Oakville Modular Library
Additional Info
Award Winner : PCL Agile
Architectural Excellence : Purpose-built for the Town of Oakville to provide library services until 2025 when a permanent building will be constructed on site, the library is intended to be disassembled and moved to another location to serve as library or recreational centre in the future. Locating the library near the sports centre enabled tie-in to existing infrastructure and minimized disruption on site. The library welcomes visitors with its open-space layout that is flooded with natural light and flexible spaces which were designed without columns between modules. The design enables collaboration between flexibles spaces used for different activities,such as reading spaces, desktop computers, a 3D printer, and toys for STEM learning. Through user group input, a careful process in color selection allows for ‘feel good’ atmosphere. To maximize offsite completion and ensure an open concept, the team undertook an iterative process to understand client needs, resulting in accommodation of seven 12x14x60’ modules.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : A full turnkey solution was delivered to the client as PCL acted as both the fabricator and site builder. Costs were saved through submission of the project to the town as an ‘accessory building’ allowing the process to move faster. Smart material selection was performed within the client’s budget, from LED lighting to exterior sheathing board in which the building façade could be directly fastened. The utilization of the modular foundation system saved costs. The offsite and onsite work was coordinated to provide economies of scale, which reduced overall schedule and project costs. Ensuring that 90% of the building work was completed in the shop cut installation costs. Partnering with Steenhof Building Services, we collaborated with the client on a design by inviting users into the shop for customer testing before the building landed onsite. For cost-effectiveness, the existing parking spots and service infrastructure were leveraged due to the site’s proximity to the sports centre.
Design Firm Name : Chorny Associates Architect Inc.
Engineering Firm Name : Steenhof Building Services Group
Green Building Description : A relocatable building is more efficient as it saves costs on building a new site and can be easily moved for a different communal purpose. When considering non-value-added activities, 55% is usually wasted onsite while in the controlled environment of the shop, we reduce it to 5-10%. Construction sites receive fewer parts and pieces with offsite construction, which means less material movement. Due to the proximity to the sports center, utilization of existing infrastructure also ensured resource efficiency. With less parking spots used, lower embodied energy rates and less activity onsite, we reduced the impact on surroundings during construction. Just in time delivery ensured less disruption onsite and carbon reduction. Windows were strategically placed for more natural daylight and less expenditure on energy. LED light structures were also used. Considering the size of the building, heating and cooling requirements are managed in more sustainable ways.
Installer Firm Name : PCL Agile (PCL Construction)
Occupied Date : 4/16/2019
Owner Firm Name : The Corporation of the Town of Oakville
Production Start Date : 10/17/2018
Project Location City : Oakville
Project Location State Name : Ontario
Technical Innovation : With a business case for both temporary and permanent solutions to fit the client's need, modular became a welcome application for this project, while the process and permitting was completely new to the Town of Oakville. An adjustable foundation system was designed to be easily moved and be less disruptive to the environment. A custom solution was developed in-shop to move heavy modules, around 65,000 pounds, which minimized crane use. In a unique instance, the ramp system and canopy were also prefabricated and shipped. The lighting and electrical systems were optimized to be self-contained as much as possible within the modules. A unique job hazard analysis was created and performed for the modular fabrication and deployment, resulting in zero-incidents on the project. We leveraged BIM modeling through Revit to illustrate the outcome for our client and other stakeholders. Another accomplishment was landing 7 mods in five days in inclement winter conditions.
Total Square Feet : 5040