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Architecture, Green Energy, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

SUSTAINABLE.TO – RESILIENT HOUSE

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Three in a row

Third major passive house design award in as many years for architects at Sustainable.TO

By GREG McMILLAN

Paul Dowsett is waxing poetic and his passion has a way of jumping out at you.

The principal architect at Sustainable.TO Architecture + Building is discussing ‘green’ house  design, the future, and human impact on the environment; topics dear to him and at the heart of his life and work.

And he is linking them to his firm’s most recent, most high-profile project; the internationally-acclaimed Resilient House, which was designed specifically for the New York region ravaged by Superstorm Sandy.

“The Resilient House is simple to build and even simpler to operate,” Dowsett tells Green Building and Sustainable Strategies magazine. “It is grounded in building science; being passively heated and cooled, built of durable, environmentally-benign materials, and designed to have excellent indoor air quality without sacrificing energy-efficiency or thermal comfort.

“It is [as the name suggests] resilient, and it is a pleasant space to inhabit – both before, and after, an extreme weather event.  And equally importantly, it is a space that families can adapt to suit their changing needs.  In short, it is a home.”

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Sustainable.TO took top prize in a competition launched by the American Institute of Architects; a competition that solicited sustainable housing designs for disaster zones in New York, New Orleans and Joplin, Missouri.

The third major sustainable house design award in as many years for the Toronto-based firm, it follows others for their Low Cost /Low Energy Passive House for New Orleans, plus last year’s CMHC-recognized Willowdale Passive Solar House.

“The intention in entering this [New York] competition was very much to see these houses built,” says Dowsett, noting that an event in October 2013 commemorated the first anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, and initiated the construction of the first Resilient House. “Sustainable.TO is working closely with St. Bernard Project- New York and their affiliate, Friends of Rockaway, to develop a working model for what Sustainable.TO hopes will become the template for how to construct these high quality homes while adhering to a modest budget.”

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The Resilient House design, he says, orients living spaces towards the sun, and minimizes interior partitions.  Structural insulated panels (SIPs) allow for a tightly sealed and highly insulated building enclosure.

It is designed to resist storm surges with a flood-proof foundation and to optimize use of the sun and wind for passive heating and ventilation, both greatly enhancing its everyday energy-efficiency and in the event of power loss – a common problem in post-disaster regions – the house would remain “livable” even without operating utilities. By using tried and true traditional construction materials and methods, Resilient House can be built for less than usual affordable-housing.

“At the core of our philosophy and practice is the belief that design and construction solutions should be simple, sensitive, and sustainable,” says Dowsett. “Green design has always been important to me.  Where it has changed is how important it is to our clients.”

“Awareness about our human impact on the environment is increasing, and people are taking pride in building responsible architecture.  I can only see this trend continuing as resources become more precious, and sustainable building materials become more accessible. “

Web: www.sustainable.to

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Uncategorized

TD BANK’S NEW CONCEPT BRANCH

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Banking on green

New concept branch in Mississauga showcases TD Bank Group’s commitment to environmental leadership

TD Bank Group customers could be in for a mild, yet pleasant, surprise next time they stop into the new Creditview Road branch in Mississauga.
Bank employees there, in addition to their regular duties, just might go into teaching mode and offer information about the sustainable qualities of the concept branch.

“Educating our customers on what makes this branch unique is very important and we achieve this is a number of ways,” says Scott Hite, head of architecture and design with TD Bank Group. “Employees working in the new branch have all gone through training to not only learn about their new environment, but to enable them to share the story with our customers.”

Customers, Hite says, can learn about the sustainable elements in many ways. Employees, while helping with their banking needs, can have conversations, or conduct tours. Scattered throughout the branch are “green leaves” containing sustainable facts. There are digital displays, including an interactive station providing details about all the green features.

And customers would be well-advised to take advantage of the in-house resources as the sustainable elements are both varied and plentiful.  The open concept and modular design will be immediately noticeable, but there are many more green features that have been incorporated.

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From the raised floor system, to the geo-exchange heating and cooling, to solar panels to responsibly-sourced materials, attention to sustainable detail is everywhere.

A team from Integral Group – which offers green engineering solutions – provided innovative mechanical and electrical system designs which champion TD’s sustainability goals for the project. To that end, striving to reach a net-zero energy facility standing, the integration of architecture, engineering and operations is a study of aligning art, science and human factors. Turner Construction Company and Green Reason, a sustainable building consulting and project management company, also participated in the project.

