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Category: Building Profiles

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Bunkie on the Hill


Sensitive design achieves sustainability and comfort

The smallest in a collection of cabins scattered across four family properties, Bunkie on the Hill serves as a space of respite for a family-oriented client in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Tucked into the trees at the top of a steep slope, it is designed to provide a quiet space away from the action of the multi-generational family cottages below.

A contemporary interpretation of the traditional A-frame shape evokes the quintessential cabin in the woods, differentiated by shifted roof volumes. Reminiscent of the overlapping layers of rock in the landscape, the split roof design features two intersecting gables that create opportunities for window openings where the roof volumes separate.

Sustainability is prioritized through strategic material choices, construction methods, and a fossil fuel-free approach. A key challenge in advocating for sustainable design is overcoming the perception of high initial costs, despite long-term energy savings. To address this, the project integrates high-impact passive strategies with minimal active systems, reducing both upfront and operational costs.

The overarching approach was to maximize the utilization of passive sustainable strategies through design (high-performance envelope, natural ventilation, passive cooling, daylighting, solar gain), and integrate them with efficient active sustainable systems (hyper efficient heating and cooling system, low-flow plumbing fixtures, high efficiency LED lighting), as well as to rough-in for additional systems to take advantage of upcoming advances in technology (i.e. photovoltaic panels).

Complementary to this plan, a key sustainable strategy for wellbeing was the decision to integrate as many biophilic design strategies as possible. The means by which this is achieved in the house varies, from spatial strategies, visual cues, forms and materials used in the design, bringing the occupants of the home into a much more fruitful and engaging dialogue with their natural surroundings.

Simple passive and active sustainable systems were incorporated for maximum effect. The building geometry and glazing were optimized for passive solar gain during the heating season through floor-to-ceiling glazing on the south façade which also has a large overhang for solar exclusion during the cooling season, assisted by the shade of trees that surround the cabin.

Strategically placed openings on all four elevations, and venting through ducts near the ceiling of the loft for stack effect, provide natural ventilation. The two intersecting roof gables create further opportunities for window openings where the roof volumes separate. These geometric windows allow for curated views of the treetops on one side and the lake below on the other and allow natural light to flood the interior, reflecting off the light-coloured plywood walls and into every corner. The double-height main living space allows for daylight to reach the second-level loft, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Various finishes differentiate the various planes inside – white wallboard defines the perimeter walls, internal partitions are clad in maple plywood, and the ceiling is delineated by western red cedar slats.

The Bunkie’s mechanical and electrical systems are completely integrated with the passive design strategies to achieve the most efficient methods of heating, cooling and lighting, while minimizing the cost to do so. The owners have rarely had to use the air conditioning system due to the efficiency of the natural ventilation in the house. There is no natural gas utilized in the building, thereby reducing operating CO2 emissions to near zero.

Three engineered flitch beams, consisting of a steel plate sandwiched between two wood members, minimize thermal bridging in the structural framing while also reducing the amount of steel. Exterior walls with an R-value of 42 and triple-glazed windows allow for a minimal HRV-equipped heating system. Hot water is supplied ‘on demand’, reducing potable water wastage due to wait times for hot water. The result is a fully electric, fossil fuel-free retreat. Utility bills show annual energy consumption of only 105 kWh/m2 .

The large front porch is accessed through glass sliders to create an extended living area. High-performance aluminum windows, doors and curtainwall, made in Bigfoot Door’s state-of-the-art facility in Mississauga, offer the latest technologies in European fenestration products. Utilizing engineered systems designed by Schuco International KG and high-performance glazing by Guardian Industries, the project achieves Passive House level comfort.

PROJECT CREDITS

  • ARCHITECT Dubbeldam Architecture + Design
  • CONSTRUCTION  HLD Muskoka
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Blackwell Structural Engineers
  • PHOTOS  Riley Snelling

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UVic Engineering and Computer Science Lab Expansion

Designed to meet a net-zero carbon target

By Esteban Matheus

The University of Victoria (UVic) Engineering Expansion project is providing a new home for the Greenest Civil Engineering Department in Canada. The Department’s students, professors and researchers are addressing the most pressing global environmental challenges through cutting edge science, engineering design, and innovative solutions.

