ISSUE NUMBER 58 | WINTER 2017/18 | PM40024961 | $6

Bergeron Centre for

Engineering Excellence
Creative facade wraps high-performance envelope

Mainstreaming Mass Wood Construction

Lessons from Brock Commons

Our annual Canadian Directory

of Products and Services for Sustainable
High-Performance Building
Digging Deep
Unearthing the truth about
green roof growing media

First Net Zero Certified Home in Canada

Saanich house meets Net Zero
Home Labelling Program
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 1
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 AWARD WINNER
INTERNATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN
WWW.SABMAGAZINE.COM
BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS PUBLISHING For more about the articles in this issue!

6 RAIC Report
8 Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence
Creative facade wraps high-performance envelope
14 Bois Ellen Housing Co-op
Construction detailing and energy efficiency on a budget

19
First Net-Zero labelled Home in Canada 14
Saanich house meets Net Zero Home Labelling Program 16
24 Viewpoint

WINTER
Next generation sustainability
26 Digging Deep
2017|2018
Unearthing the truth about green roof growing media
29 OUR ANNUAL CANADIAN DIRECTORY
of Products and Services for Sustainable 26
High-Performance Building
39 Trespa® Meteon® clads world’s 19
tallest wood building Sponsored content
42 Mainstreaming Mass Wood Construction
Lessons from Brock Commons

46 Interview
Why Brian Eberle loves old tires

DON’T MISS NEXT ISSUE

SPRING 2018
Crosstown Elementary School, Vancouver
School designed for student wellness and better learning
BC Energy Step Code Explained
“Step system” a new take on energy efficiency
Special Supplement: The Canada Green Building Council
LEED-Year-in-Review [an overview of 2017 LEED-certified projects]
And more ...

Cover: Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence. Photo: Younes Bounhar, DoubleSpace.
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 3
 D IS TR IB UTED B Y D OB B IN S ALES
info@dobbinsales.com

4 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 CLOSING
Dedicated to high-performance building

Member Canada

THE GAP
Green Building Council

SABMag is a proud member and official media

partner of the Canada Green Building Council.

In addition to my role as Editor of SABMag, I wear a number of other hats. In

VISIT www.sabmagazine.com
PUBLISHER Don Griffith
800-520-6281, ext. 304, dgriffith@sabmagazine.com
EDITOR Jim Taggart, FRAIC
604-874-0195, architext@telus.net
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800-520-6281, ext. 303, dmanseau@sabmagazine.com
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the interest of full disclosure, one of these hats is that of a faculty member in
the Architectural Science degree program at the British Columbia Institute
of Technology [BCIT], a program whose achievements are celebrated in the
Viewpoint article that appears in this issue. When I started at BCIT, I was also
a Contributing Editor to Canadian Architect magazine. On the occasion of its
50th anniversary in 2005, I wrote:
“This anniversary seems an appropriate time to reflect on the consid-
erable responsibilities we bear as architects. We are indeed creating
the fabric of communities in which the next several generations of
our descendants will live and work. It seems not only appropriate but
essential, therefore, that the architectural profession assumes the role
of mediator between the leading edge of political, social and techno-
logical change, and the economic and physical realities facing clients
commissioning buildings in the present day.
For all its permanence, architecture has always been the embodi-
ment of change, reflecting the values and aspirations of the societ-
ies it serves. This aspect of architecture has surely never been more
important than now, when the depletion of our natural resources and
the degradation of the environment have
become critical global concerns. North
America is still seen as a role model by
much of the developing world, so it is vital
that we commit ourselves to designing
buildings that are truly sustainable even if
replicated on a global scale. We have the
knowledge and the means, yet standard
practice still falls far short of what is now
attainable. Thus, as sustainability becomes
more and more a race against time, the
most important challenge facing the
profession must surely be to close the gap
photo: Roy Grogan between what is achievable and what we
actually achieve.”
For me at least, these sentiments resonate more loudly than ever.
Thankfully, our BCIT grads get it, and go out into the world as champions
of both technological and social change. As they take their place in the front
lines, their attitude is positive, their ambition far-reaching, and their
determination unwavering. There is much to learn from those we teach.

Jim Taggart, FRAIC

Editor

Environmental savings for this issue:

77 275,795 litres 4,022 kg 9,805 kg

Trees water waste CO2
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 5
RAIC REPORT By Angie Sauvé
RAIC Member Communications Specialist

A NATIONAL VOICE FOR ARCHITECTURE

The Royal Architectural Institute of Biennale; it was accepted, and they will
Canada [RAIC] is Canada’s national advo- represent Canada with a project called
cacy association for architects and architec- UNCEDED.
ture. Over the past year, the RAIC and its As an association of peers, the RAIC
members have worked on issues concerning brings together people who study complex
fees, contracts and selection processes as issues and develop targeted and insight-
well as sustainability, heritage and reconcili- ful approaches to affect change. RAIC
ation with Indigenous people. members lend their expertise to groups
As a national body, the RAIC spreads the such as the Age-Friendly Housing Options
message that architecture matters through task force, the Committee of Regenerative
the involvement of its members, among Environments, and the RAIC Emerging
them architects, graduate architects, aca- Practitioners, who are focused on the inter-
demics, interns, students, retirees and allied ests of students, interns and newly licensed
professionals. architects. Members also have access to
In 2017, the RAIC joined with architecture practice support services designed to sup-
organizations around the world to reaf- port success, including online resources,
firm a commitment to the Paris Agreement practice support documents and quality
to mitigate global warming through good continuing education. The widely recog-
design. It made recommendations on the nized MRAIC designation of members is a
Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth symbol of commitment to the profession.
and Climate Change; and appeared before The work continues in 2018 with support Keeping Good Roofs
the Senate Standing Committee on Energy,
the Environment and Natural Resources
from RAIC members and partners. A new
year signals membership renewal time. If
Good To Reduce
with recommendations for transitioning to a
low carbon economy.
you’re a member, you know what to do;
renew membership quickly and easily by
Costs And Improve
Also in 2017, the RAIC Indigenous Task logging into your account at www.raic. Facility Performance
Force held Canada’s first International org. If you are not yet a member and want
Indigenous Architecture and Design to learn more about how your member- TTremco
emc understands
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and LiveRoof Ontario, respectively. and a sleek, aesthetic appeal to the headquar-
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its GEO-Passive Slab used in the Salus the world leader in developing and supplying
Clementine Passive House insulates the integrated ITS [intelligent transportation sys-
underside of the concrete to isolate it from tems] and ticketing systems for public trans-
the surrounding earth to avoid moisture portation.
issues, and spread the bearing load. The Roofing
o f ng and
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CF Architectural Flat Panels: http://www.
LiveRoof Ontario case study describes Peace
P a off Mind.
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metlspan.com/products/commercial-industri-
how the vegetated roof on the Humber
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6 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

ECOSPEX TOOLKITS PROVIDE AEC PROFESSIONALS
UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON REQUIREMENTS FOR
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS/HEALTHIER BUILDINGS
The five Toolkits from Ecospex, consisting of a suite of 33 technical
documents, support building project timelines to include the following:
1. Pre-design, 2. Design, 3. Construction
The Toolkits, three of which are ready now: Toolkits 1, 3 and 4, allow
AEC professionals to manage the design process by reducing time and
errors, and increasing efficiency and cost savings. Each document comes
with a set of instructions, and each set of documents is standardized.
The Table below is a brief excerpt from Toolkit 1: LEED 2009
vs LEED v4 Comparison Matrix which gives a comprehensive
and concise comparison of LEED "old ' and 'new'. The compari-
son spread sheets can be printed for easy reference in the office.
Toolkit 4: Specification Language for Achieving LEED v4
Credits gives guidance on where LEED v4 has changed in spec
language. Both Toolkit 1 and 4 are available for $300 each, or
both for $500 [plus tax] from julie@ecospex.com.

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The well is rotationally molded into a single unit, making

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grade, they meet the railing height standard, making
them safely accessible by all ages and abilities.

www.molokna.com 519-323-9909

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 7

Bergeron Centre for
Engineering Excellence
Creative facade wraps high-performance envelope
Located on a campus of 104 buildings and
10 million square feet, the Bergeron Centre for
Engineering Excellence has recently become York
University’s first LEED Gold certified building.
The facility provides a holistic platform to educate
the next generation of ‘Renaissance Engineers’,
creative problem solvers and entrepreneurial
leaders with a social conscience.
By Paul Stevens

The bold architecture of the Bergeron Centre is a metaphor for creativity.

