FastTrack system optimizes standardized unit modules for rapid construction
By Steven Van Wyk
The Harvestview Apartments Building A is an eight-storey multi-unit residential building recently completed in Tillsonburg, Ontario. It consists of 132 units with a total floor area of approximately 12,000 square meters and utilized the FastTrack by Stubbe’s precast modular building system for its speed and economy of construction.
The FastTrack System
The Fast Track system incorporates prefabricated concrete components to streamline and dramatically speed up the design and construction process for mid-rise residential buildings. It enables developers to build more efficiently at a competitive price, by using optimized pre-designed modules that can be seamlessly interchanged.
In this way, FastTrack offers a complete solution, from design, fabrication of precast concrete components (hollowcore flooring, balconies, structural walls, cladding walls, and insulated walls) to installation, to bring a project to market more quickly.
The system significantly reduces planning and design time by using pre-designed, interchangeable modules and standardizing key systems (e.g., kitchen/bathroom layouts, stairwells and windows). Construction can be completed much faster, sometimes cutting total project build times by up to 50%, and is less affected by weather conditions.
In addition, because Stubbe's serves as a single point of contact for architectural, structural, and mechanical engineering, it simplifies the procurement process and coordination issues that can arise when multiple consultants are involved.
Whole Building LCA
To better understand the environmental benefits of the FastTrack by Stubbe’s Precast modular system, Mantle Developments conducted a whole-building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) of the Harvestview Apartments Building A. This assessment quantified the upfront embodied carbon intensity (A1 A5) of the multi-unit residential building.
The scope of the assessment was aligned with LCA regulations in North America including the Toronto Green Standard Version 4 (TGS v4). The assessment revealed a low upfront embodied carbon intensity, meeting the voluntary tier 3 embodied carbon limits set by the Toronto Green Standard V4 (TGS v4) of less than 250 kgCO2e/m2 of flooring area.
Toronto Green Standard (TGS)
Embodied Carbon Limits
In May 2023, Toronto became the first North American city to mandate lower-carbon construction materials for certain buildings under the Toronto Green Standard version 4 (TGS v4). This multi-tier standard sets limits on embodied carbon intensity, with a mandatory Tier 1 cap for city-owned buildings and a voluntary Tier 2 and Tier 3 cap for private construction. For commercial and residential buildings, Tier 2 caps embodied carbon at 350 kg CO2e/m2, while a more ambitious voluntary Tier 3 cap sets the limit at less than 250 kg CO2e/m2.
Stubbe’s FastTrack Precast System
FastTrack’s module coding is a straightforward and systematic method to navigate the pre-designed building modules. There are three foundational module types based on width measured in multiples of 38 feet. This standardized approach simplifies the selection process ensuring a seamless fit within a project’s parameters.
How it works
The pre-designed unit modules can be arranged to maximize the potential of the building envelope and meet density requirements. For example, the selection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom plans can be combined in many ways to meet the need of a project, be that higher density or more spacious layouts.
How plans fit into modules
Modules feature different plan configurations, which is a crucial consideration when choosing your building’s floorplans. For example, choosing Plan 1B-1, as shown below, will affect accompanying plans within that specific module.
PROJECT CREDITS
- Architect Patrick David Trottier Architect
- Structural Engineer Rizz Engineering Inc
- Mechanical/Electrical Engineer DEI Consulting Engineers
- Landscape Architect paysager GSP Group
- Construction Stubbe’s Development
- Precast Concrete Supplier Stubbe’s Precast
- Photos Stubbe’s Precast
STEVEN VAN WYK IS QUALITY ASSURANCE/PLANT ENGINEER AT STUBBE'S
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