A team from Brigholme Interiors Group focused on providing products and services that would allow the branch to be a net-zero energy building.

“Using Haworth’s Integrated Palette of products, manufactured in a zero-waste-to- landfill facility, ensures that the products are sustainable,” says Joe Williams, president of Brigholme Interiors Group.

Targeting LEED gold certification, the branch is an example of TD’s commitment to environmental leadership, Hite says.

“We strive to incorporate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business,” Hite says. “This extends to the spaces we design for our employees, our customers and the community. We’re committed to continuously finding ways to be more sustainable, efficient and reduce our [environmental] footprint. This takes shape through large-scale innovations, all the way to retrofits throughout out network.”

With the Mississauga pilot concept, Hite says TD has leveraged its past experiences to raise the bar.

“We’re taking this opportunity to test and learn from this prototype and really understand how this new design helps us deliver legendary customer service and provide a great workplace for our employees … all the while reducing our footprint.

“With this in mind we are already looking at how we can best utilize and incorporate features of this new concept into our renovation strategy to retrofit our existing network and future builds.”
TD Branch_6
The new TD branch in Mississauga relies on natural lighting and uses solar power to generate electricity. Geothermal systems help heat and cool the branch, while energy efficient LED bulbs and sensors reduce lighting energy. Recycled and recyclable materials have been used in the construction process wherever possible. The wood has been sourced responsibly. Throughout the building low flow fixtures have reduced water use, and low-energy technology has reduced paper use. Rainwater, as much as possible, will irrigate the community garden.

 

Architecture, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

VELO TOWERS

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Pushing the envelope

Velo Towers in Seoul offers a glimpse into new design and construction strategies


 

What do the automotive, aerospace and marine industries have in common with a new tower planned for Seoul, South Korea?

In short – design strategies and techniques.

New York-based Asymptote Architecture, which has gained a reputation for pushing design boundaries, is responsible for this futuristic vision for Velo Towers. By merging technologies and new means of production and fabrication into the building’s design, the project offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable building.

 

 

Part of a master plan for the Yongsan District in Seoul, the reconfiguration of the traditional vertical tower form will have a combination of new horizontal and vertical shapes. This hybrid allows for the formation of a socially engaging and dynamic environmental landmark for the city’s commercial district.

There are eight distinct residential components which have been positioned to take full advantage of the building’s location next to the Yongsan Park, which overlooks the Han River.

 

 

The towers were designed by using a strategy of stacking cylindrical volumes, then utilizing rotation of each volume according to views, privacy and environment. The unique faceted façades of the Velo Towers consist of large prefabricated components made of glass (within custom-molded composite shells), finished in cyan-coloured automotive paint.

The stacked clusters are complemented by roof gardens, shared amenities and internal circulation around light-filled open atrium spaces. The goal – to achieve an alternative architectural and urbanity approach.

There are three major components which make up the architectural ensemble. At the base, a plinth connects the towers and provides space for parkside condominiums and a covered dropoff area underneath. Then, a second stage has stacked volumes that provide gardens, open-air stacks through the cores, and a discreet sense of community within the larger complex.

Finally, there’s a sky bridge, 30 storeys high, that not only structurally connects the two tower cores, but also provides public viewing access overlooking Seoul. In addition, at that level, there are fitness and recreation centres, lounges, pools, spas and cafes.

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Asymptote Architecture, with principals Lise Anne Couture and Hani Rashid, has been awarded the prestigious Frederick Kiesler Prize for Architecture and the Arts in recognition of exceptional contributions to the progress and merging of art and architecture. They have also been named by TIME magazine as Leaders in Innovation for the 21st Century.

 
Web: www.asymptote.net

 

Architecture, Ideas, Style, Sustainability, Technology

The Horizontal Skyscraper

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Designed by Steven Holl Architects, the Vanke Center in China is first of its kind

By Greg McMillan

What happens when talented architects are given a free rein; when they are unencumbered by creative restrictions?

More often than not, especially in this day and age, when sustainable building is moving rapidly into mainstream development, those architectural freedoms result in a project such as the headquarters of Vanke Center in Shenzhen, China, also known as the Horizontal Skyscraper.