The Engineering Expansion project strives to align with this vision by being at the forefront of climate responsive design. The two new buildings embody the latest climate mitigation and adaptation strategies while also functioning as advanced tools for climate science research and learning.

The project is designed and constructed to meet a net-zero carbon target and features a regionally sourced mass timber structure. The Engineering Expansion project consists of two new buildings: a six-storey Engineering and Computer Science Expansion (ECSE) building and a two-storey High Bay Research and Structures Lab (HBRSL). As living laboratories, the buildings themselves act as research tools, with hundreds of sensors installed in the foundations, building envelope, labs and structural systems. These sensors will allow students and professors to collect data for hands-on learning and research.

Gathering building performance data in real time

The project provides new teaching and research laboratories, classrooms and office spaces to meet the growing demands of UVic’s Engineering Departments. The ECSE building features a common atrium shared with the existing Engineering and Computer Science building, undergraduate design studios, graduate student workstations, specialized labs for environmental and hydraulics engineering, building science, computational research, geotechnical and biomedical engineering. It also includes faculty collaboration spaces and offices.

The HBRSL is equipped with two 10-ton gantry cranes, a seismic testing strong floor, a reaction wall, a structural shake table, and other supporting facilities. In addition to research on dynamic loading and structural testing, the lab also accommodates large-scale geotechnical and environmental experiments.

Altogether, the facility accommodates 500 additional students and exemplifies the latest in sustainable building design.

Reducing embodied carbon with mass timber

With a significant focus on emissions reduction, the project uses a mass timber structure and low-carbon concrete to lower its overall embodied carbon emissions.

The ECSE building features a hybrid mass timber system, including CLT floor panels and steel columns and beams. This approach reduces the need for secondary steel elements compared to steel deck construction and eliminates the shoring typically required for concrete floors.

The lighter mass timber components result in lower seismic demand, reducing the overall quantity of structural steel, foundation materials and soil anchors—further cutting its carbon footprint.

The building’s CLT floor assemblies also offer better fire performance than traditional steel decks, achieving a 2-hour fire rating without encapsulation. Exposed CLT decking eliminates the need for drop ceilings commonly required in conventional steel deck construction.

The HBRSL building features glulam beams and columns and CLT floor panels. Pad and combined footings, along with a raft slab for seismic testing of the strong floor, support the glulam columns. The building’s lateral system uses buckling restrained braces (BRBs), optimizing seismic performance. Beyond the BRB system and concrete foundations, the rest of the structure is wood, further reducing the project’s embodied emissions. Mass timber’s natural fire resistance allows it to remain exposed throughout the HBRSL building, enhancing its biophilic benefits.

Project Credits

  • Client  University of Victoria
  • Architect  DIALOG
  • Structural and Mechanical Engineering  DIALOG
  • Electrical Engineering  AES
  • Communications  DIALOG
  • Planning & Engagement  DIALOG
  • Landscape  DIALOG
  • SUSTAINABILITY + BUILDING PERFORMANCE DIALOG
  • Civil  KWL
  • Acoustics  BKL Consultants Ltd
  • Building Envelope  Stantec
  • General Contractor  Bird Construction Inc.
  • Structural Steel  Niik Steel
  • Mass Timber  Kalesnikoff Mass Timber
  • Mechanical CONTRACTOR  PML Professional Mechanical Ltd
  • Electrical CONTRACTOR  Canem Systems Ltd.
  • Envelope  Parker Johnston Industries inc.
  • Glazing  Visionary Glass Inc.

ESTEBAN MATHEUS, ARCHITECT AIBC IS AN ASSOCIATE AT DIALOG IN VANCOUVER.

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Prefabrication Feature: 253 King William Street 

Factory-built modules cut construction time on site

Why Prefabrication?

The project began during Covid, when there was a desperate need for truly affordable housing. As it progressed, it became apparent that the greatest immediate need was for supportive housing.

