Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/124234
Location 1424 Clarke Rd. London, Ontario Owner/Developer Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Architect Randy Wilson Architect Inc. General Contractor Graceview Enterprises Inc. Structural consultant photo: tom arban Hastings & Aziz Ltd. Mechanical/ Electrical consultant Vanderwesten Rutherford Mantecon Inc. LEED Consultant Stormwater runoff from parking lots is treated by a series of bioswales and stormwater ponds to protect the natural environment. Instead of the traditional septic system used in rural areas, a Waterloo Biofilter system was installed to treat wastewater to tertiary standards. Regional materials and FSC-certified wood were used for the construction and more than 90 per cent of the waste generated during construction was diverted from landfill. A combination of a white membrane roof and a vegetated roof also reduce heat island effect and a green education program with signage, brochures and tours will provide information about the sustainable features of the building to the public. 102/ april 2013 p100-104Upper Thames.indd 102 For the first year, Enermodal Engineering will continue to monitor the energy use to ensure the actual use matches the projected use. The construction process was not without its challenges. Shortly after construction began the general contractor discovered an old foundation from a batch plant used to supply concrete for the dam construction decades before. "This required the concrete to be removed before construction could continue," explains Len Vanderweerd, project manager with Graceview Enterprises Inc. Since the site is a natural area, it was important to minimize disturbance. As a result, waste was separated for recycling offsite, explains Vanderweerd. Of 23 possible locations it was determined the site of the existing administration building would be the best location for the new building. Since the existing facility would continue to be occupied during construction, this presented some logistical challenges for the routing of traffic from both staff and construction vehicles during the construction process, says Vanderweerd. Although initial plans called for the existing building to be converted into a storage bunker, with the age and condition of the old building, it was determined to be more cost-effective to completely demolish it and build a new concrete storage bunker below ground, says Wilson. The surface of this bunker then provided the new approach Enermodal Engineering, a member of MMM Group Limited Landscape Architect Ron Koudys Landscape Architects Inc. Total Area 40,900 square feet Total Construction Cost $10.1 million to the building. After the staff moved into the new building, the old building was demolished and then a new main entrance and vegetated 'live' roof was built over top of the bunker. "Despite any challenges, the Watershed Conservation Centre is a remarkable building," says Wilson. "UTRCA is in the business of conservation and they wanted to speak to that." Not only is it a "green" building but the staff absolutely love it, adds Shivas. n Watershed Conservation Centre 13-04-05 2:38 PM