Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/833835
J UNE 2017 | 59 VERSUS concrete and reinforced steel towers was fast and uncomplicated, with a new storey added almost weekly. Russell Murray, contract administrator at Designcore Engineering Ltd., says of the electrical portion of the project, "We modified the original design several times in order to stay on budget, and we used LED extensively both for longevity and to meet LEED standards. While the work in residential suites was straightforward, the lighting in the public areas required tweaking after elements such as the exercise equipment was installed, to optimize their appearance." VERSUS required McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. to provide a variety of landscape features for the tower project. Landscape architect, Stan Siemens says, "Our goal was to emphasize design quality and amenities in the pedestrian realm, which included sidewalk surfacing, trees, benches and bike racks. Streetscape elements were selected to provide high-quality urban components and we co-ordinated with the architects of a neighbouring project [The Mark] to ensure that walking surface colours, patterns and textures complemented the appearance of both buildings and created a uniform theme along the full city block." McElhanney's expertise was also required to design the third floor amenity space where overhead trellises and planters, as well as a fireplace and barbecue were designed to provide tenants with an outdoor courtyard to relax in and enjoy social gatherings. In addition, a soft surface and decorative screening for the yoga area was designed as well as barbecues, trellises and planters for the penthouse suites. Raynard summarizes the sentiments of his colleagues when he says of VERSUS, "This has been one of the most stress-free jobs we've handled in years, and that's because the owner, architects, engineers and contractors not only had lots of high-rise tower experience, they also communicated with each other unfailingly, and daily." A LOCATION 917 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta OWNER/DEVELOPER ONE Properties ARCHITECTS Kirkor Architects + Planners (exterior) HOK (interior) CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Ledcor Construction STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. MECHANICAL CONSULTANT MechWave Engineering Ltd. ELECTRICAL CONSULTANT Designcore Engineering Ltd. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. TOTAL SIZE 425,000 square feet TOTAL COST $80 million PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEMERMEYER PHOTOGRAPHY INC./COURTESY KIRKOR ARCHITECTS + PLANNERS