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M A R C H 2 0 2 2 | 53 Smith Street Lofts P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y ED I S O N P RO P ERT I E S For Akman, who began construc- tion in the fall of 2018, this kind of exterior was a first for them. "We spent a lot of time surveying and tak- ing as-built conditions into account when we cut the rough openings in for the new curtain wall," says Akman. As the building wasn't quite "plumb and true," Akman did a lot of surveying for the curtain wall as it had to be installed true to the building's existing condition, which varied up the 21-storey tower. "Spray foam on the interior had to be removed and the tie- in details were complicated to figure out as the proper air vapour bar- rier [AVB] and flashing details were required to maintain a well-insulated building and prevent infiltration and condensation," says Akman. The addition of balconies was also a tremendously complicated pro- cess to engineer. Shear wall thickness varied up the tower and A kman had to adjust each set of balcony clips to suit the existing building. Piles and concrete foundations were added to accommodate the precast col- umns supporting the balconies. A complex task, but one that the team skillfully pulled together. "W hat remains of the previous building is limited to 60 percent of the original structural framework and exoskel- eton. The precast balconies were added to 80 percent of the west and east elevations, along with an adja- cent new eight-storey precast parkade structure," explains Chomik. Inside the building, the design is simple yet busy. Subtle colour schemes offset the complexity of the exposed industrial feel of the overall build- ing. "Upon entry, you are greeted by a unique lighting feature in the double- storey atrium and a feature moss wall. This view can be seen from Smith Street and the outdoor plaza, whether you are en route to work in your car or walking in to grab a coffee and go. Sightlines throughout the common areas allow subtle views into the dif- ferent programmed spaces such as the library, multi-purpose room, enter- tainment lounge, and fitness and spa. All this highlights the balconies hov- ering over the open plaza below where patio season is tempting onlookers and those passing by," says Chomik. The suites have been made into these two-storey loft apartments and the three hollowcore planks per suite have been removed and beams have been added to account for the lateral stability by remov- ing the precast floor sections. There are exposed concrete walls in every suite with wall-to-wall and floor- to-ceiling glazing throughout. "The raw aesthetic drove much of the fin- ished look alongside long-lasting and durable finishes," Chomik explains. Atlas-Apex Services (Manitoba) Inc. 1546 Wall St., Winnipeg, MB T: 204.415.3012 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE • REPAIRS • PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE • RESTORATION • REPLACEMENT Congratulations to Akman Construction Ltd. on the great success of the Smith Street Lofts project! Atlas-Apex Services (Manitoba) Inc. are proud to have partnered with Akman and the other project stakeholders to deliver this exciting revitalization of this property located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Atlas-Apex Services (Manitoba) Inc. is a subsidiary of Atlas-Apex Roofing Inc. With over 90 years' experience, we are a full-service national roofing contractor providing our services in the industrial, commercial and institutional space through 14 branches from coast to coast! www.atlas-apex.com | 1-877-221-ROOF (7663) | inquiries@atlas-apex.com T204.943.7501 | www.ckpeng.com | ckp@ckpeng.com Crosier Kilgour is proud to provide the Structural Engineering and Building Envelope services for Smith Street Lo�s

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