Evoking the properties of a cloud, the undulating façade is comprised of a series
of triangles positioned according to a complex algorithm. The façade reflects
light and pattern while at the same time minimizing the window-to-wall ratio of 1
the building envelope.
Through a highly integrated and collaborative process, the design team was 2
able to attain LEED Gold certification, a first for York University and a consider-
able achievement for a facility of this size and type.
The Bergeron Centre is a highly technical building with a significant infra-
structure requirement to deliver a lab-intensive program. Energy conservation
strategies included a focus on achieving a high-performance building envelope.
Specifically, the window-to-wall ratio was minimized to allow for greater overall
insulation and an increased wall thickness. A vegetated roof adds to the insula-
tion value of the roof.
Beyond these energy conservation measures, the sustainable design strat-
egy was based on sustainable site development, materials management, waste
diversion and innovation credits that included an extensive public education and
outreach program.
The university is undergoing a transition from a suburban, car-based campus
to one that is more urban and sustainable. In keeping with this goal, the building
is located on a former parking lot. Optimal orientation was determined using
detailed microclimate analysis, and the building footprint was minimized by
stacking the program vertically.
The project transforms what was a “back of campus” site into an entry point
linking two major pedestrian routes and ensuring continuity of the public realm
that leads to the University’s recently completed subway station. These strate-
gies are important, as more than 80% of commuters now travel to York by public
transit, walking, cycling or carpooling. The design brings the student community
together using streetscape furniture, planting strategies, sheltered courtyards
and night sky friendly lighting.

8 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 C

C C B
A

J
D
I

H
E

K G

L
M

Site plan N

A Main entrance F Event space K Terrace

B Student services G Orientation room L Courtyard below
C Research labs H Core M Roof
D Structural high bay laboratory I Social space
E BEST room J Foyer

PROJECT PERFORMANCE
ENERGY INTENSITY [Building and Process energy] = 224.8 kWh/m2/year
REDUCTION IN ENERGY INTENSITY relative to reference building under ASHRAE 90.1-2007 = 33% energy cost savings
POTABLE WATER CONSUMPTION from municipal sources = 934 L/occupant/year
REDUCTION IN POTABLE WATER CONSUMPTION relative to reference building = 37%
REGIONAL MATERIALS as defined by LEED [by value] = 34%
RECLAIMED AND RECYCLED MATERIALS [by value] = 23%
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS DIVERTED from landfill = 91%

1 - The building transforms a former parking lot into a dynamic gateway and destination.
2 - Terraced vegetated roofs are highly visible and exceed Toronto’s Green Roof By-Law.

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 9

 Located adjacent to an established naturalized storm water catchment area called Stong Pond, the Floor plans N
project involved extensive consultation with the local Conservation Authority extending the natural-
ization strategy beyond property lines to create a contiguous ecosystem. All storm water not used A Student working area
for irrigation follows a naturally draining system of holding and water polishing ponds. Bird and small B Electrical
mammal habitats established around Stong Pond were enhanced. Planting comprises drought-toler- C Medical devices
ant grasses and low ground cover, together with local trees that reinforce the existing species mix. D Faculty
The extensive vegetated roof is an important water management tool but also a highly visible E Hotelling suite
ecological and educational component of the project. It exceeds the minimum size mandated by F Spray booth
Toronto’s green roof bylaw. G Heating/pumps/physical plant
Daylight strategies are designed both to save energy and to enhance occupant wellbeing. H Vegetated roof
Occupancy sensors are installed in interior areas, while daylight sensors are used in perimeter areas. 3 - The Design Commons is the creative hub
Full cut-off ‘dark sky’ LED lighting is used externally. Operable windows were not considered, as all for the Renaissance engineering program.
Elkay's EZH2O bottle filling stations placed
laboratory areas require positive air pressure for exhaust ventilation. Therefore, CO2 sensors are used
in the common areas reduce refrigeration
to regulate air change rates in classrooms, meeting rooms and labs. energy, wasted potable water, and plastic
bottle waste.

3
Fx

A
B
4x

Level 3 D
E

4
F

Roof plan
H

10 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 Secondary steel HSS Concrete slab
member forming
PROJECT CREDITS structural panel backup
OWNER York University
ARCHITECT ZAS Architects + Interiors
Secondary steel
LEED CONSULTANT ZON Engineering Radiant heater panels HSS member
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Forrec Inc. forming structural
STRUCTURAL, CIVIL, MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Arup panel backup
COMMISSIONING AGENT CFMS Aluminum glazed
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Laing O’Rourke / Gilliam Group curtain wall
FAÇADE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Blackwell Ltd. HSS 102 x 102 typical Light gauge
framing with 4.8 mm metal stud wall
FAÇADE PATTERN RESOLUTION Mesh Consulting bent steel plate infill within
PHOTOS Younes Bounhar, DoubleSpace window portal secondary steel
panel system
4 - The building façade also informs interior space making,
including the foyer stair.
Secondary steel HSS
member forming
structural panel backup
Secondary steel ‘Saddle’ support
on cast-in plates on reinforced
Typical panel bay, rear concrete slab

Spandrel glass mounted

on aluminum composite
panel backup and assembly
Air diffuser

Aluminum composite Secondary steel HSS

material panel member forming
structural panel backup
Aluminum glazed
curtain wall Light gauge metal stud wall
infill within secondary steel
panel system

Secondary steel HSS member

Aluminum glazed curtain with extended lintel plate for
wall system secured to curtain wall support
secondary steel HSS

Cloud high bay soffit, front

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 11

 Inverting typical campus layouts, student wellness and
productivity drove the design process, optimizing spaces for
learning, discovery and interaction. Students have access to
the best and brightest spaces, while offices are located within
the core. Welcoming, flexible social spaces for student gather-
ing frame the entrance, offering panoramic views of the sur-
rounding campus.
Echoing a tech start-up, the Bergeron Centre includes a
Design Commons, where students are encouraged to gather,
discuss and develop entrepreneurial ideas. Social spaces adja-
cent to research and academic areas facilitate the cross- pol-
lination of ideas. Even corridors are places to learn with small
niches and white boards for around-the-clock brainstorming,
creating, critiquing and promoting spontaneous dialogue.
Recycled materials that could be sourced with minimal to
no incremental cost were identified early in the project, and
included materials such as structural steel, cast-in-place con-
crete, gypsum board, carpets, concrete blocks, unit pavers,
steel studs and doors. Almost two -thirds of wood products
used were FSC certified.
The use of native plants in the exterior landscaping enabled
the project team to dispense with an irrigation system.
Internally, the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures resulted in a
significant reduction in the use of potable water.
In order to share the sustainable design strategies with 5
building users and visitors, an audio tour of the building was
professionally recorded and has been made available as a
downloadable podcast on the university website.
Following the success of the Bergeron Centre, York
University has decided to support the Paris Agreement on cli- 5 - Inspiring social spaces such as the Event Space act as a hub for collaboration and
mate change, and to pursue Passive House or Net Zero Energy interaction in this student-centric building.
standards on future projects. 6 - Integrated site planning has improved the public realm and completed a link of campus
pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.

PAUL STEVENS ARCHITECT, OAA, MAIBC, NSAA, AAA, MRAIC,

AIA, LEED® AP IS SENIOR PRINCIPAL WITH ZAS ARCHITECTS +
INTERIORS IN TORONTO.

12 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 Sponsored content

How radiant heating

and cooling is transforming
high-performance building
It is no surprise that as more and more building owners are placing
increased emphasis on sustainable and responsible building
practices, engineers, architects and designers are looking
beyond traditional HVAC solutions to maximize energy
efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort and safety.

One system that is seeing increased growth in commercial applications is hydronic

radiant heating and cooling. Over the past decade, the number of radiant heating
and cooling systems designed, installed and commissioned has increased dramati-
cally. These systems are gaining exposure and popularity for a variety of reasons.
They can provide greater architectural freedom, superior comfort and more
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ant systems, however, is the potential for improved energy efficiency.

In a radiant heating system, warm water circulates through a series of cross-

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principle is used in radiant cooling; the difference is in the temperature of the
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reducing the total demand placed on a forced-air system.

Radiant systems can reduce overall building energy usage in a number of differ-
ent ways. For one, because the heat-transfer capacity of water is much
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water [in lieu of a fan to move air] can achieve the same heat trans-
fer using significantly less energy.

Also, because of the way the human body exchanges heat with its
surrounding environment, a radiant system can achieve compara-
ble levels of comfort at lower room temperatures for heating and
higher room temperatures for cooling. In fact, studies have shown
total energy savings for typical office buildings on the order of 17
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As building owners and jurisdictions continue to demand high-per-

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radiant system can be an effective and energy-efficient alternative
to a conventional forced-air-only system.