The City of Hamilton drove the discussion on the benefits of prefabrication as it wanted rapid delivery and cost control for this project. As clients, CityHousing Hamilton has a history of researching and implementing innovative solutions, both in the delivery method (such as off-site prefabrication) and performance standards (such as Passive House certification).

Materials and Methods

Stick frame was chosen for the construction as it is less carbon intensive than cross laminated timber and has a proven track record for projects of this scale.

In fact, this became an example of two-step prefabrication, as the 2×6 stick frame elements were prefabricated in a factory by Panels.ca, and shipped in ‘flat packs’ to NRB/ATCO for assembly into volumetric modular units.

Converting the 2D units into 3D modules in the factory is a relatively recent approach to stick framing but is becoming a preferred solution. The NRB/ATCO factory is arranged in a series of workstations, with the modules being moved from one station to the next as the construction sequence progresses. NRB/ATCO first erected the frames, then installed the batt insulation, interior finishes, service lines and rigid exterior insulation, using Thermowall PH Panel by Legalett.

Before the units left the factory, they were fully finished on the interior, including fixtures and equipment. The delivery of the wall elements and other items to the factory location, rather than the project site, reduced the construction time of the project on site.

Transportation Constraints

When using off-site modular construction, transportation constraints determine the maximum width and height of the modules that can be shipped without a permit.  In Ontario, those limits are maximum height 12ft (3.66m); maximum width 8ft 6in (2.59m) and maximum single vehicle length 40ft (12.2m). Over-sized loads require permits, and may also require road closures and police escorts, increasing the time and cost of transportation.

For this project the standard width of modules was 14 feet (4.27m) which required a permit and vehicle escort, but no road closures or police escorts. The module provider drove the route from the factory to the project site, to ensure that delivery would be feasible, and to determine whether alternative routes were available. NRB/ATCO also organized the appropriate permits.

It is important that the dimensional limitations are discussed with the client at the schematic design stage to ensure that the programmatic requirements of the building can be met within the cost and schedule constraints of the project.

The large ground floor multipurpose room was designed to be three modules wide, with large openings through the demising walls. These openings had to be temporarily filled in to facilitate transportation, then reopened when the modules were installed on site.

Design/Build Process

A design/build contract was suggested by NRB/ATCO, and the client agreed to proceed on that basis. The design/build format promoted up front collaboration and problem solving, between the fabricator, design team and general contractor.

While the collaborative design approach included a typical design process, the team also relied on 3D renderings to explain more intricate or nuanced details to the Passive House consultant, contractor and modular builder.

To maximize the benefits of prefabrication, as much work as possible was done in the factory. This included the mock-ups and testing carried out on all projects, modular or not, such as window mockups to confirm detailing and performance. In addition, the interconnection between units was also mocked up and tested. NRB/ATCO retained a Passive House consultant to ensure its fabrication team was familiar with the technical requirements of PH construction.

Prior to starting construction on site, NRB/ATCO and the client secured a storage and staging area close to the site which minimized the potential for delivery delays, the number and duration of road closures, and the associated disruption to the neighbourhood. 

Proactive communication with the community was essential to explain the potential impacts of the project, and to minimize the objections often raised against supportive housing projects.

 

Approvals have the potential to be the greatest source of delay in projects of this kind. To address this concern proactively, the team developed a design process that supported  coordination and conversation with the authorities having jurisdiction to secure permits and approvals as efficiently as possible. This was followed by detailed design by the architectural team and development of the construction sequence by NRB/ATCO. The building inspectors were invited to visit the fabrication shop at any time, even though the NRB/ATCO Shop is certified as compliant with CSA A-277 “Procedure for certification of prefabricated buildings, modules and panels”.

The project uses a rooftop ERV by Ventacity.

