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A PR IL 2016 | 67 Continuing Studies Building Expansion – University of Victoria PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY UVIC PHOTO SERVICES Continuing Studies Building Expansion – University of Victoria by JESSICA KIRBY U niversity of Victoria's expansion of its Continuing Studies building is a warm, light-filled, inclusive space that encourages connectivity and engagement for the English Language Centre's Pathway Programs for international students, and for Executive Level Continuing Studies. The 3,620-square-metre expansion was constructed adjacent to the existing 4,140-square-metre Continuing Studies building over a 19-month construction schedule. Carl-Jan Rupp, principal architect with HCMA Architecture + Design, says, "The expansion was conceived as a light-filled, leading edge and environmentally responsive multicultural learning environment; vibrant, inclusive, open and connected. Its components were developed with flexibility in mind, having to be both easily reconfigurable in day-to-day operations and transformable over time." One of the project's key success measures was its integration with the existing structure. The design was centred around a new, central atrium "home base" connecting the existing four-level building with the new three-level expansion. "Expansive areas of skylight and generous interior glazing allow natural light and spectacular views overlooking nearby Mount Douglas and the Saanich Peninsula," says Rupp. The atrium acts as the main circulation space for the entire facility. Design components in the atrium were focused on collaboration and interaction, and include informal learning and study spaces, a lounge area and practical kitchenettes. Acoustic design was integral to the creative process and ensuring the strong sense of public space and circulation connection did not impact negatively on the surrounding language labs and classrooms, and their need for quiet. As a result, acoustically separated high-performing learning spaces embrace emerging technologies and philosophies in learning. The design team selected the expansion's material palette based on the project's context, reflections of the high-quality programs stationed in the facility and sustainability. "The exterior combines the rich colour of masonry with two light tones of high-performance metal panel cladding, accentuated by expressive vertical and horizontal aluminum sun shading devices that play a key role in the overall sustainability strategy," says Rupp. "The atrium's roof responds to a specific solar orientation and the application of custom-designed frit pattern creates a dynamic light environment over the course of the day, controls light levels and mitigates heat gain." The space incorporates natural ventilation and radiant heating to ensure a welcoming and comfortable experience. The project's additional sustainability features include considerations in site planning with stormwater bioretention zones, low energy lighting, reduced water-use fixtures and low- emitting materials and finishes. The main building is concrete construction with concrete columns and slab bands forming the primary gravity system, and concrete shear walls complete with soil anchors for the lateral system. The atrium is steel framed with cross braces for the lateral system, and both are structurally separated from the original Continuing Studies building to allow for a seismic gap. Kate Ulmer of Herold Engineering, structural consultant on the project, says that to address cost implications, in the conceptual design phase, the team investigated a number of options for tying into the existing structure to avoid the need for a seismic gap. "One option was to perch the atrium structure on top of the existing building and connect it on rollers so that it could move freely, relative to the existing building in a seismic event," says Ulmer. "This solution was later abandoned when the atrium roof level was reduced in height." The addition of a partially below- grade lower level adjacent to the existing at-grade structure presented a challenge due the potential undermining of the existing building. "This was dealt with by underpinning the existing building in sections, which created a challenge to the construction schedule as the contractor had to wait for sections to cure and gain strength before they could move on to adjacent sections," says Ulmer. "A higher early strength concrete mix was used to minimize schedule impacts. Also the fact that the existing building was to remain occupied during construction of the new addition drove some of our design decisions regarding phasing, sequencing and constructability of the structural elements." Roger Yager, VP, Knappett Projects says the project was complicated and challenged the construction team with tight site conditions and limited access. "Given that the new building was placed between the existing CST and the athletics fields, and that continuous access was only allowed from one direction, this resulted in significant challenges in mobilizing crews and materials for all contractors," says Yager. "It also resulted in a longer construction period due to staged work procedures." The new facility was connected to the existing building at several points including critical access and egress locations, requiring significant temporary works to ensure the safety of the occupants during construction. In addition, several areas in the existing building required renovations to accommodate the new layout, which added complications to the project. Integrating access control, fire alarm, DDC controls and other systems between the new and existing buildings was challenging as the two structures now had to function as one. "There are always challenges when attempting to integrate new systems with old and this project was no different," says Yager. "The contractors had significant issues when trying to get all of the systems working together." Despite its challenges, the willingness among team members to collaborate and communicate openly and honestly helped all parties overcome and succeed at creating a truly remarkable project. Maureen MacDonald, dean of the Division of Continuing Studies at the University of Victoria says the University is delighted with the final results. "The expanded facility is going to provide wonderful teaching spaces for a wide range of students and the communal gathering spaces offer opportunities for students, staff and community members to interact outside the classroom," she says. "Conducting ongoing operations while a construction project is going on around you is not without its challenges, but we were very fortunate that our partners were able to ensure that we were able to carry on with business as usual throughout the project." A LOCATION Division of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road), Victoria, B.C. OWNER University of Victoria PROJECT MANAGER Facilities Management, University of Victoria ARCHITECT HCMA Architecture + Design GENERAL CONTRACTOR Knappett Projects Inc. STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Herold Engineering Limited MECHANICAL CONSULTANT AME Consulting Group ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT AES Engineering CIVIL CONSULTANT WSP Canada Inc. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Lombard North Group ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT Wakefield Acoustics Ltd. GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT Thurber Engineering Ltd. COMMISSIONING AGENT Applied Green Consulting Ltd. TOTAL SIZE 39,000 square feet TOTAL COST $13.7 million 10:16 AM

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