For more information please email

Info.ca@uponor.com

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 13

 BOIS ELLEN
HOUSING CO-OP
The recently completed Bois Ellen Co-op
is located in the City of Laval near the Place
de la Concorde train and metro station, a
neighbourhood that is in transition toward
multi-residential housing. Contrary to current
trends that rely heavily on active renewable
technologies, the design that emerged from
the Integrated Design Process [IDP] focuses
on passive design measures to ensure that
ongoing maintenance is easily manageable
for the Co-op and its residents.

By Daniel Pearl and Cecilia Chen

1 - South-east courtyard facade looking up, shows the low-tech

pre-heating solar air wall.

Construction detailing and

Site plan with Avenue Robert Élie on the left edge
energy efficiency on a budget
The L-shaped building has a six-storey senior’s wing
along Avenue Robert-Élie [with a dining hall opening to a
1 central courtyard] and a 13-storey wing along the north-
west edge of the site. Housing both seniors and families,
Bois Ellen integrates knowledge, experience, and critical
lessons learned by the architects on their previous large-
scale community housing projects.
What may prove to be the most valuable aspect of the
project is the deliberate strategy to encourage the residents
of Bois Ellen to become the advocates for this creative
and affordable housing model with the hope that it can be
replicated across Canada. This strategy emerged from open
dialogue and active listening between the design team and
the residents.
Both wings are cast-in-place concrete structures clad in
a combination of brick and metal panels tied back to light
steel framing. The technical innovations at Bois Ellen are
focused on three major themes :
• a significant improvement in building envelope perfor-
mance – with an ‘exterior blanket’ approach to insulation,
promoting energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and excellent
building air-tightness, rarely seen in Canada for affordable
housing at this scale
• the simplification of the buildings’ mechanical sys-
tems—including heating, ventilation and dehumidification;
N
• a pro-active, streamlined approach to passing on build-
ing operations to the residents via education sessions,
ongoing dialogue, continuous monitoring, iterative adjust-
ments, and gradual handover of the various procedures for
the different seasons and circumstances.

14 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 E.H. E.B.

E.B.

E.H.

The project was completed on budget, with a pre-

mium less than seven percent above conventional
affordable housing. This included an extensive life cycle
analysis of the building envelope, and enhanced quality
assurance procedures.
The envelope design incorporates clear and careful
detailing, as well as specifications to increase effective
thermal resistance and comfort; investment in the best
window and door units within the budget, with coatings
tailored to solar orientation; window and door installa-
tion details that increased comfort and reduced ther-
mal bridging and condensation risks; insulation placed
fully outside of the steel stud wall structure spanning E.B.

E.H.

between concrete floor slabs; reduction of thermal

bridging with non-conductive materials at girts and Typical floor plan for floors two to six N
sub-girts [specifically, the use of fibreglass ‘Cascadia
Clips’ which significantly reduce thermal bridging com-
pared to a more traditional metal girt cladding system],
thermally broken cantilevered balcony structures using 2
rigid insulation and fibreglass re-bar; solar-shading
devices on south-westerly façades; and careful insula-
tion and air-tightness at all exterior wall penetrations
required for electrical and mechanical systems.
Key to meeting and exceeding the Passive House
standard for air-tightness was the pride taken by the
trades responsible for building the exterior envelope.
2
The co-op was fortunate to have a general contractor
excited by the envelope challenge, and motivated by
the specified performance clauses and penalties.

PROJECT CREDITS
CLIENT France Clavette, Présidente COOP Bois Ellen
ARCHITECTS L’OEUF s.e.n.c. architectes in consortium with
Giasson Farregut architectes
MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS Pageau Morel et Associés
ENERGY DESIGN SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS CONSULTANT
EnerSys Analytics Inc.
STRUCTURAL & CIVIL ENGINEER Nicolet Chartrand Knoll
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Beaupré associés
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Sept Frères Construction G2 Inc.
PHOTOS Corey Narstead, CM Images and Daniel Pearl - L’OEUF

2 - South-east and south-west courtyard facade at grade.

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 15

 3
4

FUNDING/SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
ENERGY PILOT PROJET/PROJET NOVATEUR Société d’habitation du Québec
IDP PROCESS AND DOCUMENTATION Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation;
MONITORING EQUIPMENT AND PROJECT MONITORING NRCan CanmetENERGY and Hydro Québec
MONITORING AND RESIDENT EDUCATION Frank Suerich-Gulick
TECHNICAL RESOURCE GROUP Reseau 2000+

A NOTE ON ENERGY USE

5 The final post-construction energy simulation by EnerSys Analytics predicts the total energy
consumption for Bois Ellen to be between 130 kWh/m2/year and 140 kWh/m2/year, or about
30 to 35% better than typical new construction in Quebec. Depending on numerous factors
[including education, resident user patterns, etc.], energy use could be further lowered by
another 10 to 15%.

3 - Southwest facade looking up.

4 - Installation of permanent in-wall humidity and temperature sensors.
5 - Exterior photo of a single unit airtightness test for exfiltration.

16 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18


Weep holes @ 600mm c.c.
Extruded polystyrene
Internal flashing insulation, 64mm
Cellular glass insulation
block foamglass, 50mm
Folded galvanized
steel flashing,
2mm thick
Dymeric
sealant
Galvanized
354
steel spacer
Thermal break
Masonry supported at top of foundation wall on cellular glass insulation block
The frequency of third-party quality control testing and inspections by
building envelope experts and building commissioning agents [including
photographic thermography when weather permitted] ensured efficient
coordination and cooperation throughout the 18-month construction period.
A full-scale mock-up of a typical residential unit was very useful for finding
and correcting faults for both the windows and exterior doors delivered to
site and their installation as well.
SIMPLIFIED MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Three mechanical strategies were implemented to improve energy perfor-
mance, user comfort and individual controls within the apartments, includ-
ing: passive solar walls for pre-heating and pre-filtering fresh air centrally;
use of HRVs in each unit to recover heat from exhaust air; and the heat
recovery from domestic waste water.
Individual ventilation controls and individual heating bills for each resi-
dential unit allow for the autonomy and preferences of individual occupants
while encouraging them to take responsibility for their choices. On the other
hand, the corridors and the community dining wing have centralized controls
programmed to encourage energy efficiency, with override controls acces-
sible to residents.
MONITORING, EMPOWERMENT AND CO-LEARNING
Most post-occupancy monitoring projects are carried out to verify
whether as-built design innovations have led to expected results – in this
case, increased thermal comfort and energy savings. Such studies are often
difficult to implement, as installing monitoring equipment after construc-
tion can be a logistical nightmare and costly. Even when large complex
buildings are simplified, they remain complex, and learning how to fine
tune their daily and seasonal operations requires a serious commitment
from all key collaborators.
- Gypsum board type x 16mm
- Metal studs 92mm @ 610 c.c.
- Fiberglass mat sheathing, 16mm
- Air-vapour retarder membrane
- Fiberglass thermal spacers, 127mm
@ 610mm
- Semi-rigid mineral wool insulation,
125mm
- Adjustable masonry ties, vertical
and horizontal
- Air space, 29mm
- Brick cladding, 76mm
Interior
124
230
Exterior
Plan view exterior brick wall
It is not enough to simply design an affordable, robust
and sustainable building. It is also important to ensure that
the design intentions survive the construction process intact
and that the residents understand how to best operate their
building comfortably and efficiently. At Bois Ellen, a one year
monitoring project was discussed and planned even before
construction started, and for education purposes it was
decided that the installed equipment must become part of an
ongoing exchange of feedback between the original design
team, the monitoring observers, and the residents. Beyond
just seeing if things are working as predicted, the monitoring
team has taken on a more fundamental challenge - how to
best ensure that the project’s unique energy-efficiency strat-
egies are being adopted and appropriated by the residents.
Simplified literature and clear diagrams showing how indi-
vidual unit HRVs can be used during the various seasons is
being put in place, and a volunteer resident maintenance com-
mittee has been established so that residents, for the most
part, are assisting their fellow residents and gathering feed-
back - critical to uncovering which strategies and components
are worth integrating in future projects.
This co-learning dialogue is the key to Bois Ellen’s successful
future, and the key to sharing these valuable lessons learned
for affordable housing across Canada.
DANIEL PEARL AND CECILIA CHEN ARE WITH L’OEUF S.E.N.C
ARCHITECTS.
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 17
18 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18
 SABMag on high-performance housing
FIRST NET-ZERO LABELLED HOME IN CANADA
Saanich house meets Net Zero Home Labelling Program
1 - Ocean front East-facing elevation.
In May of 2017, the Canadian Home Builders Association
[CHBA] officially launched its Net Zero Home Labelling
Program, following the successful completion of a
15-month pilot to validate technical and administrative
procedures. The Program provides the industry and
consumers with a clearly defined and rigorous two-tiered
technical requirement that recognizes Net Zero and Net
Zero Ready Homes, and identifies the builders and
renovators who can provide them.
The Net Zero and Net Zero ready certification provides homeowners
with a voluntary and affordable option to invest in energy conservation
measures that go beyond those mandated by building codes.
In this way, the program supplements the existing Energy
Star and R-2000 certifications, encouraging developers and
builders of single-family houses and small multi-unit residential
buildings [MURBs] to raise their own standards, and those of
the industry as a whole.
A network of CHBA NZE Qualified Service Organizations,
Energy Advisors and Trainers is being established to work
directly with the builders and renovators to design, model, test
and inspect the homes, as well as to deliver the required training.
The CHBA NZE Building Science Training is mandatory for
participation in the CHBA NZE Labelling Program. The training
introduces the concept of the building as an integrated system;
the basic principles of building science, and how these can be
used to design reliable, high performance building assemblies.
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 19
 2 3

