MZE/architecture+design inc.

05/14/2026

We are looking forward to long weekend hikes at Ball’s Falls Conservation centre this spring & summer. MZE designed this building as a teaching tool to demonstrate conservation initiatives through design features. The heating and cooling is provided for by a ground source heat exchanger. Rainwater is collected from the roof and used for non-potable water activities. Natural ventilation through operable windows for shoulder season or nighttime cooling. Southerly oriented windows and large roof overhangs control heat gain during the summer and allow the low winter sun to pe*****te deep into the building interior and there is on site Bio Filtration waste water treatment. This building is the first Niagara building to receive LEED Gold status.

04/10/2026

Thundering Heights Public School in Niagara Falls opened this past September, we're so excited to see this school come to life!

03/24/2026

The new Fairgrounds Elementary School is designed to respond to its site's cultural heritage and solar orientation. Here are a few diagrams outlining how we crafted the building form and massing to respond to the site.
A) Efficient massing on the site lowers the energy use intensity of the building and also supports the project budget.
B) The existing site hosted the agricultural fairgrounds which held community events annually. Inspired by the cultural history of the site, we sculpted the building to resonate with the former use and give the new school a unique identity and character rooted in its past.
C) To ensure maximum daylighting of the classrooms, yet avoid direct sunlight which can create glare,
distraction and solar heat gain in the warmer months, we folded the façade of the classrooms to block direct sunlight into the classrooms, at least until 3pm when school is out.
The building features a number of sustainable design elements including a structurally robust roof to support future solar panels, an ideal window to wall ratio that maximizes daylight while reducing solar head gain, an efficient 3 storey layout that minimizes the exterior wall surface and attention to detailing to avoid thermal bridging.

03/17/2026

The new Fairgrounds (Welland) Elementary School is officially submitted for Tender! Located on part of the former Welland Fairgrounds site, this new Public Elementary School draws inspiration from the region’s agricultural heritage and rural character. MZE has developed an exterior and interior palette rooted in the materials and craftsmanship of century-old farmhouses and traditional agricultural buildings. The design emphasizes authenticity, simplicity, texture, and natural light to create warm, welcoming, and contemporary learning spaces that connect students to local heritage, while supporting learning, well-being, and sustainability. Through detailed energy modelling undertaken during the design phase, we carefully evaluated building systems and envelope performance to optimize energy efficiency and long-term operational savings. To learn more please visit our website.

03/10/2026

MZE architecture + design was proud to sponsor the Art in Action: Climate event in Niagara this year. This amazing initiative brought together the Niagara Arts, Architecture and Engineering community to reflect on our changing planet and the opportunity we have to take action. The event was anchored by In the Wake of Progress, a powerful multimedia work by St. Catharines born artist Edward Burtynsky. We had the opportunity to speak with Edward about our shared Niagara community, climate change, sustainability and art. Thank you to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre - St. Catharines and all involved in making this a wonderful event.

03/04/2026

At MZE our mission is to create and foster beauty, creativity and sustainability in our community through the built environment. We are proud to help create and be part of the Niagara community for over 67 years. From schools and farmers’ markets to conservation centres, homes and multi-unit residential projects, our work spans many sectors—but each project reflects the same commitment to thoughtful design and lasting value for the community we call home.

02/26/2026

MZE/architecture+design inc. is proud to introduce this new 600+ pupil elementary school in Thorold, Ontario. An engaging and future-focused learning environment designed to serve a growing community. Rooted in our firm’s longstanding commitment to sustainable design, this project reflects MZE’s integrated approach to high-performance educational architecture. To learn more please visit our website.
https://www.mzearchitects.com/portfolio-rolling-meadows

02/18/2026

Stacked Flats - irregular lot, 4-units, 4-parking spaces, roof top amenity space overlooking the old Welland Canal •

Developer/builder: Cairn Wood Homes

01/31/2026

We were treated to a lovely sunrise earlier this week when arriving at the office. The -15C temperature went briefly unnoticed.

12/26/2025

MZE/a+d is proud to be a sponsor of the AiA:Climate Festival …

https://www.facebook.com/share/1D2fbxuJB2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A focused portrait of water insecurity in Indigenous communities, following Layla Staats as she brings human stories to the headlines.

🍿 BOIL ALERT screens SUN 1 FEB
🌱 This film is screening as a part of the Art in Action: Climate Film Festival

“Hopefully, not only does it raise awareness about what's happening in Indigenous communities, but what's happening on a wider scale with water insecurity.” — James Burns, Director