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Building Envelope

March 9, 2010

Center for Architecture Science looks at turning windows into solar power generators

Cityscapes of glass-clad buildings gleaming in the sun make Anna Dyson think about wasted energy.

February 19, 2010

Construction to begin next year on Montreal library

Construction is slated to get under way next year on a new library in the Montreal borough of Saint-Laurent following a recent province-wide architectural competition.

February 9, 2010

Steel provides structure for historic hotel revival in Port Hope, Ontario

The Hotel Walton is a firmly established feature of downtown Port Hope. Unfortunately the building itself, constructed circa 1870, wasn’t so firmly established. Enter Ron Christopher, the force behind saving the hotel and reviving its structural integrity with a network of steel.

February 3, 2010

Lethbridge, Alberta builder spends $2 million to turn water tank into restaurant

Builder Doug Bergen always marvelled at his town’s water tower while growing up in Lethbridge, Alta. It was the tallest structure out on the wide open prairies south of Calgary.

January 21, 2010

Portland plans world’s most extensive vertical gardens

They haven’t figured out yet how to get the pruning done, but architects and federal officials plan one of the world’s most extensive vertical gardens in downtown Portland — what amounts to a series of 250-foot (76-metre)-tall trellises designed to shade the west side of an 18-story office building.

January 8, 2010

RDH Architects aims to elevate design of utilitarian municipal building

Typically, says Toronto architect Geoff Miller, municipal operations centres lack the cachet of say city halls or recreational facilities.

January 6, 2010

Ontario Public Service converting old building into green workplace

A team that includes WZMH Architects and construction manager Urbacon is poised to convert Jarvis Street building into a state-of-the-art green workplace for the Ontario Public Service.

December 29, 2009

Construction continues on Pearl condos in Toronto

Construction progresses at 35 Hollywood Ave. for the Pearl Condos in Toronto, Ont. The Conservatory Group began the 24-storey, 352-unit project in fall 2008 and it will include four levels of underground parking.

December 24, 2009

Concrete poured at Centro condos in Scarborough, Ontario

Steam rises off freshly poured concrete at the Centro Residential Condominium project in Scarborough, Ont. Construction manager Dominus Construction Group began the 31-storey, 578-unit project in April 2008 and the work also includes 16 townhouses and four levels of parking.

December 21, 2009

Getting glazing at the X Condos in Toronto

Glass installation continues on the X Condos in Toronto, Ont. Tucker Hi-Rise is construction manager for the 44-storey, 410-unit project that will also include six levels of underground parking.

April 24, 2009

Wire mesh popularity growing with diversity of applications

Woven stainless steel metal mesh is a versatile building material used for reasons as diverse as security or aesthetics, but increasingly it’s being used as a building envelope material, promoting sustainability and a reduction in solar heat gain.

April 24, 2009

Building restoration turned into an art form

Building envelopes are often designed to meet the technical specifications of a project, but occasionally special projects come along in which aesthetics trump all.

April 24, 2009

Thermo tech proving the right tool for moisture and mold

The tool fast gaining a reputation as a way to nip moisture and mold-related issues in the bud is the infrared imager which can pinpoint temperature anomalies to detect moisture inside a building envelope before it becomes a problem.

April 24, 2009

Technology is no substitute for careful planning

The technology has improved significantly over the last 10 years, but curtain walls and window walls still have to be carefully designed and thoroughly tested before they’re erected.