Creative facade wraps high-performance envelope

Located on a campus of 104 buildings and 10 million square feet, the Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence has recently become York University’s first LEED Gold certified building. The facility provides a holistic platform to educate the next generation of ‘Renaissance Engineers’, creative problem solvers and entrepreneurial leaders with a social conscience.

By Paul Stevens

The bold architecture of the Bergeron Centre is a metaphor for creativity. Evoking the properties of a cloud, the undulating façade is comprised of a series of triangles positioned according to a complex algorithm. The façade reflects light and pattern while at the same time minimizing the window-to-wall ratio of the building envelope.

Through a highly integrated and collaborative process, the design team was able to attain LEED Gold certification, a first for York University and a considerable achievement for a facility of this size and type.

The Bergeron Centre is a highly technical building with a significant infrastructure requirement to deliver a lab-intensive program. Energy conservation strategies included a focus on achieving a high-performance building envelope.  Specifically, the window-to-wall ratio was minimized to allow for greater overall insulation and an increased wall thickness. A vegetated roof adds to the insulation value of the roof.

Beyond these energy conservation measures, the sustainable design strategy was based on sustainable site development, materials management, waste diversion and innovation credits that included an extensive public education and outreach program.

The university is undergoing a transition from a suburban, car-based campus to one that is more urban and sustainable. In keeping with this goal, the building is located on a former parking lot. Optimal orientation was determined using detailed microclimate analysis, and the building footprint was minimized by stacking the program vertically.

Paul Stevens Architect, OAA, MAIBC, NSAA, AAA, MRAIC, AIA, LEED® AP is Senior Principal with ZAS Architects + Interiors in Toronto.

• PROJECT CREDITS
  
• Owner York University
• Architect ZAS Architects + Interiors
• LEED Consultant ZON Engineering
• Landscape Architect Forrec Inc.
• Structural, Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineer Arup
• Commissioning Agent CFMS
• General Contractor Laing O’Rourke / Gilliam Group
• Façade Structural Engineering Blackwell Ltd.
• Façade Pattern Resolution Mesh Consulting
• Photos Younes Bounhar, DoubleSpace
• PROJECT PERFORMANCE
  Energy intensity [Building and Process energy] = 224.8 kWh/m2/year
  Reduction in energy intensity relative to reference building under ASHRAE 90.1-2007 = 33% energy cost savings
  Potable water consumption from municipal sources = 934 L/occupant/year
  Reduction in potable water consumption relative to reference building = 37%
  Regional materials as defined by LEED [by value] = 34%
  Reclaimed and recycled materials [by value] = 23%
  Construction materials diverted from landfill = 91%

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