4
FIRST NET-ZERO LABELLED HOME
The first home in Canada to receive the CHBA’s
NZE label is located in Saanich, BC. Designed by
Ryan Hoyt and built by Falcon Heights Contracting,
the three-storey, 4,500 square foot house steps
down its sloping oceanfront lot, maximizing views
from each level. The main floor has grade access
from the road, and includes the living room,
kitchen and home office. Family and guest bed-
rooms are located on the upper floor, while the
full-height basement contains leisure and social
space that leads out to a barbecue terrace.
The main floor living space is open plan to
maximize daylight and views to the ocean, while
patios and decks are strategically placed to opti-
mize views, provide shelter and maximize privacy.
The house is rectangular in plan, with the longer
north and south elevations facing the property
lines, the east elevation facing the ocean, and
the west elevation screened from the road by a
detached garage.
The net zero energy strategy began with the
compact plan and a high-performance, airtight
building envelope, including triple-pane windows
and doors, with a solar heat gain coefficient of
0.18 and a North American Fenestration Standards
[NAFS] performance grade rating of PG50 Plus.

2 - Steel, timber, and glass breezeway connects garage to house.

3 - West-facing private garden.
4 - Curved lines, timber accents and custom millwork are
harmonized throughout.

20 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 K
A

B S
E
C L M
K

N
D
C
F T
G
O
H H H V
P U

I J Q F
F
R W K

Basement Main Upper

5
Floor plans N

A Gas heater on deck posts M Dining room

B BBQ N Kitchen
C Bar O Pantry
D Media room P Mud room
E Game room Q Entry/foyer
F Bathroom R Office
G Exercise room S Flat roof
H Elevator T Master bedroom
I Crawlspace storage U Laundry room
J Mechanical room V Walk-in
K Deck M Bedroom 2
L Living room

PROJECT CREDITS
DESIGNER Ryan Hoyt Designs
INTERIOR DESIGNER Mari Kushino Design
MILLWORK Thetis Cove joinery
CONTRACTOR Falcon Heights Contracting
PHOTOS Leanna Rathkelly

5 - Stone fireplace and live-edge dining room table.

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 21

 A
C
D

6
E
F 7

10mm gap between

cladding and flashing

Thru cavity flashing detail

A Building paper, two layers D Bug screen
B P.T. plywood strapping E Pre-finished flashing
C Cladding F 300mm starter paper

The roof is insulated to R-65 insulation, and the walls to

R-40 insulation, including two inches of continuous mineral
exterior insulation. Careful attention to the continuity of the air
barrier has resulted in an air change rate less than 0.7 A.C.P.H.
The high levels of insulation, together with the optimization
8
of windows elsewhere, enabled the design team to glaze the
east elevation completely, while still achieving net-zero per-
formance overall.
Energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems include:
a GREE air to water heat exchange unit, [equipped with
Tekmor controls] that supplies radiant heating and cooling
through an in-floor hydronic system; drain heat recovery; a
ductless condensing clothes dryer; and a combination of LED
and low voltage lighting systems, controlled by daylight and
motion sensors.
Having reduced overall energy demand using the above
measures, the remaining energy requirements are met using
a solar thermal installation for domestic hot water, and an
11KW roof-mounted photo-voltaic array. The garage also has
an electric car charging station. The house takes advantage of
BC Hydro’s Net Metering program, enabling surplus electricity
generated during the summer months to be sold to the utility,
then bought back should there be any shortfall in the winter.
After one year of operation, the house has a net energy con-
sumption of 0-gigajouels.

COMPILED BY SABMAG FROM MATERIAL SUPPLIED BY FALCON

HEIGHTS CONTRACTING OR PUBLISHED BY THE CANADIAN
HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION. INFORMATION ON THE NET 6 - Photovoltaic Panels.
ZERO PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.NETZEROHOME.COM. 7 - Easy access to roof for maintenance of PV array.
INFORMATION ON THE NET ZERO COUNCIL CAN BE FOUND AT  8 - Solar thermal domestic hot water system supplied by Viessmann.
WWW.CHBA.CA/NZC.

22 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

REGISTER FOR THE 2018 CANADIAN
GREEN BUILDING AWARDS
THE NATIONAL PROGRAM OF
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING MAGAZINE

National Sponsors ARCHITECTURAL Category Sponsors

ENTRY CATEGORIES
The Awards recognize excellence in the design 1. Residential [small] 6. Institutional [large]
and execution of all types of sustainably-designed, 2. Residential [large] 7. Mixed Use
3. Commercial/Industrial [small] 8. Existing Building Upgrade
high-performance Canadian residential and
4. Commercial/industrial [large] 9. Interior Design
non-residential buildings, and interiors. Projects 5. Institutional [small]
need not be certified under a green building
rating system.

RECOGNITION OUR JURY

Winning entries will be announced at the
 
CaGBC National Conference in Toronto in June,
Heather Dubbeldam, OAA, FRAIC,
2018, and published in the Summer issue of LEED AP
SABMag and at www.sabmagazine.com. Principal of Dubbeldam
All projects submitted will be considered for Architecture + Design,
publication in SABMag. Toronto

 
SCHEDULE Lindsay Oster, MAA, SAA, OAA,
Deadline for submissions / date limite pour soumettre MRAIC, LEED AP
vos projets March 9, 2018 / 9 mars 2018 Principal of Prairie Architects Inc.,
Judging date / délibération des juges Winnipeg
March 16 2018 / 16 mars 2018
Winners announcement / dévoilement des gagnants
Early June 2018 [date to be confirmed] / début juin
2018 [à confirmer]
Special SABMag Awards Issue / édition spéciale
de SABMag Summer 2018, containing winning Thomas Schweitzer, OAQ
projects, for distribution at CaGBC Conference and Director of Architecture, Ædifica,
Montreal
nationally / L'édition de l'Été 2018, contiendra les
projets gagnants, distribution à la conférence du
Conseil du Bâtiment Durable et distribution nationale.
Visibility for winners / visibilité des gagnants
CaGBC and SABMag websites / site web du Conseil
´ REGISTER NOW ´
du Bâtiment Durable et de SABMagazine. sabmagazine.com/Register.html

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 23

VIEWPOINT | NEXT GENERATION SUSTAINABILITY

For the sixth consecutive year, a gradu-

ate from the British Columbia Institute of
Technology’s Architectural Science pro-
gram has won the national CaGBC Student
Project Award. This year’s winner, Andrew
Martins, joins Ashley Hu [2016], Jason
Reid [2015], Alison Walker [2014], Albert
Lam [2013] and Simon Vangrootheest
[2012]. The objective of the Award is “to
recognize a student project that demon-
strates leadership, innovation, inspiration
and a creative vision for the future of sus-
tainable design in the field of green build-
ing and communities” - a national chal-
lenge where this small degree program
consistently succeeds.
By Jody Patterson and Matthew Woodruff

In 2016, to recognize the sixth consecutive win from one

program, CaGBC also granted the 2016 Academic Leadership
Award to program head Ron Kato. This string of success has led
us to reflect upon the way in which sustainability is taught in our
program, to see if there might be useful clues for other schools
or the profession as a whole. Our conclusion is that the tight
constraints of our program, the choice to prioritize sustainability
as a fundamental design driver, and the explicit adoption of a lad-
dered thinking model are distinct characteristics of our approach,
which, when combined with a thoughtful and passionate student
body have all contributed to this success.
The Bachelor of Architectural Science at BCIT is a compact
two-year program, on a 2+2 model: students completing BCIT’s
two-year Architectural and Building Technology [ABT] diploma
or equivalent may be admitted to the degree program. With a
small, aligned faculty of six instructors [the majority of whom
teach part-time and continue to practice], the program is charac-
terized by a small cohort up to 24 students with a strong founda-
tion of hard technical skills, and an intensive program of in-class
instruction which emphasizes sustainability in every course. This
approach gives us the opportunity to support students in explor-
ing sustainability through the gamut of analysis, precedent, and
technical performance in all core courses. Most importantly, in
design studio courses we seek to develop students’ ability to
consider complex questions and whole systems in their design
solutions, asking questions such as “how big is here?”, “how does
this place work?”, and “how might the nature of here evolve?”
What sets this program apart is both the BCIT polytechnic
approach – providing technology-based solutions in response to
industry needs – and the Architectural Science program method-
ology: to teach a ladder of critical thought, following a deliberate
and evolving framework. This scientific process works through
progression, analysis and repetition to ingrain sustainable think-
ing, reinforced in every core course delivered.

