Together with Voce Developments, Heritage Timber Products, and our architectural and engineering collaborators, Vereco is proud to showcase the recently completed Gateway Co-op Food & Liquor Store in Sturgis, Saskatchewan — a 12,680+ sq. ft. retail facility built for Gateway Co-op, in partnership with Federated Co-operatives Limited, through an integrated design-build model.This project is defined by two hallmark features: reclaimed mass timber innovation and high-performance energy design.

 

Reclaimed Mass Timber Innovation

Working closely with Heritage Timber Products, reclaimed nail-laminated timber (NLT) sourced from Saskatchewan communities was transformed into structural wall and roof assemblies. The NLT serves as both primary structure and exposed architectural finish, delivering structural strength, long-term durability, inherent fire resilience through predictable charring performance, and the warmth and authenticity only natural timber can provide.

 

By repurposing existing wood, the project significantly reduces embodied carbon, avoids emissions associated with new material production, and preserves the biogenic carbon already stored within the timber, advancing meaningful carbon reduction alongside architectural performance.

 

High-Performance Energy Design

The building envelope and mechanical systems were designed to achieve approximately 35% greater efficiency than a reference building constructed to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB). Through integrated energy modeling, high-performance assemblies, and disciplined detailing, the design reduces operational energy demand, improves thermal stability in Saskatchewan’s climate, and supports long-term cost control and resilience.