“The project is both a building and a landscape,” says Steven Holl, Principal for Steven Holl Architects, who designed the structure, which is as long as New York’s Empire State Building is tall. “It’s a delicate intertwining of sophisticated engineering and natural environment.”

The structure, which opened in 2009, bills itself as a large-scale, hybrid-use building, combining living cultural, working and commercial uses, augmented by a sprawling public tropical garden. And there are mounds containing a 500-seat auditorium and restaurants. It was also one of the first LEED platinum-rated buildings in Southern China.

Most noticeable, however, is the fact the building seems to actually ‘hover’ above the ground, which in turn allows for free public use and an aggressive eco-system restoration.

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The structure is suspended on eight cores, or ‘legs,’ about 50 metres part. The first of its kind, the Horizontal Skyscraper is a combination of cable-stay bridge technology and high-strength concrete framing, with tension cables carrying a load of 3,280 tons.

Additionally, a spa, conference centre and parking are located under the large public landscape.  Above the 60,000-square metre site, there is a green roof on the main building, which takes up approximately 15,000-square feet.

Several sustainable aspects are apparent. Fed by a greywater system, there is also rainwater harvesting and a micro-climate is created by cooling ponds. As mentioned, the building has a green roof, but there are also solar panels – supplying 12.5 per cent of the building’s total energy needs – and local materials, such as bamboo, are utilized throughout the Vanke headquarters.

“Bamboo is highly renewable,” Holls tells Green Building & Sustainable Strategies magazine,“ and is easily available in China. We used it for doors, floors and furniture throughout the building, instead of using raw materials or exotic woods.”

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Holl also stressed that other renewable materials were incorporated, including a ‘green carpet’ containing recycled content, non-toxic paint, and GreenScreen solar shading fabrics, which do not “off-gas” during their lifetime and are easier to recycle and divert to landfills.

“Interface FLOR carpet tiles are used throughout the open office area,” Holl explains. “This carpet is a cradle-to-cradle product, meaning that it is not only produced from recycled materials, but that the manufacturer agrees to collect any damaged carpet and to recycle it into other carpet or products. This carpet contains a GlasBac RE backing that has an average of 55 per cent total recycled content with a minimum of 18 per cent post-consumer recycled content. It uses recycled vinyl backing from reclaimed carpet tiles and manufacturing waste.”

Seen as tsunami-proof, the building has a glass façade which is protected against the wind and sun by porous, controlled operable louvers.

“Also, by raising the building off the ground, “ Holl says, “an open, publicly-accessible park creates a new social space in an otherwise closed and privatized community.

“And with sky gardens, sunken courtyards, balconies at the ends of each floor, and terraces throughout the building, we create micro-climates that bring the landscape further indoors and create passively cooled tertiary zones.”

Web: www.stevenholl.com

Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Sustainability, Technology

LEDCOR RENEW

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More than meets the eye

Retrofit of office tower in Toronto’s commercial district generates bonus paybacks

By Greg McMillan

The retrofit of an existing office building in the heart of Toronto’s downtown business district uncovered a treasure trove of savings and new revenue streams.

Much more than a vintage Sixties’ building with a few energy upgrades, the 77 Bloor Street West project is testament to the kinds of bonus paybacks that can often be nurtured with such renewal projects.

Ledcor Renew, which specializes in retrofitting existing structures, started the ball rolling at 77 Bloor Street West, demonstrating to property manager Morguard Realty Holdings that a business case could be made showing how the 21-storey site would be rejuvenated for another 25-plus years.

There was more of an upside, as it turns out – much, much more. Most noticeably, Ledcor Renew was able to create an entirely new level of leasable office space by converting a mechanical plenum floor.

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“We were able to show that the mechanical room was redundant and could be modified to become office space,” said Ledcor Renew’s Project Director David Herlihey.

Discovered when Ledcor Renew did its initial building optimization studies, says Jonathan Westeinde, Ledcor Renew’s Vice President, the found floor serves as an example, of “the reality that no building is the same”.

“The proper analysis is only accurate when focusing on building-specific data and determining the appropriate individual building optimization metrics.”
He says energy, water and general operational efficiencies are the top-line items most clients gravitate to when considering a retrofit, but “generally we end up with at least 50 per cent of our business consisting of savings and 50 per cent from new revenues realized from space optimization.”
At 77 Bloor Street West, there were special challenges – none more obvious than the fact that all the renovations had to be done while the building was fully occupied.

