Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/178323
general contractor, Manshield Con- on the team was to look after all interior struction Inc. of Winnipeg. A member of design, including architectural inishes the team since the beginning of the proj- and the furniture for common areas. "Our focus is on trying to make the ect, he says there were a few obstacles to overcome, such as "lots of rain this common areas of the building warm last year, including record rainfalls dur- and inviting, an extension of the residents' homes," says Makowka. "That ing summer 2011. is a shift in attitude "The building is a that has changed sort of courtyard-style over the years. Senior and we had to put a residences are more crane where the courthuman and less instiyard would go," says tutional than they Ladouceur. "In fact, we were in the past. needed to use a crane "We approached to get the crane into the the project as if it is a courtyard. We were condominium buildalso moving equipment ing, not a retirement and materials through home. The building the front doors of the code may say one building. It was tricky, thing, but we took it but we got it done." one more step and proOther challenges faced by the construc– Marlene Makowka, vide wider corridors tion team included partner, Hefele than are mandated. having "to redo the Makowka Design We made it more livwhole irst loor, to Associates Inc. able and that comes down to the artwork add proper support on the walls, the inon the street side. We reinforced the joist system. That was ishes, making it like a living room at home." a challenge – along with the weather." These rental suites and the comCambridge Window, a window and door manufacturer based out of Edmon- mon areas are inished "in very warm, ton, has been working with commercial inviting colours. We used clear colours and residential clients since 1996. For as the residents' eyesight may not be the Laurel Heights Retirement Resi- as good as when they were younger. dence project, the company supplied We made the look clean and crisp. We over 420 windows and 180 doors. Cam- also used chandeliers and different bridge worked with Manshield Con- lighting to give the interior a bit of a struction to provide its expertise and twinkle." The apartments are "very nice and problem-solving skills, including the modi ication and restriction of all the spacious," says Makowka, with lots of windows on the second loor, due to it closet space, a kitchenette – all light, bright and airy. The size of each suite being used as a dementia ward. Interior designer for the Laurel allows residents to "move in with their Heights Retirement Residence project own furniture, so the transition is not so was Marlene Makowka, partner with drastic." Mike Nowlan had a large job, wearHefele Makowka Design Associates Inc. of Toronto. She says Laurel Heights is the ing multiple helmets as structural, latest of several projects for All Seniors mechanical and electrical consultant Care on which she has worked. Her role to the project. Nowlan is a partner with Winnipeg-based Tower Engineering Group Ltd. "It was a good project, very enjoyable," says Nowlan. "We have a LOCATION 3110 22nd Avenue NW pretty good team to work with. This Edmonton, Alberta was the ifth project we've done with OWNER/DEVELOPER the same team." All Seniors Care Living Centres Laurel Heights is designed to modARCHITECT ern standards, all suites have been David Watkin Architect out it with necessary cables and outGENERAL CONTRACTOR lets for computers and televisions, says Manshield Construction Inc. Nowlan. He also points out the aboveSTRUCTURAL/MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT and-beyond care and attention given Tower Engineering Group Ltd. to such features as wider corridors and INTERIOR DESIGN call stations in each suite. Hefele Makowka Design Associates Inc. "Because the building offers a place LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT for seniors who may or may not need David Watkin Architect assisted living, there was special conTOTAL AREA sideration given at every step," he says. 155,000 square feet That sort of care and attention makes TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COST the difference between living and liv$20 million ing well. ■ "Our focus is on trying to make the common areas of the building warm and inviting, an extension of the residents' homes." Laurel Heights Retirement Residence p.62-65LaurelHeights.indd 65 Do you have a project of interest to our readers? If you would like your project to be considered for a future issue of Award, please email: Dan Chapman, Publisher dchapman@canadawide.com Richardson Mechanical is proud to be a member of Manshield Construction's build team on another successfully completed All Seniors Care facility. Richardson Mechanical is equipped to handle a variety of projects. Bonded, LEEDS, design build, small or large, we have the structure in place to see your project through from start to finish. Contact us at: phone: 780.454.9522 / fax: 780.454.9528 www.richmech.com AUGUST 2012 /65 12-07-19 12:20 PM