24 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 Originally established by Charlie Krone in his management consult-
ing work with DuPont, then elaborated by the firm Regenesis, a world
leader in the field of regenerative development, this model is charac-
terized as follows: establishing foundations to guide sustainable design decisions.
Display boards submitted to a CaGBC student competition. Left: this year’s winner,
Andrew Martins. Right: Ashley Hu, 2016 winner.
Having acquired a base of technical competence from four
terms of previous study, students enter Architectural Science
in Level 5 where the focus is more philosophical than technical:
This is pursued through the study of historical and contemporary
precedents, building materials and tectonics, and foundational
design studio, while developing essential skills in the building sci-
ence of sustainability.
Level 6 leverages these foundations and skills into applications
of sustainable design solutions, increasing technical and graphic
communication and continuing the development of building sci-
ence competencies. Entering Level 7, students are prepared to not
only apply but evaluate the implications of design strategies and
solutions. A laboratory approach is used in building science and
design studio, developing iterations to improve process and results
while promoting whole-building systems thinking.
Bridging from Level 7 to 8, students perform research and analy-
sis to develop a unique socially-driven high-performance building
proposal. All core Level 8 courses converge upon the delivery of
that comprehensive capstone project, which integrates the com-
plete technology-based skill set developed and revisits each step
of the ladder of sustainable design thinking.
This closed-loop approach reinforces and refines not only the
learning process but the teaching process, which is revisited with
each generation of capstone projects. The most recent program
innovation is to weave the building science stream fully into Level
8, to ensure that future capstone projects consistently demon-
strate leading-edge tools and techniques for high-performance
building design.
The goal of this Bachelor of Architectural Science program is to
produce industry-ready participants in the real world of sustain-
able thinking and building. Graduates are valued for their analytical
and technical skills in the execution of complex design processes,
hard earned through ongoing practice and reinforcement. We are
pleased to congratulate our graduates and program head on their
CaGBC awards, and proud of this program’s role to pursue and
promote a broad vision of sustainability - not as a technical or
peripheral solution, but as a vital and integral consideration at the
core of every design decision.
Jody Patterson, B. Arch, M. Arch, MRAIC is a Faculty Member
BCIT School of Construction.
Matthew Woodruff, Architect AIBC, is a Principal at Local
Practice Architecture + Design, Faculty Member BCIT School
of Construction.
Jody Patterson Matthew Woodruff
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 25
DIGGING DEEP
Unearthing the Truth
About Green Roof
Growing Media
The Green Roof Innovation Testing
Laboratory [GRIT Lab] at the University
of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of
Architecture, Landscape, and Design,
is focused on investigating the environ-
mental performance associated with
‘green’ and ‘clean’ technologies such as
green roofs, green walls, and green roof
integrated photovoltaic arrays.

By Hadi El-Shayeb, Liat Margolis,

and Jennifer Drake

Green roof technology is widely recognized as a key

component of sustainable building design across North
America. The wide range of benefits associated with green
roofs is captured to varying degrees in the U.S. Green
Building Council’s LEED rating system. USGBC acknowl-
edges that not all green roofs are made equal and the
extent to which a green roof can help earn credits varies
accordingly. The LEED guide offers general design direc-
tion, while municipal standards tend to establish specifica-
tions that address regional conditions and priorities.
Although the City of Toronto is a North American pioneer
in green roof design policy, the City’s 2009 Green Roof
Bylaw set few locally nuanced performance targets. The
Bylaw stipulates that all developments above 2,000 sq. m.
[21,528 sq. ft.] must have 20-60% of their roof area installed 1
with a green roof. Beyond coverage, the Bylaw simply
1 - Research by the GRIT Lab confirms that green roofs can reduce stormwater runoff significantly.
requires that the selected plant species survive for at least
2 and 3 - Growing media consist of two types: mineral aggregate mix with a low percentage
3 years and maintain a minimum of 80% vegetated cover. of organic matter [left], and an organic matter blend designed to support vascular plants.
This benchmark is problematic, as it may result in green
roofs that fail to deliver the other important benefits widely However, one can find a range of proprietary recipes that contain a broad
associated with them, namely: stormwater management, array of local and imported mineral and biological ingredients, including shale,
reduction of roof surface temperature, and provision of nest- sand, brick, peat, wood bark, coconut fibre, and others. Each recipe results in
ing and foraging habitat for a diverse range of native polli- different biochemical and structural attributes including nutrient availability
nating species. Municipal standards, and hence design prac- and water holding capacity. As research shows, the planting media greatly
tice, could benefit greatly from practical information that impacts the hydrological, thermal, and ecological quality of a green roof.
clearly defines the influence of individual or multiple design This article presents research undertaken by the University of Toronto Green
factors on a range of environmental performance targets. Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory [GRIT Lab]. The GRIT Lab was established
Arguably, the most important design factor is the com- with the goal of investigating the environmental performance of green roofs
position of the growing medium. Green roof growing media specifically for the Toronto context. However, with Toronto ranking second
are generally defined as lightweight engineered materials among North American cities in green roof area, and with many Ontario manu-
designed to withstand wind erosion and support plant facturers working across the continent, the results of this research are transfer-
growth in very shallow depths. able to similar climate regions.