Herlihey says Ledcor Renew met with the client, discussed methodologies and integrated some of the restraints needed regarding tenants and floor availabilities.

“We listened to the client’s wishes,” he explains. “Our program intent was to take a 1969 mechanical system and fully modify it from a constant volume, perimeter-induction and interior system to a VAV (variable air volume) controlled system with new DDC (direct digital controls) and perimeter radiators complete with new punch windows.

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The retrofitters circumvented many of the inconveniences associated with working in an occupied office building by following a night-time regimen.

“We had to work above occupants’ desks at night – open ceiling tiles and remove existing ductwork and install replacements, for example,” says Herlihey. “The mechanical system change was done in sections over eight nights per floor. We staggered the switch over from one area to the next so that at any time, part of the old and new systems were being utilized to maintain temperature. This methodology also had to be adjusted since some floors were completed in winter and others in summer, through the 11-month renovation.”

Ultimately, operating costs were reduced through energy conservation and the project, completed in September, 2013, is now targeting LEED® Gold status. The mechanical and electrical system upgrades and window retrofit improve energy performance and increased tenant comfort. Aesthetic upgrades to the ground floor, including a new canopy, upgraded entrance and dramatic lighting, added architectural interest.

“Morguard was an excellent client to work with,” says Westeinde. “They understood the value of a holistic integrated building retrofit that would deliver the best short, and long, term returns for their investors.”

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This innovative project at 77 Bloor Street West included the renovation and optimization of a 21-storey office building with ground floor retail at the corner of Bay and Bloor Streets, one of Canada’s most prominent retail shopping districts. Amenities included are shopping, entertainment, , banking, professional suites, high-end fashion design studios and two levels of underground parking. The goal was to reposition the building as Class A calibre, improving the overall long-term returns as well as tenant comfort and retention. Ledcor Renew, a Ledcor Group business division that specializes in retrofitting existing structures, was chosen as a partner to help measure, examine, analyze and implement a building retrofit to achieve those goals.

Web: www.ledcor.com/renew

Architecture, Building Envelope, Green Energy, HVAC, Style, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

SOLARLEAF

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World’s first algae-based bioreactive facade

RODUCT OVERVIEW

Purpose of this product:

Bioreactor Façade – A dynamic façade system for the production of renewable energy using algal biomass and solar thermal heat. Building Integration:

The system is suitable for both new buildings and existing buildings, and for industrial, commercial,

existing buildings, and for industrial, commercial, residential and public buildings.

Features and benefits:

Full integration of low energy design for energy efficient buildings with a Passivhaus standard;

conversion of natural light to biomass and heat; local storage and use of solar thermal

energy; sustainable energy design – near to CO2 neutral; dynamic and adaptive shading, since

with the increasing intensity of solar radiation the transparency and the degree of total energy

transmission (g-value) decrease; living and dynamic user experience created by the emerging

air bubbles and the variations of colour of the SolarLeaf elements; also applicable as a primary

façade system with additional benefits in terms of high thermal and acoustic insulation.

SOLARLEAF – THE BIOREACTOR FAÇADE

PBR-Pilot Project BIQ_01

The vertical glass louvres are filled with water containing nutrients which conver

daylight and CO2 to algal biomass through the bio-chemical process of photosynthesis

at the same time the water is heated up by solar-thermal effects. The biomass and

heat generated by the façade elements are transported by a closed loop system to the

plant room, where both forms of energy are exchanged by a separator and a heat

exchanger respectively. The temperature levels of the heat generated can be increased by

of the heat generated can be increased by using a hot water pump for the supply of hot

water and for heating the building. Excess heat can be stored by use of a geothermal system.

The biomass has high energy content, and can therefore not only be used for generating

energy but also processed and used by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

To be able to benefit from the synergies of the system, a holistic and comprehensive

design approach is required right from the beginning.

From 2020 onwards, zero-energy houses will be obligatory in Germany and in some

other European countries. Every new building will need to produce the same amount of

will need to produce the same amount of energy as it consumes. In 2012, the energy

generated by photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems in Germany provided 1.5%

thermal systems in Germany provided 1.5% of the total energy supply, while biomass

as a renewable energy source provided 8%.

