Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/177525
PHOTO COURTESY DIALOG Western Canada High School LOCATION 641 17 Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER by Stacey Carefoot Calgary Board of Education PROJECT MANAGER Stantec estern Canada High School (WCHS) has built upon its historic background with a $35-million partial modernization. The Calgary Board of Education made the decision to modernize rather than bulldoze when it came time to upgrade the deteriorating buildings. The top academic high school is situated alongside Calgary's trendy 17 Avenue, adjacent to the Mount Royal community. It consists of nine buildings ranging in size and construction eras. A 1928 structure boasts the greatest longevity while an addition from 1982 serves as the most modern building on the site. The daunting task of modernizing was met by a capable team led by Dialog, Stantec Consulting Ltd. and Clark Builders. Maintaining the site's historical integrity was important. "Understanding the building's historic chronology and evolution helped us to develop a sense of signi icance," says Lorne Simpson, partner at Simpson Roberts Architecture Interior Design Inc. Simpson Roberts took on two major campaigns within the project. Specializing in historic building envelopes their main role was to refurbish existing brick and repair and replace the school's windows. "With each building being constructed at different points in W history the process varied slightly," says Simpson. "For the most part, we focused on re-pointing the mortar joints and replacing concrete sills and sandstone accents where necessary." The interior upgrades were also speci ic to each of the nine buildings. Without enough funding to cover a full renovation, the team set out to prioritize the modernization. "Much of the project scope was invested in substantial improvements that would not be readily remarked upon," says Kevin Sullivan, associate at Dialog. Building envelope, structural integrity, air quality improvement and increased connectivity were top priorities. Nine custom rooftop mechanical units have been installed providing increased air quality. Other mechanical upgrades included upgraded water service for sprinklers and the addition of new hot water heating and chilled water-cooling systems. The age of many of the buildings meant the presence of hazardous construction materials. As part of the interior renovations, these materials were removed following a comprehensive hazardous materials removal program, which took place when students were absent. The staff and students played an important role when it came to outlining the electrical needs of the project. ARCHITECT Dialog HERITAGE ARCHITECT Simpson Roberts Architecture Interior Design Inc. CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Clark Builders STRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Dialog TOTAL AREA 128,116 square feet TOTAL PROJECT COST $35 million "We met with teachers and administration to determine their speci ic needs," says Brad Gibson, lead electrical consultant. "It was determined unanimously that better communications systems were needed," says Gibson whose team set about installing over 220 data drops and ensuring each classroom was wired to accommodate technological needs. Other general electric considerations included a new ire alarm, exit lighting, emergency lighting, upgraded power and additional lighting to select areas. Interior improvements included the addition of a barrier-free system. An elevator addition connects the three storeys while ramps increase mobility. "The building was zero per cent accessible in terms of access to the various loor levels throughout the school and the washrooms," says Sullivan. "The school now has a high level of barrierfree accessibility." "We've increased the construction scope by 30 per cent value back into the school," says Al Szymanek, project manager with Stantec Consulting Ltd., speaking to the costs savings. This value was a result of favourable tender prices that came in through the course of the project and included a number of upgrades that hadn't been high priorities. Painting and looring upgrades to areas where inishes were in poor condition were included and the refurbishing of a number of washrooms added to the work order. "Senior staff helped in assessing the additional scope opportunities, and they were along with the school community, were highly appreciative to see more areas of the school receive attention," says Kevin Sullivan. "Upgrades to the mechanical system in the technical wing and to the foods lab and a media lab were also a result of the initial cost savings." The cafeteria space, originally a gymnasium built in 1937, received numerous upgrades including new looring and furniture. New light ixtures, uplighting and exposed skylights allow natural light to penetrate through the busy area. Exposed wood trusses and wood ceiling deck are focal points, as is a new entrance canopy at the food servery area. The bold use of red accent pays homage to the school colours and adds contrast to the neutral tone of the room. "While the renovation scope for the cafeteria was fairly simple, the overall impact of the lighting, the sculptural servery canopy and the featured wood ceiling deck and trusses, is quite striking," says Sullivan. The main lobby was poorly lit, had worn inishes and lacked natural light. "The renovation provided new inishes, and opened up the space to an existing courtyard to the south which provides great natural light," says Sullivan. "Although there is still work to be completed, Calgary Board of Education is very pleased with the success of this challenging project – the undertaking of a major modernization in a fully operational high school," says Robert Ashley, manager of architectural & engineering services. Ashley tips his hat to the team's ability to preserve historic components in a city like Calgary where history can be hard to come by. ■ April 2012 ANNUAL INDUSTRY FEATURE: Precast Concrete Book your ad space now: Dan Chapman 604.473.0316 Alexander Sugden 604.473.0358 48/ FEBRUARY 2012 p.48-49WCanadaHighSchool.indd 48 1/23/12 10:36:42 AM