26 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18


2 3
GRIT Lab brings together researchers and students
from multiple fields including landscape architec-
ture, engineering, biology, forestry, and planning and
partners with the industry and policy makers. Its first
study investigated four green roof design parameters
distributed in 33 test beds, each instrumented with
sensors to measure temperature, soil moisture and
water discharge:
• growing medium type [mineral-based and wood-
based compost];
• planting type [sedum plants, as well as grass and
herbaceous flowering plants];
• depth [100 and 150 mm [4 and 6 in.]; and
• irrigation practice [none, daily, and on-demand].
In parallel, multiple studies were undertaken on
constructed green roofs across the City of Toronto –
ranging in ages up to 17 years old – to survey common
industry practices, compare initial design with the
long-term character of mature roofs, and dig deeper
into industry debates about growing media.
Growing Media Trends
Across North America, extensive green roofs,
defined by their depth of 15 cm [6 inches] or less,
are more commonly used than intensive systems
[15cm plus] due to their lower cost and weight. There
are two schools of thought in the industry when
it comes to growing media composition. The first
chooses to follow recommendations from the German
landscape association, F.L.L. [Forschungsgesellschaft
Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau], which pre-
scribes a mineral aggregate mix with a low percent-
age of organic matter, designed to be free draining
and to support succulent plants. The other school
promotes blends that contain a high proportion of
organic matter, designed to support a range of vas-
cular plants [e.g. grasses and flowering herbaceous
plants] and have a high water holding capacity.
Interestingly, the North American industry favourites are
the FLL blends. Hill et al. [2016] found a number of grow-
ing media manufacturers in Canada advocating for mature
wood-based compost with up to 50% initial organic content,
which points to a growing interest in the benefits organic
materials can offer.
“High organic content” refers to a growing medium that
contains a minimum of 30% organic content, as measured
by loss of ignition [LOI]. LOI is a lab metric commonly used
by manufacturers of growing media, that is determined by
burning the medium in a furnace. This is quite different from
measuring bulk components by volumetric content.
For example, a mix containing 30% organic matter [e.g.
compost] and 70% non-organic, matter [.e.g. mineral] con-
tent by volume, will have an LOI considerably less than 30%.
This is because the compost itself contains only 50-80%
combustible material.
While one third of the green roofs examined in this study contained more than
30% combustible organic matter, two thirds of the roofs contained 11% or less, as
recommended by FLL guidelines. These FLL-compliant roofs are predominantly
planted with succulents. These figures confirm two things; first, that FLL guidelines
still dominate the industry and secondly, that there has been little or no experimen-
tation with in-between formulas for growing media in the local market.
The survey by McGlade and Hill [2014] showed a strong trend toward the use
of organic material for roofs in southern Ontario, the average among those tested
being 53%. This trend may reflect the emphasis that has recently been placed on
ecological objectives, such as increased biodiversity, the use of native plants and
the attraction of pollinators, as well as the desire to achieve a meadow-like, or
naturalized aesthetic.
Myths and Missed Opportunities
What happens to growing media over time?
While some of the findings noted above support current industry practices
for the optimal design of green roofs, they also dispel myths that continue to be
counter-productive. Contrary to popular belief that mature green roofs experience
compaction as particles settle and organic matter decomposes, Hill et al. found no
measurable compaction, even in the oldest roof, which was installed 17 years ago.
In fact, they found no correlation between the age of green roof and compaction
or settlement of the growing medium.
Although natural processes like settling, decomposition and wind erosion will
occur, pedogenesis [the constant state of soil reformation through weathering and
biochemical processes] and plant decomposition replenishes the growing medium.
This dispels the industry myth that growing media with high organic content are
more susceptible to compaction. In fact, increased organic matter content was
found to have a higher maximum water retention capacity.
Retrofitting cities for flood reduction
Hill et al. [2017] found that the high organic planting medium had up to three
times the water retaining capacity of the mineral aggregate when already wet,
whether the pre-wetting was due to a previous rain event or irrigation. This makes
it a high performing choice for areas subject to extreme weather or persistent and
repeated rain events. This high retention capacity supports plant growth, evapora-
tive cooling, drought resilience and greater biodiversity. A network of green roofs
in the city that are optimally designed for water retention would be extremely ben-
eficial in curbing stormwater runoff, reducing flooding and improving the quality of
downstream natural water systems.
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 27
 High organic media also tend to be less dense than mineral
alternatives, which makes them ideal for reducing the imposed
load, particularly on existing structures, without compromising
stormwater retention and plant health.
Correlating growing media, plant selection and maintenance
practices
As discussed by McGlade and Hill, the original objective
for the extensive green roof on the Earth Rangers facility in
Woodbridge ON, was to provide stormwater retention and
cooling for the building. The FLL growing medium originally
specified was planted with succulents only. However, over the
first six years the vegetation did not mature, and in fact grew
sparse. Clearly the initial design did not meet the performance
expectations of either the installer or the client.
Learning from this mistake, the owners replaced an adjacent
green roof with a high organic content growing medium to
support a mix of native perennial plant species. When analyz-
ing extensive green roofs 10-years of age or older, the com-
position of the growing medium, rather than its depth, proved
to be the most significant design consideration for robust and
biodiverse plant growth. Even green roofs with less than 10cm
of growing medium, such as on the roof of the Royal Ontario
Museum, successfully sustained a broad range of succulents
and herbaceous plants, so long as the organic content was at
least 50%.
The selection of growing medium has a significant impact
on plant succession. The George Vari extensive green roof at
Ryerson University in Toronto was planned as a field of daisies,
requiring minimal maintenance and no irrigation. Over time,
39 ‘volunteer’ species landed on the roof, transforming the
roof into a prairie-like meadow.
While not intended, the high organic growing medium was
a significant factor in the naturalization and increased plant
biodiversity due to its high-water retention capacity and nutri-
ent availability. Interestingly, while the transformed roof had an
ecological value, the building owner was not pleased by the
unintended aesthetic outcome, and eventually replaced the
roof all together with food crops to meet other pedagogical
objectives.
It is important to understand the combined impact of grow-
ing media, plant selection and irrigation, or maintenance plans.
In this instance, the lack of irrigation, along with inappropriate
non-diverse plant selection, led to what was perceived as a
complete failure of the green roof. In other words, water-soil-
plant relations are interdependent. If one variable is altered, the
other two must be adjusted accordingly.
One of the challenges for municipal standards is to clarify
the ways in which individual or multiple design factors influ-
ence green roof performance, so that designers can make
informed choices and tailor their designs to specific site condi-
tions and environmental targets. Hill et al. [2017] demonstrated
that daily irrigation decreases stormwater retention capac-
ity, while MacIvor et al [2013] found that having no irrigation
decreases plant cover and diversity for non-succulent species.
In both studies however, the organic growing material was
proven to be a top performer. So, what is the best green roof
configuration? Not surprisingly, the answer is not clear cut, and
has much to do with performance objectives. If the primary
4
4 - The GRIT study investigated four green roof design parameters distributed in 33 test beds,
each instrumented with sensors to measure temperature, soil moisture and water discharge.
goal is to maximize water retention, the ideal combination would be the
organic growing media, succulent plants and no irrigation. However, if eco-
logical habitat and biodiversity is of greatest importance, then irrigation
is a must. In this case, on-demand irrigation, activated via a soil-moisture
sensor can contribute to water conservation and water retention capacity.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The composition of growing media is rightly one of the most debated
factors in the design of green roofs. The studies cited above demonstrate
that growing media composition greatly influences water retention capac-
ity, plant growth and diversity. One of the myths perpetuated around the
industry is that organic content contributes to loss of growing medium
depth over time, thereby decreasing performance. As a result, most exten-
sive green roof manufacturers still prefer the mineral aggregate growing
medium, even though studies show that it is inferior to high organic media
with respect to stormwater management, plant growth, biodiversity, and
also imposes a higher structural load.
One of the most notable findings is that the organic material significantly
exceeds the water retaining capacity of the mineral material even when
fully saturated. Given climate change impacts and increased rainfall inten-
sity, aging and inadequate urban water infrastructure, and higher bench-
marks for onsite stormwater management, it is critical that we re-examine
the default material choices for green roofs holistically.
This means that the selection of growing media must also take into con-
sideration ecological objectives and maintenance requirements. To achieve
long-term success, designers must choose the appropriate species mix,
growing medium, irrigation and maintenance plan, based on both the local
microclimatic conditions and the aesthetic ambitions for the project. Only
then can we develop policy to maximize the benefits obtained from green
roofs, and achieve them in practice.
LIAT MARGOLIS IS DIRECTOR, MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
PROGRAM AND ASSOCIATE DEAN, RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
TORONTO. HADI EL-SHAYEB, GRIT LAB IS ASSISTANT RESEARCHER AND DR.
JENNIFER DRAKE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO.

28 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 CANADIAN DIRECTORY
OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
FOR SUSTAINABLE,
HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING

THE
â LEED CATEGORIES noted for the products
listed in the following pages are intended to show
how these products can potentially help a project
ANNUAL earn LEED v4 points

GUIDE
â COMPANIES LISTED IN BOLD have 1/8-page listings
containing more information, and are linked to their
websites from the online version of the Directory

