Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/856921
AUGUST 2017 | 19 Building Envelope RENDERING COURTESY LAFARGE CANADA INC. In Alberta, R-27 has become a typical wall insula- tion value; but although this is a remarkable step up in expectations for energy efficiency compared to years past, Lafarge Canada Inc. can easily achieve it with its insulated wall panels, which can be made to suit any value – even R-44 if need be. The panels also help save money due to ease of installation and the fact they can arrive on site with the windows already in place. Lafarge has been a leader in demonstrating the benefits of precast concrete as a building envelope, via notable projects such as a LEED Platinum net zero energy precast concrete duplex that it built in con- junction with Habitat for Humanity. But an even more spectacular demonstration of precast was its use in Lafarge's own Innovation Hub in Edmonton, a facil- ity made entirely of precast concrete, with the pre- cast sandwich panels eliminating thermal bridges and delivering strong energy performance combined with an intelligent building management system. Lafarge precast and prestressed concrete is used in low- and mid-rise apartment buildings, hotels, motels and nursing homes where the repetitive use of stan- dard components manufactured in a factory can be fully utilized. Precast is also increasingly being appre- ciated for its fire resistance and ability to block noise, which means reduced insurance rates and higher incomes for building owners. Darren Smith, national sales manager – Canada/ U.S. at Engineered Assemblies Inc., says the demand for cladding is steadily rising, partly due to the fact that cladding offers far better R-values than glazing. Even in a city such as Vancouver in which glazing is the most notable feature of its skyline, Engineered Assemblies' cladding is making a noticeable visual impact. Case in point, the redevelopment of the well- known Shannon Estates. For this multi-residential project, the company has supplied striking Equitone Tectiva Super White along with 60,000 square feet of Eternit, supported by Engineered Assemblies' TcLips. Innovation Hub, Edmonton, AB Barrel Yards Point Towers, Waterloo, ON 3:23 PM