Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1295215
EllisDon headquarters featuring Solstex plate cladding. 30 | O C T O B E R 2 0 2 0 Metal Roofing/Cladding Ontario Panelization believe this will be a fairly easy process. "There is already a lot of interest in the solar facade system with our agents and clients, due to so much focus right now on LEED credits and Net Zero projects," says Leah Morise, marketing manager for Elemex. She adds that the new EllisDon headquar- ters, currently being completed, features the solar panels alongside Aluminum Composite Material. Meanwhile, Elemex continues to distinguish itself by manufacturing facade panels rather than just supplying sheets, the main benefit of which is that the company knows the details of a build- ing project in advance and what products adhere to specific fire and other regulations. "We have seen a trend of using Ceramitex [Sintered Ceramic] and Aluminum Plate as options over ACM for many cladding projects, as they are both fire and code compliant for use on any size of building," says Morise. "The advantage of plate is the versatility of creating crisp lines and edges, and the endless possibility of colour choices, as it is post-painted." The ability to seamlessly integrate with the entire Elemex facade systems makes Solstex a unique option for vertical cladding. Finally, companies such as Honco Steel Buildings continue to provide outstanding metal structures despite the pandemic lockdowns making the busi- ness landscape so challenging to navigate. "Our rate of work declined especially with regards to U.S. exports, but we've still been able to complete some noteworthy projects," says Genevieve Filteau, Honco's marketing director. One such project, for Bombardier, is the design- built Airbus hanger in Mirabel, Quebec. The Honco self-supporting construction system provided a large clear span without columns for this mas- sive workspace, which required 45 metres in width and 15.2 metres in interior height for a total area of 2,250 square metres. In addition, to facilitate the entry of aircraft and the work of technicians, hangar doors with a quick-action roll-up mechanism were installed on the facade of the hangar. Filteau says with regards to her industry in gen- eral, "We're all in the same boat inasmuch as we don't know when the pandemic or the work restric- tions will end. But we're cautiously hopeful for the future and are expecting more government projects and municipal infrastructure developments to carry us forward." A P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E SY EL EM E X