Univeristy of Toronto
Additional Info
Award Winner : NRB Modular Solutions
Architectural Excellence : The University wanted a two story administration building located in their park-like setting that would provide staff with the permanence and performance of conventional construction, while offering much needed flexibility of relocation in the future. A practical rectangular footprint worked well with the layout of the surrounding treed lot on the campus, allowing most of the trees to remain. The straightforward grid lines applied to the floor plan and exterior finishes allowed for the simplest approach in design for deconstruction when the need arises to relocate it to another campus. Exterior cladding is a combination of maintenance free horizontal prefinished steel and architectural metal panels, using a color scheme that matches the other buildings throughout the campus. Interior finishes include painted drywall in multiple colors, with acoustical ceilings and carpeted or tiled floors. Large operable windows maximize day-lighting features and outdoor views for staff.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Reducing time on site as well as reduced activity or disruption at a year round busy campus location helps improve the bottom line. Because the modules were constructed off-site to 90% completion, and shipped and set in only two days, vehicular traffic was limited and the small construction site area was easily secured and contained. On site trade supervision was minimized, as was the need for campus security and related costs. The building features rigid R20 poly-iso insulation blanketing the exterior of the roof and wall assemblies and moving the dew point away from the interior cavities to prevent any condensation. HVAC units are gas fired with economizers, and are pad mounted for ease of maintenance and to eliminate ladders which could cause vandalism or safety issues at the campus. The heating system was carefully zoned based on heat gain from the south facing windows to ensure all occupants would have controllability of systems to ensure comfort of work spaces.
Occupied Date : 10/20/2010
Production Start Date : 7/29/2010
Project Location City : Mississauga
Project Location State Name : ON
Technical Innovation : Originally designed as a wood framed building for perceived cost savings, NRB and the owner changed the design to a non-combustible, steel framed structure with pre-poured concrete floors to give the university a higher level of longevity and durability over its intended use and life cycle. Non-combustible construction then also negated the necessity of fire rating the supporting walls and between the floors, a costly and time consuming feature that would otherwise have been required initially and then dealt with again each time in the reassembly process after moving. Building with a post and beam structural steel design also allowed NRB to build engineered lifting eyes in to the structure so that when the building was to be set in place, or relocated, the ease with which it could be done would improve both time and site safety.
Total Square Feet : 8280