VISIT THE DIRECTORY ONLINE FOR LISTINGS

ORGANIZED BY PRODUCT CATEGORY AND BY LEED CATEGORY

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 29

SITE | LANDSCAPING | RAINWATER HARVESTING
LANDSCAPING PRODUCTS
Armec
Bayview Cycle Centre
Bike Up
Biogreen Systems Ltd.
Busch Systems Ltd.
Carmanah Technologies
Champagne Edition Inc.
Colbond Inc.
Contech Construction
Products Inc.
CRS Electronics
Deltalok Inc. – Green
Retaining Wall Structures
D. Litchfield & Co Ltd.
Envirobond Products
Corporation
Epcor
Gator International
GE WattStation
Green Screen
GSE Lining Technology, Inc.
Hydrotech Membrane
MOLOK® DEEP
COLLECTION™ SYSTEM
The Molok® Deep Collection™
system is an innovative alternative
for collecting waste, recyclables
and organics. With two-thirds
underground, Molok® containers
need to be emptied less often,
reducing truck traffic and
lowering emissions. 1-800-UNILOCK
www.molokna.com
519-323-9909
30 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18
* companies in bold have a 1/8-page listing
EXTERIOR
Advanced Panel Ptoducts Ltd.
Techno Protection All Weather Insulated Panels
Corporation TerraFirm Enterprises Alumicor Building Excellence
Integrated Paving Concepts Terratechnik Arclin
Inc. Unilock Armtec
Invisible Structures Inc. Wishbone Industries Ltd. Canadian Brass and Copper
Liveroof Ontario Inc. Co.
Maglin Site Furniture CBR Products
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Midpoint International Inc. Dryvit Systems Canda
Bordna Mona Inc.
Millennium Decking Dupont/Tyvek
Catec Rainwater Harvesting
Molok North America Ltd. Engineered Assemblies
Systems
Mutual Materials Flynn Canada Ltd.
Jay R. Smith Co.
N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. Insulspan
Waterloo Biofilter Systems
Nitterhouse Kawneer Company Inc.
Inc.
Performance Bike Kingspan Insulated Panels
ZCL Composites Inc.
Pontarolo Engineering Inc. KlipTech Composites
Smart Ditch STORMWATER McGill Architectural Products
South Side Air Metl-Span
Aqua-Tex Scientific
Sto Corp. North America Nichiha
Consulting Ltd.
Syntal Products Ltd. P.F.B Corporation
The Langley Concrete Group
Tatlors Recyled Plastics Inc. Stonerox
Royal Liner
Terramai
Customizable Pedestal
• Match architectural elements
• Utilize leftover building materials
WISHBONE
SITE FURNISHINGS
A recognized leader in the
Alumicor is a leading supplier of
Unilock products can help with architectural aluminum building
your LEED certification goals. development and manufacture
products, supporting LEED®
Our products have been used of “Made in Canada” street
and green building projects.
on many LEED projects in furnishings. Using recycled
Alumicor serves North America
North America. plastics and metals, Wishbone
through facilities in Winnipeg,
products speak innovation
For additional information Toronto, Montreal and Halifax.
through design that is aestheti-
please contact: cally pleasing and functional. Winnipeg 1 800 665 3635
COMMERCIAL.UNILOCK.COM | Toronto 1 877 258 6426
Montreal 1 866 586 4267
866-626-0476 Halifax 1 888 346 5151
WishboneLtd.com
LEED BD+C:SS-Rainwater
Management, Heat Island Reduction;
MR-Building Product Disclosure LEED BD+C, ID+C: Building Product
and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw Disclosure and Optimization-
Materials; LEED O+M:SS-Rainwater Sourcing of Raw Materials. LEED
Management, Heat Island Reduction Home: Environmentally Preferable
LEED BD&C
Products
 STRUCTURE & EXTERIOR ENVELOPE

Siplast Lcopal Inc.

Thames Valley Brick and Tile Tremco
Forms
Triton Logging Company Firestone Building Products VaproShield
McKillican International Inc.
Uniboard Canada Linc. G.E.M. Inc./Euroshield Vitaroofs
Meiser Canada
United Stages Aluminum Green Innovations W.R. Meadows of Canada
Nordic Engineered Wood
VicWest Green Over Grey XeroFlor
Nucor-Yamato Steel
Green Space Roofing ZinCo Canada
Nudura
ROOFING Hydrotech Membrane
Corporation STRUCTURE Polycrete
Architek SBP Inc. Project Frog
Jakob Inc. Amvic ICF
BioRoof Systems Roseburg Forest Products
Johns Manville Bailey Metal Products Ltd.
Caradoc Green Roofs Ltd. Simple Concept
Lexcan Limited Bone Structure
Carlisle Construction Materials Liveroof Ontario Inc. Steelcase
Butler Buildings
Carlisle SynTec Metl-Span CanadaCanadian Brass and Structurlam
Crowe Building Products Ltd. Metal Roofing Alliance Copper Co. Super Sky Products
Detec Systems N.A.T.S. Nursery Ltd. Canam / Murox Tembec
Duro-Last® Roofing, Inc. Sika/Sarnafil CertainTeed Walters Inc.
Elevated Landscape Soprema Hycrete, Inc. Western Archrib
Technologies Inc. Lafarge North America Inc.
ELT Easy Green Logix Insulated Concrete
Green Roof Systems
Envirospec Incorporated

Architek SBP Inc. is the Western
Canadian leader in Intregrated
Living Building systems: green
roofs, living walls, green facades
and water management [building
site water conservation and
storm water mitigation].
www.architek.com
info@architek.com
1-888-317-9226
LEED BD+C: SS- Rainwater
Management, Heat Island Reduction;
WE-Outdoor Water Use Reduction;
Building Product Disclosure and
Optimization-Sourcing of Raw
Materials; LEED O+M: Rainwater
Management, Heat Island Reduction
At Bailey Metal Products G.E.M. Inc. manufactures
Ltd. we are committed to the LiveRoof is the premier pre-vege-
Euroshield®, environmentally
advancement of lightweight steel tated green roof system available
friendly recycled rubber roofing
framing as an environmentally- across Canada. Regionally grown
products from a facility located
friendly green building product modules with vegetation spe-
in Calgary, Alberta. It employs in
that reduces energy consumption cifically selected and tested for
excess of 30 people producing
and waste, improves indoor air your climate by the horticultural
Rundle Slate, Euroslate, Heritage
quality and conserves water and professionals at LiveRoof. Wind
Slate, EuroShake, Beaumont Shake
natural resources for both new uplift tested according to CSA
and Harvest Shake.
and existing commercial and A123.24-15.
residential buildings. www.euroshieldroofing.com
[800] 875-1392
1-800-668-2154 www.LiveRoof.com
www.bmp-group.com LEEDBC+C:
BD+C:MR-Construction
SS- Rainwater and
LEED
Management,
Demolition Heat
Waste Island Reduction;
Management, Building
LEED BD+C:MR-Building Product WE-Outdoor
Product Water
Disclosure Use
and Reduction;
Optimization-
Disclosure and Optimization- Building Product
Sourcing Disclosure and
of Raw Materials
Sourcing of Raw Materials Optimization-Sourcing
LEED of Raw
Homes: MR-Environmentally
LEED Homes: MR-Environmentally Materials; LEED O+M:
Preferable Products and Rainwater
Construction
Preferable Products Management,
Waste Heat Island Reduction
Management

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 31

THERMAL & WINDOWS
Thames Valley Brick & Tile - a
trusted source for Clay Face
Brick, Thin Brick and Paving Brick,
including LEED qualifying
products, that meet the challenges
of the Canadian architectural and
designer marketplace.
800-567-5800
www.thamesvalleybrick.com
info@thamesvalleybrick.com
LEED BD + C: MR- Building Product
Disclosure and Optimization-Sourcing
of Raw Materials
EuroLine Windows® - high
performance, high quality
windows and doors, custom
made in Canada.
EuroLine’s ThermoPlus™ PHC
system is certified by the PHI in
Darmstadt, and is ideal for Passive
House, Net Zero and LEED
building projects.
1.800.337.8604
www.euroline-windows.com
LEED BD+C: EA-Optimize Energy
Performance
LEED Homes: EA -Windows
32 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18
* companies in bold have a 1/8-page listing
From vegetative roofs to
built up and modified bitumen
roofs, and other energy-efficient
systems, Tremco’s diagnostic
evaluations and roofing prod-
ucts provide the solutions to
lower the costs of running
new or renovated facilities.
800-668-9879
www.tremcoroofing.com
LEED BD+C:SS-Rainwater
Management, Heat Island Reduction;
WE-Outdoor Water Use Reduction
LEED O+M:SS-Rainwater
Management, Heat Island Reduction
INLINE
FIBERGLASS LTD.
Inline Fiberglass high-
performance windows and
doors are environmentally
friendly, durable and sustainable.
They offer:
• Superior energy efficiency
• Low maintenance demand
• Currently found in LEED
designated – Platinum, Gold and
Silver Projects. Canada & USA
www.inlinefiberglass.com
LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize
Energy Performance
LEED Homes:EA-Windows
High quality fiberglass building
products that enable some
of the most energy-efficient
buildings in the world.
www.cascadiawindows.com
LEED categories: Cascadia products
drastically improve energy efficiency,
allowing the energy-related credits
in Energy and Atmosphere to be
realized. Additionally, in the new LEED
v4, Cascadia products are all Declared
LBC Red-List Free, which directly
contributes to the building product
disclosure and optimization
credits within the ‘Material &
Resources’ category.
Trusted by leading building pro-
fessionals, Innotech manufactures
high-performance European-style
windows and exterior doors for
energy-efficient, comfortable
and durable single family, low
to high rise multi-family, and
commercial projects.
www.innotech-windows.com
LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize
Energy Performance
LEED Homes:EA-Windows
WANT TO SAVE ENERGY?
INSULATE YOUR WINDOWS!
Choose from R-9, R-15 or R-20
insulation. Save up to 30%
on heating and cooling costs.
Insulate your windows like you
insulate your walls.
www.ecoglass.ca
1-866-331-8235
LEED BD+C and ID+C:EA-Optimize
Energy Performance
LEED Homes:EA-Windows
LiteZone™ Insulating Glass
• Up to R17 for a window
(including glass and frame)
• Up to R19.6 centre of glass
• 60 year life
Award Winner for 2016
“CaGBC Product of the Year”
www.litezone.ca
LEED Homes 2009: EAc1, EAc4
LEED BD+C 2009: EAc1
LEED Homes v4: Windows
LEED BD+C v4: Optimize energy
performance

