what’s possible when bold design, sustainable ambition, and collaborative execution come together. As the industry continues to evolve, conversations like these help shape the future of industrial development—where innovation isn’t just encouraged, but expected.