The advantage of biomass compared to photovoltaic is that it is a form of solar energy

that can be easily stored and therefore doesn’t require expensive storage technologies

like batteries. The bioreactor façade is the first building integrated system to generate

biomass.

The conversion of light to heat is a well first building integrated system to generate

design. In contrast, the conversion of light to biomass is a biochemical process facilitated by

microscopically small algae, called microalgae.

Microalgae, like other higher level plants, use sunlight for the photosynthetic process and

this is linked to the process of conversion of much more efficient in the conversion of light

to biomass than higher-level plants, because they consist only of single cells, each of whic

is capable of photosynthesis. Microalgae can divide themselves up to two times a day and

thus increase their biomass by a factor of four.

Their biomass contains 23-27 kJ of energy per gram dry weight. This biomass can be used as

raw material for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products or is used for animal food or dietary

supplements. By varying the cell density in the culture medium the transparency can be

varied between 10 and 80%

PBR-Pilot Project BIQ_11

HOW DOES SOLARLEAF WORK?

When used as a secondary façade the bioreactor elements form a rainscreen system

of the outer layer of a double-skin façade. The vertical elements have a size of 2.5m x 0.7m

and can span across a full storey if required. In addition they can rotate along its vertical axis

to track the position of the sun. When fully closed the SolarLeaf forms a continuous outer

skin providing a thermal buffer.

Each SolarLeaf element features a multiple glass assembly, designed to meet the latest

performance criteria of modern façade engineering. The two inner layers form an

18mm wide cavity with a capacity of 24 litres for the circulation of water and growth of

algae. For safety and thermal insulation the photobioreactor is clad on both sides with

laminated safety glass.

Compressed air is introduced to the bottom of each bioreactor at certain time

intervals. The gas emerges as large air bubbles and generates an upstream water flow and

turbulence to stimulate the intake of CO2 and light by the algae. At the same time, the

inner surfaces of the panels are washed by to the naked eye. The flat photobioreactors

are thus very efficient for algal growth and need minimal maintenance. All servicing pipes

for the inflow and outflow of the culture medium and the air are integrated into the

substructure of the SolarLeaf elements. At the BIQ pilot project in Hamburg 32 elements

are combined into a closed loop system and

connected to the plant room.

A central building management system controls all the processes necessary to

operate the bioreactor façade and to fully integrate it with the energy management

system of the building. This includes the control of the algal cell density and the

temperature in the culture medium.

The heat obtained from the façade has a temperature of about 40°C and is either

used directly to heat water or is stored in the ground by use of a geothermal system. The

system can be operated all year long.

The efficiency of the conversion of light to biomass is 10% and to heat 38%. For

comparison, photovoltaic systems have an efficiency of 12-15% and solar thermal

systems 60-65%.

So the bioreactor façade is competitive relative to these other technologies. In

addition, bioreactor façades remove CO2 from flue gas at quantities equivalent to th

build-up of biomass and thus reduce the CO2 emissions from buildings and help to improve

the overall CO2 balance.

PBR-Pilot Project BIQ_05

“The “SolarLeaf ”

bioreactor façade is

pointing the way ahead

for the future of the

façade and low energy

engineering for Green

Buildings”

SOLARLEAF in OVERVIEW

A Solarleaf bioreactor façade:

– produces high value biomass (10% ECS*)

– produces solar thermal heat (38% ECS*)

– provides dynamic shading

– increases the thermal and acoustic

performance

Optimal conditions for building integration:

– Production of a constant flue gas or source

of carbon

– Production of heat throughout the year

– Ideal for south facing façades (>200 m²)

* ECS = energy conversion efficiency ratio, which indicates the percentage of the incoming light

energy converted to biomass or heat.

PBR-Pilot Project BIQ_03

Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

Innovations with Old Tires Transforming Green Building Design

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By: Andrew Horsman, Executive Director, Ontario Tire Stewardship

To create highly functional, award-winning facilities and community spaces, it’s important for builders, architects and designers to understand how users interact with these spaces. But it’s equally important to understand the enhancing role that eco-friendly building materials – such as innovative products made from recycled tires – can play to create industry-leading sustainable facilities.

An increasing number of builders and designers are seeing the value of high performance recycled tire products across all facets of new development projects, from indoor applications to roofing and rooftop patio solutions to surrounding outdoor space design. Various recycled tire products that are available on the market today are highly regarded as environmentally sustainable ways of managing tire waste, while addressing developer and property management considerations around LEED certification, durability, safety and long-term cost effectiveness.

