Modernization of the existing Engineering Complex
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project in its totality will result in the phased modernization of the existing engineering complex (Engineering Blocks A, B, C, D, E and F, and select work in the Mechanical Engineering Building) as well as the addition of an expansion of approximately 15,000 m2.
The work is guided by a master plan that focuses on improving the teaching, engineering research, administrative and support spaces as well as upgrading of public circulation and lounge type spaces. Pivotal Project Management has been hired to manage the project.
Three phases are anticipated, covering a period of between five and eight years, dependent upon approvals and funding.
Phase 1
As of April 2011, the following was completed:
Sprinkler system - We have fully sprinklered the facility, resulting in improved life safety for all
occupants, and protection of the building as a whole.
Code upgrades, finish replacement and selected functional upgrades – New floors,
ceilings, painted stairs, columns, doors, and other areas that we have fully renovated to improve
the quality of the indoor space throughout the facility.
IT upgrades – Full upgrades to the network connectivity in the MEB building, as well as
ENF Block.
Theatre renewals – Replacement of the old steeple ceilings, walls, and rope finishes with
brand new, state-of-the-art lecture theatre systems and finishes. The refreshed look is intended
to bring the quality of the space in line with the advanced pedagogic nature of the lectures in the
Complex. Upgrades to the structural roof above the theatres and the ENE crush space, in preparation for the Phase 2 expansion that will eventually infill the courtyard, where the fire sticks are.
Lighting retrofits – Brand new fixtures installed throughout all main corridors and
lobbies, as part of an energy-saving initiative funded by the Federal Government. Throughout
the remainder of the offices, labs and secondary corridors, we have replaced all light bulbs and
ballasts with high-efficiency type units to provide significant energy savings to the Complex.
Lighting controls per zone were also provided to enhance the ability to shut down areas when
there is no traffic going through.
Mechanical retrofits – A significant portion of mechanical units throughout the complex were
replaced with new, more efficient units to deliver air to the various areas. A significant portion of
the mechanical units that remain will be replaced in the future. Also worthy of mention is the replacement of approx. 10 water fountains throughout the complex.
Hazardous materials abatement – Removal of over 99% of the hazardous materials. The Facility Condition Index has been improved significantly, and the removed hazmats will allow future projects to conduct renovations and upgrades that would otherwise be impossible to undertake.
Washroom renovations – Over 14 washrooms in Blocks ENB, ENC, END and ENE fully renovated with water-efficient fixtures and easy-to-maintain finishes, also rebalancing the amount of female/male washrooms to meet the provincial Codes and reflect the increasing female population throughout all Engineering disciplines.
Exterior doors - Operation was improved through the replacement of door hardware and installation of barrier-free door operators. The north vestibule of ENC08 also fully renovated.
Exterior windows - All exterior windows in ENB, END and most of ENC North sides replaced to improve on building envelope performance.
Motor Centres - Replacement of all Motor Control Centres (8 units). These control several mechanical units throughout the complex, and their replacement enhances the reliability of the system as a whole.
New building mechanical automation controls - Installed to replace an extremely
old and past-its-useful-life system. New BMS system to control all the mechanical air handling units,
heating and cooling, and the terminal Variable Air Volume boxes next to where the air is being
discharged through the diffusers.
Fire alarm - Installation of a new full Fire Alarm system operating on a single stage alarm throughout the entire complex. This replaces an extremely old system that did not provide full coverage to
all Blocks. Now the entire complex is in an enhanced state of safety thanks to the Fire Alarm
and the sprinklering throughout. Also included is a new generator for emergency power.
Cable tray - Installation of a cable tray for new Internet cabling throughout all Blocks. With this
infrastructure in place, the costs of installing high-speed internet to renovated areas should be
significantly lower in the future.
Hot water tanks - replacement of hot water tanks that provide hot water to the building.
Phase 2
This will encompass the expansion of the existing engineering complex including any required and outstanding code upgrades to the existing complex. It will provide decanting space to facilitate Phase 3 as well as meeting current and future needs for well-serviced learning and research space.
A rendering of the proposed expansion:
Phase 3
The final phase encompasses the balance of preservation, lifecycle and adaptive space renewal outstanding at the completion of Phases 1 and 2.