Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1521495
J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 15 Precast Concrete P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y L A FA RG E C A N A DA However, precast is not exclusively about sus- tainability or even efficiency, as crucial as these factors are. The best precast manufacturers have a keen ability to produce structures that are aesthetically pleasing, and Lafarge in Western Canada (where the company's precast services are focused) extends this value to projects that would otherwise be considered utilitarian. Case in point: for the Clayton Reservoir in Surrey, B.C., Lafarge Precast Edmonton cre- ated 161 white and charcoal precast concrete cladding panels, curved in a 3D circular/wave effect to maintain the natural ambiance of the area. A more traditional example of precast's aesthetic appeal is the Eagle Ridge affordable housing project in the Fort McMurray region. Eagle Ridge was notable for its use of precast concrete as the primary building material, including the superstructure, flooring, and exterior cladding. "The use of precast allowed for expedited construction, high-quality fin- ishes, and affordable housing in the Fort McMurray area," says Kristen Marston, com- munications and marketing manager for Lafarge Canada Inc. Marston adds, "By prioritizing our goals in pre- cast, including integrating modern technology, such as our newest hollowcore extruder, we've successfully minimized cross-sections while preserving strength, thus reducing cement usage and our environmental footprint. Innovation isn't a buzzword; it's ingrained in our processes and products, defining our commit- ment to building a more sustainable future." Coreslab Structures is well known in the precast sector for its structural and architectural exper- tise, facilitated by 17 manufacturing facilities across North America. Its strength for developers lies in the fact that it works with clients from initial design and planning to fabrication and installation, thus helping to ensure that projects are completed to the highest standards. One example of Coreslab's materials capa- bility in Canada is Blendtek Ingredients Inc.'s 85,000-square-foot headquarters in Cambridge, Ontario. Built by Jackman Construction Ltd., the facility required 21,915 square feet of pre- cast hollowcore and solid slabs, as well as 32,258 square feet (150 pieces) of insulated pre- cast walls each measuring 42 feet (') by 7', to meet both SQF and organic certifications. Coreslab's work on the 10th & Wyandotte Parking Garage in Kansas City, MO is a show- case for the aesthetic benefits of precast structure. The five-storey design features unique blackouts in its precast exterior pan- els, which were achieved using custom moulds and ceramic artwork. Also, thanks to precast the project was able to cover 72,000 square feet with 281 pieces in just 10 months. Finally, the general contractor NZ Builders is unique in that it pushes the envelope of design and building science by building a vari- ety of high-performance passive solar homes on Vancouver Island. One such home in Victoria is especially noteworthy in that it boasts a diverse array of concrete finishes, including one entire exterior panel featuring a life-size image of a Garry oak tree, etched permanently into the concrete. The flooring is polished concrete, and mixed media and textured walls are throughout the build. The entire home required Concrete Insulated Panels (CIP), R-16 effec- tive wall assembly, R-40 slab insulated footings, and an R-40 roof assembly. A Precast construction at the Eagle Ridge affordable housing project, Fort McMurray, AB. Peikko BESISTA® tension rod and compression bar systems set the standard for seamlessly bracing buildings and other load-bearing structures. With detailed aesthetics and patented safety and installation features, BESISTA is your first choice for load-carrying connections that boldly stand out. BESISTA® It's in the details Designing, consulting, manufacturing & installation of eco-friendly architectural and structural precast concrete 416.746.2479 | tklgroup.com Precast.indd 1 Precast.indd 1 2024-05-14 12:01 PM 2024-05-14 12:01 PM