JIM TAGGART, FRAIC IS EDITOR OF SABMAG

Project Credits

  • OWNER/DEVELOPER  CityHousing Hamilton
  • ARCHITECT  Montgomery Sisam Architects Inc.
  • MODULAR MANUFACTURER  NRB Limited, ATCO Structures
  • GENERAL CONTRACTOR  Husky General Contracting
  • PASSIVE HOUSE CONSULTANT  Peel Passive House
  • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT  OMC Landscape Architecture
  • CIVIL ENGINEER  Ainley
  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  DesignWorks Engineering
  • MECHANICAL/STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  DesignWorks Engineering
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  DesignWorks Engineering
  • PHOTOS  Doublespace

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Prefabrication Feature: Harvestview Building A

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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L’ALBÉDO

Social housing offers multigenerational living and superior performance

By Élodie Simard

Aiming for the highest standards of social responsibility and inclusivity, this project has implemented multiple innovations that contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.

This 12-storey building, located on the Sainte-Foy plateau in Québec City, was designed with great care to house 128 social housing units as well as a childcare center (CPE) with 148 places. Part of the two lower floors form a podium dedicated to children, infants, and educators, topped by a ten-story residential tower for seniors. It is an innovative, multigenerational project.

In addition, 30 housing units are reserved for social organizations such as Vivre Grand, PECH, and Clés en main. Through shared spaces, terraces, meeting areas, community gardens, and the small, wooded area of Rochebelle, residents can share a living environment that fosters an extraordinary social fabric promoting inclusion and human dignity.

The demand for social housing in this area of the city is undeniable. La Bouée – the owner of the residential part – supported by Action-Habitation, the City of Québec, the Société d’habitation du Québec, CMHC, the Ministry of Families, Hydro-Québec, and several other key partners, has helped meet a major need—ensuring the project’s success on social, architectural, and economic levels.

L’Albédo offers vulnerable individuals the opportunity to live in a place of great comfort, designed specifically for them. A large dining hall and community services with on-site staff are available daily. The building is fully accessible both inside and out, including the rooftop terrace above the daycare center. All housing units are adaptable, allowing anyone—regardless of physical or cognitive limitations—to live there independently.

Social and technical innovation are present throughout the project. The diverse program encourages intergenerational sharing; very few buildings welcome children, people facing social integration challenges, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and seniors—all living together in harmony and kindness.

Built on a former municipal parking lot near the Intact Assurance Ice Center and the Sainte-Foy Public Market, Albédo contributes to urban densification by avoiding sprawl; while its compact form, high performance envelope and use of waste heat help to reduce the heat island effect. In addition to being close to public transit and along the future tramway route, the building promotes active mobility, offering universal accessibility with spaces for mobility scooters and electric bicycles in the building.

For the childcare center, nearby parking spaces ensure the safety of young children and provide convenient access for parents. Despite the site’s relatively high density, every available ground-level and rooftop space maximizes green areas and recreational zones for users. An optimized stormwater management system was integrated, including a retention basin, oversized piping, and rainwater collection for watering plants and gardens.

Waste management has been centralized in the building’s basement, requiring innovative coordination of shared services and costs between La Bouée and the CPE. The result is a low ground impact and simplified waste collection.

Part of the two-storey podium houses a daycare. All drywall products were supplied by Certainteed.

Project Performance

  • Energy intensity (heating, cooling, lighting, equipment) = ≥ 50 KWhr/m2/year, heating 25 KWhr/m2/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under MNECB 2015 = 42.5%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources = ≥ 40K liters/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED = 36.4%

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  La Bouée, Société acheteuse de préservation et de développement de l’habitat communautaire
  • Architect  Lafond Côté architectes
  • General Contractor  Concrea
  • Landscape Architect  Duo Design
  • Civil Engineer  CIME consultants
  • Electrical/ Mechanical Engineer  Génécor experts-conseils inc.
  • Structural Engineer  CIME consultants
  • Commissioning Agent  Génécor experts-conseils inc.
  • Energy Modelling  Poly-Énergie inc./EcoHabitation
  • PhotoS  Joël Gingras et Christian Gingras

ÉLODIE SIMARD IS SENIOR PARTNER AT LAFOND CôTÉ ARCHITECTS.

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(S) EFFICIENT HOUSE

Compact design a rethink on housing and retirement

By Maegan Murrins and Rayleen Hill

Sitting on a small lot of a tight urban street on the outskirts of downtown Halifax, the (s)efficient house overlooks a south-facing garden while keeping the east views of the industrial lands to a minimum.