To bring these sustainable solutions to market, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) – a non-profit organization that operates the Used Tires Program in Ontario – works with product manufacturers and members of Ontario’s tire recycling community to convert old tires into high value recycled tire products. To date, OTS has diverted more than 50 million tires in the province and helped the industry transform tire waste into eco-friendly solutions such as landscaping mulch, flooring underlay, brick pavers, patio tiles and more.

Indoor Applications

Sound absorption, durability and low maintenance materials are important areas for consideration when selecting quality building materials. Old tires are now being recycled into a variety of sustainable flooring solutions to meet these indoor design demands. For example, Toronto’s Corus Entertainment Centre recently incorporated a flooring underlay made from recycled tires to improve sound absorption in the company’s multi-level buildings, soundproof its studios for daily recording purposes, and meet the building guidelines for Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) requirements to reduce sound that travels between floors and ceilings.
Toronto-based not-for-profit, Earth Rangers Centre for Sustainable Technologies used recycled tire products to serve a completely different purpose. Promoting healthy lifestyle choices for its employees and community members, Earth Rangers re-designed a space within its facility into an accessible gym. Since environmental sustainability was an important element of its organizational culture, work and values, the Pro-Fit athletic flooring provided by manufacturer National Rubber Technologies was a natural fit. The athletic flooring is highly durable to withstand rigorous fitness use, low maintenance and slip resistant, addressing Earth Rangers’ safety standards. It also contributed to the facility’s Platinum status under LEED for Existing Buildings .

Tires on the Roof

It seems an unlikely place to house our old tires, but recycled tire products have been used by many residential and commercial builders across North America as roofing shingles and eco-friendly patio tile solutions for green rooftop spaces. High quality composite roof shakes made from recycled tires are far more durable than traditional cedar and other wood shakes. When applied to an average sized 4,000 sq. ft. roof, recycled rubber shingles can also keep up to 64 scrap tires out of harmful landfills.

Designers of the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) in Kitchener, Ontario saw great value in using these roof shingles. A winner of the 2011 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the non-governmental organization category, the REEP House serves as a public learning centre, educating homeowners on ways to make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable. Consistent with its objectives to be a leading example in sustainable design, REEP House chose Enviroshake’s composite roof shingles made from 95% recycled materials, which features fire and hail resistant qualities, do not decay, blister or peel, and can last more than 50 years without losing its aesthetic appeal when compared to the shorter life span of cedar shakes.

As a result of using Enviroshake’s roof shingles, the REEP House not only gained LEED industry rating points, but these points have contributed to its pursuit of a Platinum industry certification under the LEED Canada for Homes program.

Outdoor Applications

When designing award-winning buildings, what surrounds them is just as important to creating the desired atmosphere as what is inside the buildings. This includes accessible parking lots, landscaping and pedestrian walkways.

Kate's Kause

Using recycled tire products in high-traffic pedestrian and vehicle zones is highly beneficial from a design aesthetic, development quality and environmental perspective.  Many of these surfacing solutions are highly durable, safer for pedestrian use from its slip resistant qualities, and easier to maintain as rubber bricks. Meanwhile, pavers are easier to install, remove and re-align if necessary. Due to their recycled rubber composition, rubber pavers and bricks won’t have cracking and warping damages due to extreme Canadian temperature fluctuations in the summer and winter months when compared to traditional alternatives such as concrete and asphalt.

Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan, Ontario and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) recently partnered with OTS to use recycled tire products in a new way that makes the facility more sustainable, while creatively addressing municipal storm water management issues. TRCA replaced Kortright’s old asphalt parking lot with Eco-Flex Churchill Brick Pavers and IOWAT’s AZEK VAST permeable recycled tire paver systems, to test and showcase a sustainable storm water management solution, reduce the amount of runoff and improve the overall aesthetics and long-term maintenance of its frequently used parking lot.

Highly shock absorbent playground surfacing solutions made from recycled rubber are also being featured in outdoor play areas where builders must adhere to high safety standards. In North America, playground standards require surfaces to pass a minimum safety performance not exceeding 1000 Head Injury Criteria (HIC). Recycled tire products, such as those manufactured by SofSurfaces can provide an HIC rating below 570, which is the threshold considered safe for children in an automobile crash. Since playground surfaces may harden over time, this extremely safe rating ensures the surface remains compliant to the standard for the long-term.

