SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING BUILDING, BRITISH COLUMBIA
caulking the joint was not an option because of the load transfer between the system,” insists Kokalov. As a consequence, meticulous on-site quality control of precast concrete panels was critical to the curtain wall installation; for example the 2 cm gap established between the precast panels and glazing panels. The glazing contractor had to meet and install the panel accordingly otherwise the panel had to be rejected. Two main types of glazing were specified by the architects. Highly reflective glazing was used functionally; to reduce heat transmission, and also aesthetically; to reflect the sky and create visual interest for passers-by. Secondly, to draw as much natural light as possible into the building, high VLT (Visual Light Transmittance) glass was used for the storefronts at street level, for the atrium glass wall, and at the south east corner on level five where the staff lunchroom and open office are located.
LEED-ing in sustainability In addition to specifying durable materials and designing long-lasting and flexible places into the scheme, the building had to embody the sustainable ethos underlying the facility’s function. To do so, the architects sought to achieve LEED Gold certification – awarded by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). Reductions in car parking spaces needed by the local municipality, the provision of extensive vegetation – including native and local species – throughout the site, the implementation of a stormwater catchment system, and a passive ventilation approach taking advantage of the atrium’s natural draughts and minimising the need for mechanical ventilation. These were just some of the measures taken to sensitively meet the certification requirements.
The approach produced significant praise from the client, as Ian Abercrombie, architect and director of campus planning and development for the university, who admits: “SFU was a demanding client. We required an architect that understood the complexities of an academic and research facility, yet also understood its need to provide a high standard of urban design in the emerging Surrey City Centre.” He concludes: “Revery Architecture responded to these challenges and took direction from SFU facilities staff, academics, and researchers, in shaping a functional, yet inspiring building.”
ADF FEBRUARY 2020
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