The retired homeowners wanted to downsize in retirement. With 960 sq. ft. of living space on one level, the house has minimal upkeep and future accessibility potential. An additional 300 sq ft of garage space allows for the storage of cars and other items. The living space has the opposite “gull wing” roof shape allowing the main living spaces to have high, vaulted ceilings which make the compact interior feel voluminous.

The house is efficient, but the (S) in the name of the house stands for sufficient. It is not a large house, and the clients wanted a house that was just enough, no extras. It is about having not only less to heat and cool, but less to maintain. We think it is a great precedent because our culture always sells the idea of the “dream home” which tends to have lots of extras and be very expensive. It was a delight to have a client looking for elevated living that was not about excess.

The foyer area between the separate garage and living space creates the entry point to the house. The small footprint was purposely designed with a “divider” closet/dining servery creating a threshold between the front entry hall and the mudroom before meandering and opening into the main public areas of the house.

An important factor for wellness is occupant comfort related to natural daylighting and a comfortable room temperature. The large, south-facing feature window ensures adequate solar gain and natural light in winter. The home’s heat pump is set at 18c and stays at 19c to 23c depending on where it’s measured and the time of day. With windows in every room, oftentimes with dual aspects, the house requires little lighting, except at night.

Water strategies needed only simple measures involving water-conserving fixtures, thus saving the budget for more pressing issues of envelope design and the photovoltaic array. The water use in the first nine months of operating has been 14 CM for three months, or roughly 140l/day.

MAEGAN MURRINS AND RAYLEEN HILL ARE WITH RHAD ARCHITECTS.

PROJECT CREDITS

  • ARCHITECT  RHAD Architects
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  SANI Engineering
  • MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Tate Engineering
  • CONSTRUCTION  Kildare Construction
  • PHOTOS  Julian Parkinson, jp@formatfilms.ca

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Ulster House

Prototype targets gentle density and sustainable living

By LGA Architectural Partners

Completed in the spring of 2025, Ulster House, Toronto’s first multiplex condominium, exemplifies gentle density, market affordability, thoughtful design, and environmental responsibility.  The infill project comprises four condominium units with a total floor area of 377 m² and a 56 m² laneway suite.

Completed in the spring of 2025, Ulster House, Toronto’s first multiplex condominium, exemplifies gentle density, market affordability, thoughtful design, and environmental responsibility. The infill project comprises four condominium units with a total floor area of 377 m² and a 56 m² laneway suite.

A self-initiated project by LGA principals Janna Levitt and Dean Goodman, the development challenges policies and perceptions, paving the way for a new housing typology. It presents a viable, sustainable infill strategy to introduce medium-density housing into established neighbourhoods.

To maximize natural light and take advantage of walkable services and amenities, Levitt and Goodman purchased a corner lot in Harbord Village, a mature Toronto neighbourhood. They replaced a deteriorating two-storey single-family home and rear garage with a three-storey multiplex and a laneway suite, creating five condominium units. Their goal was to design homes that are as desirable—and in many ways superior—to conventional Toronto condominiums in terms of cost, livability, and long-term value.

High-Performance Design with Lower Environmental Impact

The cornerstone of the project is its commitment to the environment, adhering to passive design principles, with sustainability integrated from the outset.  Collaborating with Juliette Cook, at that time a University of Toronto graduate student and now a partner at Ha/f Climate Design, the team analyzed embodied and operational carbon emissions, benchmarking the building’s Global Warming Potential (GWP) against the Architecture 2030 Challenge,

As a result, the complex meets the sustainability metrics set by the Passive House standard as well as the Architecture 2030 Challenge, which initially calls for a 40% reduction in carbon emissions compared to current industry standards, and ultimately the elimination of fossil fuels for energy generation altogether.

This rigorous approach led to strategic material choices: including replacing steel framing with light wood framing and decreasing the quantity of cement in concrete components. Such decisions reduced the building’s GWP by almost half, surpassing the targeted benchmark. In addition, Ulster House has no gas line and operates entirely on an all-electric HVAC system supplemented by a rooftop photovoltaic array, further enhancing energy efficiency.