In addition to leading builders and architects, consumers are also showing their support for the use of eco-friendly alternatives. In fact, a recent study conducted by OTS found that 94 per cent of Ontarians felt that commercial and residential developers and builders should be more active in using environmentally sustainable building materials. As this demand for high quality, environmentally sustainable building solutions rises, so too will the relevance and use of innovative recycled tire products to transform everyday spaces into leading examples of the latest in green design.

Architecture, Building Envelope, Ideas, Sustainability, Technology, Trends

Nova Scotia Power Corporate Headquarter

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WZMH Architects

First LEED Platinum Building in Atlantic Canada

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Among the best and most environmentally sustainable new buildings in Halifax is the headquarters for Nova Scotia Power, a contemporary 8-storey office tower. It revitalized a former coal-fired power plant, which closed during the 1970s. The site and structure received a wholesale makeover by WZMH Architects, achieving significant environmental, economic, and community responsibility objectives along the way. The facility houses more than 500 employees in approximately 18,000 square metres of space.

The LEED Platinum project was recognized with a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering of a refurbished historic building, two ARIDO awards for interior design and was a finalist for the 2010 international re-skinning award from Zerofootprint. WZMH Architects has successfully incorporated sustainable principles into the majority of its projects in recent years and has received numerous domestic and international LEED awards.

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The building occupies a prominent location with significant frontage on the downtown boardwalk that lines the western edge of the Halifax harbour. An innovative construction strategy acknowledges the memory of the building’s initial use. The original steel structure was retained with additional floors inserted and skylights replaced chimney stacks along the roof.

The original concrete mass formed a barrier to the waterfront. A portion of this has been transformed into an atrium, which now connects the city to the water, offering spectacular views of the harbour. Public space includes a galleria and indoor street parallel to the boardwalk, and a cafe with outdoor seating. They promote casual interaction between employees and user contact with the waterfront.

DESIGN GOALS

WZMH designed the building to meet the strategic goals of Nova Scotia Power (NSP) in the environmental, economic, civic and social realms. As the provincial power authority, NSP sought a visible demonstration of its commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership in energy conservation through the adaptive reuse of the former power plant. Its financial analysis had established that renovation of an existing proprietary property was the optimal solution in terms of space requirements over time. In addition, by redeveloping an urban brownfield, NSP could demonstrate civic responsibility and participate in urban intensification. It did not increase urban sprawl by locating a new building on prime farm, wetland, or forested land; and it promoted the use of existing amenities and infrastructure. It also retained employment within the city, supporting the economic and social fabric of downtown Halifax.

LIGHT & WATER

The Atrium and Galleria provide more than 75% of occupied spaces with natural daylight. In other areas high efficiency fixtures, occupancy and daylight sensors are used to reduce reliance on artificial light. Annual electricity consumption for lighting is about 22 kWh per square metre, about 10-15% of total electricity consumption of the building.

Water efficient plumbing fixtures reduce potable water use and a 43 cubic metre cistern collects storm water for toilet flushing. Landscaping consists of turf grass that is drought-resistant and requires no irrigation. Water consumption is about 24 litres per person each day, representing an improvement of about 75% over the reference building.

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ENERGY

Existing piping from the Halifax harbour, originally used to cool power turbines, brings sea-water into titanium heat exchangers, then into a heating-cooling loop. Heat pumps in turn supply chilled beams and perimeter heating. A bypass for free cooling is also included. The Chilled Beam system uses an induction unit to cool outdoor air and supply it to occupied spaces. It improves thermal comfort while utilizing less fan energy. The system can use rejected heat from cooling the south areas to heat the north side of the building.

A dedicated demand-controlled ventilation system and occupancy sensors provide optimal fresh air, superior indoor air quality and save energy. CO2 sensors protect occupants from leaks. A tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilators and variable speed drives also help save energy.

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Projected annual electrical consumption for the building is 792 mega-joules per square metre (including regulated loads and plug loads). The use of harbour water for heating and cooling will mean that as fossil fuels are phased out in the future, the entire building will operate using renewable energy.

