Crazyweed has long been a popular destination for tourists and locals. It is known for its eclectic and original menu with local ingredients. Featuring Canmore’s first green roof, the building both compliments and offers spectacular views of the nearby mountain ranges bordering the town. Traditional heavy timbers and rundlestone were incorporated into the building facades, providing a distinctive mountain character to the restaurant, as well as a large open patio for warm summer evenings.

The roof itself is planted with a mix of indigenous, drought-tolerant grasses and flowers, which grow in 6 inches of topsoil over the green roof system. In addition to creating a beautiful rooftop ecosystem (and offering a nod to the restaurant’s name), the roof offers several advantages over a traditional assembly, including protection of the membrane from UV rays and thermal shock from the extreme temperature fluctuations inherent in the Rocky Mountains, reduced storm water runoff, and reduced solar heat gain during the summers. This protection is expected to significantly increase the lifespan of the roof while restoring some of the habitat disrupted by development.

By offering a unique solution to the site, the client, and the municipal challenges, RPK designed a building that does more than simply satisfy the functional programme of the project. The Crazyweed Restaurant acknowledges the architectural, historical, and environmental spirit of Canmore, and offers patrons great food and amazing views, all served with a side of green design.