The authors are the LGA Project Team: Dean Goodman (Partner-in-Charge), Janna Levitt (Partner-in-Charge), Kara Burman, Andria Fong, Megan Cassidy and Joshua Giovinazzo.

PROJECT TEAM

  • Architecture and Interior Design 
  • LGA Architectural Partners
  • Structural  Blackwell Engineering
  • Mechanical and Electrical RDZ Engineers
  • Civil  Blue Grove Engineering Group Inc.
  • Landscape Designer  Lorraine Johnson, Native Plant Consultant
  • Code Consultant  David Hine Engineering Inc.
  • Building Science  RDH
  • General Contracting  Desar Construction Studio inc.
  • Acoustics  Thornton Tomasetti (TT)
  • Photos  Doublespace Photography

Most of the cladding on the main building is Petersen Cover™ TEGL, a handmade tile product for roofs and facades which lends a distinctive, modern look while offering all the advantages of tile. The project uses compact RenewAire  SL Series energy recovery ventilators designed for multi-family units and with a CFM range of 30–130, and the RenewAire BR130 ERV for single-family homes.

The authors are the LGA Project Team: Dean Goodman (Partner-in-Charge), Janna Levitt (Partner-in-Charge), Kara Burman, Andria Fong, Megan Cassidy and Joshua Giovinazzo.

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CITE ANGUS PHASE II 


High density living follows passive strategies

By Maude Pintal

Cité Angus Phase II is located on the last vacant lot of the Technopôle Angus site, in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie district of Montreal. Technopôle Angus is part of an integrated approach to sustainable development, revitalization, and access to home ownership for families wishing to settle in the heart of the city.

The district features a mix of green spaces, public squares, restaurants, local shops and services, office space, and residential buildings. Certified LEED Neighbourhood Development, the Technopôle is a humble, local response to the contemporary challenges of housing shortages and the exodus of families to the Montreal suburbs.

Major challenges for the project included the heterogeneity of the surrounding building context, the desire to give each building its own identity, and the dense program to be implemented on a cramped site with an atypical shape. These challenges were transformed into opportunities for innovation in the building organization and the treatment of the various residential interfaces.

Design Response

Within the triangular site, the building comprises two L-shaped wings that define an inner courtyard, at the heart of which is a monumental, Copper- coloured spiral Staircase. Alluding to the Montréal tradition of exterior iron staircases, this one is both a main vertical circulation route and an informal common space encouraging social interaction. The courtyard has two openings, connecting it to the street and the surrounding green space, forming a passageway through the Phase II development.

Architecturally, the building envelope was designed to offer two distinct treatments, depending on its location. Facing the urban context, a perforated, diaphanous second skin of metal, inspired by the district's industrial heritage, is either tight to the building between the projecting balconies, or brought forward to form the balustrade of the continuous access corridor.  Facing the courtyard, it is interrupted to maximize the natural light entering the apartments.

The 88 housing units have been designed to ensure the versatility and adaptability of the spaces and to reflect the great diversity of today's family needs, accentuated by the transition in family-work balance models during the pandemic.

Throughout the building, some units are on two levels, some are walk-through, some are accessible via the exterior corridor system, and others via a central interior corridor served by an elevator.

All have been developed with a concern for equity, accessibility, and inclusion, within a healthy, efficient, and sustainable environment, supported by the use of local, sustainably- sourced, low-contaminant materials, and the integration of water- and energy-efficient equipment.

Passive Design Approach

A departure from the double loaded corridor approach to multifamily apartment buildings typical across North America, the primarily dual aspect design of Cité Angus Phase II is fundamental to its passive design strategy, optimizing natural light and ventilation.  It also offers more generous views to the surrounding public spaces, promoting occupant wellbeing and enhancing the sense of connectivity with their immediate community and the neighbourhood beyond.  On one side, accessibility to natural light has been enhanced and, on the other, the generous covered passageways help mitigate heat gains during oppressive heat waves.