MATERIAL USE & COMMUTER CONSIDERATIONS

At least 25% of total building materials were extracted and manufactured within 800 km by truck and 2,400 km by rail or sea. Steel was recycled off site and the rubble from window openings in the concrete was used as fill to adjust site grades. In total, 86.9% of waste materials were recycled during construction. At least 85% of all wood-based building components were FSC certified.

The location is near two bus lines and 48 bicycle racks were included along with shower and change facilities. Auto Share high-efficiency vehicles are also provided.

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EDUCATION AND INFORMATION SHARING

An interactive kiosk in the main lobby showcases sustainable design features with actual energy consumption displayed and updated quarterly. Building performance can be compared to the design stage modeled performance.

WZMH Architects was established in 1961 in Toronto, and has built a reputation for innovative design and technical expertise. It now employs more than 100 people who utilize a collaborative approach to meet client expectations for corporate projects, courthouses, hotels, conference facilities, retail, resorts, entertainment complexes, educational and residential buildings.

Ideas, Sustainability, Trends

London’s greenest home is a model of inspiration

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What began as a charity fundraiser by the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) has resulted in something much more.

The LHBA’s Green Home was designed initially to raise money for the completion and maintenance of the association’s 60th anniversary legacy project – the Cancer Survivors Garden in one of the city’s parks.

“But the more we talked about it, the more possibilities and opportunities we saw – to educate the public on new building materials and construction science and the green achievements of the industry,” says Lois Langdon, LHBA executive officer.

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Public education continues to be a critical process as the building industry strives to construct more energy-efficient, eco-friendly and healthier homes. The challenge is that buyers still want luxury upgrades before energy-saving products and materials – things that don’t add to the home’s aesthetics.

The Green Home, built with donations of materials, products and labour from LHBA members, was an opportunity to showcase the benefits of green products and materials, Langdon explains. To that end, the association conducted open houses over several months, distributed brochures and posted call-outs throughout the house to explain what was behind the walls or a new piece of equipment.

The bottom line is that such a home – which is registered under Energy Star, LEED Canada for Homes and GreenHouse – will provide the owner significant savings and an environment that is free of many of the chemicals found in materials of the past.

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The features include:

  • Low VOC paint and wall coverings;
  • LED lighting;
  • PureBond cabinets which are formaldehyde-free and use soy-based adhesives;
  • Quartz countertops;
  • Kitchen sink made from 90 per cent recycled stainless steel;
  • Water-saving faucets – up to 30 per cent less water;
  • Carpet made from recycled plastic bottles;
  • Fibreglas entry door that has the appearance of wood but is more resilient;
  • EcoTouch PINK Fibreglas;
  • Foamular 150 Rigid Foam Insulation;
  • And grey-water recovery, which saves as much as 40 percent on the annual water bill.

Playing a key role in the home’s green designation is the Rinnai tankless water heater, which was provided by Reliance Home Comfort. Water is heated only when needed, resulting in energy savings of up to 40 percent. This compact, space-saving unit packs a major punch in that it can meet many water-use demands such as laundry, dishwasher and hot shower – all at the same time. And being EnergyStar qualified, it offers up to 97 per cent thermal efficiency.

The Rinnai unit also provides heat for a zoned hydronic air handler, allowing separate temperature control on each level of the home.

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The most cutting-edge feature, according to Toby Stolee, director of housing operations for Sifton Properties and LHBA president when the project was initiated earlier this year, is the grey-water system which collects water from the showers and laundry, filters and sanitizes it and then pumps it to the toilets for flushing.

“This is one of the first systems of its kind approved by the City of London. I think it is still ahead of its time.”

The home, built in Sifton’s Ballymote Woods development in north London, fits nicely into the company’s green philosophy, Stolee says, adding that the company built London’s first solar home in 1975.

The purchaser of the Green Home will not only have the greenest home in London, but at a bargain price. The $429,900 sticker is well below the home’s value of $600,000. The reason, Langdon says, is to ensure a fast sale and is not a statement about the marketability of green.

The primary reason for the project is completing the Cancer Survivors Garden at the busy intersection of Wonderland Road and Riverside Drive where cancer survivors can find peace, hope and celebrate life.

“We could have contributed to medical research, which is extremely valuable and needed, but we also had come to know, through conversations with [a cancer survivor] that the power of home and a positive mindset can be crucial to survival,” Langdon says. “Our LHBA members have a lengthy history of being generous. Giving back to the community is part of our mission statement and we take that seriously.”