To further reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, these passive strategies are enhanced by a high-performance building envelope, and variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pumps with energy recovery for heating and cooling dwellings. The building is connected to a district energy loop that serves seven other buildings, facilitating thermal load exchanges and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The design of Cité Angus Phase II features multiple ecological water management strategies, including: native planting that requires no irrigation system; the collection and reuse  of rainwater from rooftops , for non potable uses to limit drainage into the municipal system; a 20% reduction in potable water consumption through the use of low- flow plumbing fixtures; and the retention and management of 100% of snow on site.

PROJECT CREDITS

  • Client  Société de Développement Angus
  • Architect and Interior Designer  Ædifica
  • General Contractor  Sidcan
  • Civil, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering  Desjardins Experts Conseils
  • Energy loop  Energere
  • Fire Protection Services  Les Services de P.I. CP inc.
  • Landscape Architecture  NIP Paysage
  • LEED for Homes Consultant  Écohabitation
  • Structural Engineering  Leroux+Cyr
  • Photos  David Boyer Photographe & Olivier Bousquet (MU)

PROJECT PERFORMANCE

  • Energy intensity (heating, cooling, lighting, equipment) = 19.7/m2/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under (ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010) = 50.6%
  • Water consumption from municipal sources =
  • 55,424 litres/occupant/year
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to
  • reference building under LEED = 19.29%
  • Recycled material content by value = 10%
  • Regional materials (800km radius) by value = 50%
  • Construction waste diverted from landfill = 50%        

Much of the interior is finished with Newton 1867 Engineered Hardwood flooring by Bousada.

MAUDE PINTAL, DIRECTOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AT AEDIFICA.

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Portland Commons

Designed to achieve the hat trick of LEED Platinum, LEED Zero Carbon, and WELL Building Gold

By John Gillanders

Portland Commons is a high-performance commercial office and retail development, integrating with the surrounding neighbourhood through its preservation of surrounding heritage buildings, terraced massing and activated, pedestrian focussed street presence.

By contributing high-quality employment and retail spaces, this project strengthens the economic and social fabric of an important mixed-use district, just steps from the planned Front and Spadina GO and commuter rail station.

The Project is designed to achieve LEED Platinum (Core + Shell), LEED Zero Carbon, and WELL Building Gold standards, supporting the highest levels of energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and occupant physical and mental well-being through access to outdoor terraces, biophilic elements, and abundant natural light.

Thirteen landscaped tenant terraces, green roofs, and native plantings enhance local biodiversity while reducing the urban heat island effect. Stormwater management strategies include permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting to support sustainable greywater use within the site.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing provides occupants with unrestricted panoramic views and deep sunlight penetration. In addition, more than 90% of the occupied spaces have direct access to an operable window supporting natural ventilation and occupant comfort. The HVAC system employs MERV 13 filters and bipolar ionization to maintain superior indoor air quality while reducing energy consumption.

The underfloor (UFAD) HVAC system allows all occupants personal control of temperature and fresh air with individual manually operated diffusers. The UFAD system follows a “one pass” airflow approach that supports occupant health by delivering fresh air at the floor and drawing it away at the ceiling, eliminating the mixing of fresh and stale air in the space.

Amenities such as spa-like “end-of-trip” facilities, comfortable and secure bicycle storage, and touchless building controls further enhance the user experience.

Portland Commons integrates low-flow plumbing fixtures, water-efficient landscaping, and a rainwater harvesting system to minimize potable water consumption. The project achieves a 47% reduction in water use compared to baseline models.

The building employs Enwave’s Deep Lake Water Cooling system, underfloor air distribution, and a high performance building envelope to minimize energy demand. Annual heating and cooling energy intensity is 137 kWh/m² or less, with a strong emphasis on reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The HVAC system allows for up to a 25% reduction in outside air conditioning, and the supply air temperature requires less cooling:  to 17-18 degrees Celsius rather than the traditional office building standard of 12-14 degrees Celsius. This allows for longer free-cooling periods that can extend into the late spring and start in early fall, reducing the cooling energy used by 26.8% compared to a typical office building.

PROJECT TEAM

  • OWNER/DEVELOPER  Carttera Private Equities Inc. 
  • ARCHITECT  Sweeny&Co Architects Inc
  • GENERAL CONTRACTOR  EllisDon Corporation
  • LEASING TEAM  JLL
  • LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT  NAK Design Strategies
  • CIVIL ENGINEER  MGM Consulting Inc.
  • STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  RJC Engineers
  • MECHANICAL ENGINEER  TMP (The Mitchell Partnership & BPA) Consulting Engineers
  • ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Mulvey & Banani International Inc.
  • VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION Soberman Engineering
  • ENERGY CONSULTANT  Ecovert
  • MANAGEMENT AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT  Cavendish Management
  • PHOTOS  Gus Sarino

PROJECT PERFORMANCE

  • Energy intensity (heating and cooling) 137KWhr/m2/year
  • Energy intensity reduction relative to reference building under MNECB 1997  26.8%
  • Reduction in water consumption relative to reference building under LEED  47%
  • Recycled material content by value  46.8%

Part of the exterior cladding consists of Vicwest Channel Wall . Interior finished include Quebec Mosaic, Quartz Jambs and Granite Stone by Olympia Tile+Stone and CertainTeed Type X and Acoustic Gypsum Board.

JOHN GILLANDERS IS A PARTNER AT SWEENY&CO (ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE ON PORTLAND COMMONS).

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Meadowbrook Lane passive house residence

Passive House delivers affordable living

By Peter Ng and Irene Rivera

Meadowbrook Lane is the first multi-unit residential high-rise building to be built by Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (WECHC) in 30 years. The 10-storey multi-unit residential building brings much needed affordable housing to the City of Windsor.

The building includes 145 affordable housing units, from bachelor to three-bedroom suites, with shared amenity space on each residential floor. The ground floor of the building has offices, a multipurpose room, laundry room and a four-bedroom community special care unit.

The WECHC wanted the building to be energy efficient and designed to meet Passive House standards for certification by the Passivhaus Institute (PHI) in Germany. In adhering to the principles of Passive House Design, rigorous effort was exercised to uphold a robust continuous airtight thermal envelope, prioritizing the continuity of the air barrier membrane by managing service penetrations.

The design was guided by the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) model, with all consultants involved in designing the systems to meet Passive House Classic Certification. Beyond the design phase and during construction, the installation of the air membrane was monitored and documented regularly to ensure its integrity and continuity were not compromised and would meet the 0.6ACH or below air change per hour at 50Pa as required by PHI. The building achieved an impressive final result of 0.123ACH.

The project won the Grand Prize & Finalist Prize Award at the 2024 EIFS Council of Canada Architecture Design Awards. Within the building, ‘vertical’ community neighbourhoods are facilitated by one amenity room on every residential floor with a view to the nearby golf course.

The multi-purpose ground floor amenity room provides a venue for both residents and external functions and opens to a community garden furnished with a barbeque, seating areas, a bike shelter with charging stations for 10 e-bikes, and four EV parking stalls with chargers in the parking area.

The landscaping integrates the building to the site using native and drought tolerant species in keeping with the natural flora of the area. The HVAC system incorporates fan coils and roof-mounted units by Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada.

Project Performance

  • Energy Intensity, base building = 10.69KWh/m2/year
  • Energy Intensity, process energy = 135.70KWh/m2/year
  • Reduction in energy intensity relative to reference
  • building under ASHRAE 90.1, SB-10 and OBC 2017
  • ASHRAE 90.1-2010 = 87%

Project Credits

  • Owner/Developer  Windsor Essex Community Housing
  • Corporation (CHC)
  • Architect  Kearns Mancini Architects
  • General Contractor  Amico
  • Landscape Architect  Fleisher Ridout Partnership
  • Building envelope consultant Pretium Engineering
  • Civil Engineer  Morrison Hershfield
  • Electrical/Mechanical Engineer  Integral Group – Introba
  • Structural Engineer  RJC Engineering
  • Commissioning Agent  JLSR Engineering Inc
  • Passive House Certification  Peel Passive House
  • Photos  Craft Architecture Photography & Video
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