INSULATION
Accurate Dorwin
Arxx Building Products
BASF Canada
Benolec Llt.
BioBased Insulation
Demilec, Heatlok Soya,
PolarFoam Soya
Dura Foam/Canadian
Industrial Distributors Inc.
Dow Building Solutions
Durisol Building Systems Inc.
Emercor Ltd.
Formtech International Corp.
Good Shepard Wool
Insulation
Icynene Insulation
Igloo Cellulose Inc.
IntegraSpec
Isolofoam Group
Kingspan Insulated Panels
Knauf Insulation
Logix Insulated Concrete
Forms
POLLARD WINDOWS INC.
Pollard has been producing
quality windows and doors for
70 years. We design, develop
and manufacture using our own
R&D facility and 300,000+ sq ft
state-of-the-art plant. We provide
ENERGY STAR® products that
are specified in many LEED®
certified homes.
800-263-6616
www.pollardwindows.com
LEED Homes: Energy &
Atmosphere -Windows
Louiseville Specialty
Products
Magwall Inc.
Monoglass Inc.
Nudura Corporation
Owens Corning
Phil Insul Corp
Plastiques Cellulaires
Polyfoam Inc.
Polycrete
Roxul Inc.
SealTight
SilveRboard®
Thermapan
Thermafiber, Inc.
Thermo-Cell Industries Ltd.
Therm-O-Comfort Co Ltd.
SHADING
Alcan Composites Inc.
C/S Construction Specialties
Convenience Group Inc.
Fraser Shading Systems Inc.
Hunter Douglas Canada Ltd.
Columbia manufactures interior
decorative and industrial plywood
panels and decorative veneer.
Columbia offers PureBond®
DesignEdge®, MPX®, Radius®
and Classic Core® panel lines
through “A List” distributors
and retailers coast to coast.
888.525.1964
www.cfpwood.com
LEED BD+C and ID+C:MR-Building
Product Disclosure and Optimization-
Sourcing of Raw Materials;EQ-Low-
Emitting Materials
LEED Homes:MR-Environmentally
Preferable Products
THERMAL & WINDOWS
McGill Architectural Products Eco Insulating Glass
MechoShade Systems, Inc. Edgetech I.G. Inc.
Phantom Manufacturing Int’l EuroLine Windows
Ltd. Fibertec Window and Door
Sun Glow Window Covering Fulton Windows/Oldcastle
Canada
High Performance Glass Ltd.
SunProject Toro Inc.
Hi-Tech Energy Windows
Urban Edge Shading Inc.
Inline Fiberglass Ltd.
Innotech Windows + Doors
WINDOWS AND DOORS
Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors/
Advanced Glazing Systems Willmar
All Weather Windows LiteZone™ Insulating Glass
Allan Window Technologies Loewen Windows
Belisle Ancestral Doors & Marvin Windows and Doors
Windows North Star Windows & Doors
Cascadia Design Products Pollard Windows
Cascadia Windows Ltd. Solatube International Inc.
Clearstream Architecturl SunCental
Glass Thermothech Fibreglass
Cossins Windows Canada Fenestration
Ltd.
UNILUX WIndows and Doors
CWD Windows & Doors
Velux
Donat Flamand Inc.
View Dynamic Glass
Duo-Gard Industries Inc.
Window Film Systems
Duxton Windows
Certify this.
Our architect- proven coatings have been
protecting exteriors in harsh climates
for decades. Now our Broda™ Clarity Wood Stone acrylic
finish is certified low-VOC for interiors, to LEED v4, BD&C
and ID&C and the Well Building Standard.
Got a tough project to spec? Give us a call.
We don’t bite.
See our online colour chart at cbrproducts.com
For samples, call toll- free: 1• 888•311• 5339
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 33
INTERIOR FINISHES * companies in bold have a 1/8-page listing

FLOORING

Abet Laminati
American Biltrite
Arclin Healthiest Home Building Supplies Tate Access Floors
Bamboo Direct Interface Teragren
Bentley Prince Street, Inc. Interstyle ceramic + glass ltd. The Tandus Group
Bona US Jelinek Cork Group Torlys
Camino Modular Systems Inc. Johnsonite Turion Bamboo Traders
Century Wood Inc. Mapei Victor Innovatex
Ceramica Concept Maxxon Vintage Prefinished Wood Flooring
Colin Campbell MirageBoa-Franc Inc W.R. Meadows
Columbia Forest Products Mondo Flooring Wood Anchor
C/S Construction Specialtie Nadurra Wood Corp.
Country Wood Inc. Nora Systems, Inc. INTERIOR PRODUCTS
Dinoflex Norelco Cabinets Ltd.
Elite Flooring Olympia Tile International Inc. Arborite
Eterna Orchid Ceramics Armstrong World Industries
Flexco Corp Roppe Corporation USA Aya Kitchens & Bath
Forbo Linoleum Inc. Shaw Contract Group
FreeAxez USA Sierra Pine Ltd.
Goodfellow Inc. Solida Cork/Eraco International
Taproot

nora® systems, Inc.

INTERFACE
FORBO FLOORING
SYSTEMS
Creating better environments...
this statement reflects the
mission and values of Forbo
Flooring. From the indoor
environment to the natural
environment, Forbo’s products
and services combine design
and functionality in world-class
flooring solutions.
1-800-268-8108
www.forboflooringna.com
LEED BD+C and ID+C: MR-Source
Reduction:Mercury, Lead, Cadmium.
Copper; Building Product Disclosure
and Optimization-Sourcing of Raw
Materials; Low-Emitting Materials
Human ConnectionsTM collection,
an integrated flooring system that
promotes and embraces nature’s
elements and their relationship with
interactive, gritty, urban neighbour-
hoods. Made from 100% recycled
content nylon, Human Connections
creates points of interaction and
drives movement in the built
environment to help people mix
and mingle more naturally.
www.interface.com, 866.398.3191
LEED v4 contribution: 1 point per item
Environmental Product Declaration;
Multi-Attribute Optimization [EPD];
Raw Material Source and Extraction
Reporting; Leadership Extraction
Practices; Material Ingredient Reporting;
Material Ingredients Optimization;
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies;
Low Emitting Interiors; and Acoustic
Performance
Create a space that delivers the
sustainability and energy conser-
vation you are seeking. Provide
visitors a healthy environment
that possesses good indoor air
quality. Save time and money Baillargeon Doors has been
specializing in the design,
with chemical-free maintenance
manufacture, and marketing of
that requires only water.
architectural, institutional, fire,
Contribute to the achievement
and commercial wood doors
of earning LEED points with
and jambs.
nora® flooring.
When your projects require
800-332-NORA
custom solutions, anything is
www.nora.com/us
possible with Baillargeon!
LEED 2009 MR c-2, 4, 5, 6 / EQ c-4.1, 4.3 1-800-804-5666
LEED v4 MR Building Product Disclosure www.masonite.com
& Optimization-Environmental Product
Declarations, Building Product Disclosure
& Optimization-Sourcing of Raw
Materials, Building Product Disclosure
& Optimization, Material Ingredient
Reporting, Construction & Demolition LEED v4 BD+C and ID+C: Building
Waste Management / EQ Low- Product Disclosure and Optimization-
Emitting Materials Environmental Product Declarations

34 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 INTERIOR FINISHES

Busch Systems Ltd. Mapei PAINTS

C/S Construction Specialtie Masonite Architectural
Century Wood Inc. Nedlaw Living Walls American Formulating & Manufacturing

CertainTeed AirRenew Essential Octopus Products Limited Benjamin Moore

CGC Inc. Olympia Tile International Inc. Boomerang Recycled Paint

Columbia Forest Products Renovators ReSource CBR Products

CORFLEX Roseburg Forest Products Dulux/PPG

Dirtt Environmental Solutions Ltd. Tectum Acoustical Roof Deck Eco Stucco

Ecomix Environ Biocomposites Teknion Limited Laurentide Resources Inc.

GenYDoors Inc The Global Group Peintures Laurentide

Georgia-Pacific Canada Inc. Timber Products Company PPG Industries, Architectural Coatings

Herman Miller Canada Inc. TMI Direct Pratt & Lambert

Homasote Company Treasured Timbers Inc. Premium Products Inc.

Ice Stone Trove Sansin Corp.

Keilhauer Upper Canada Forest Products Ltd. Schwartz Chemical Corporation

Knoll, Inc. Sico/PPG

Lambton Doors
Lynden Doors

Aqua-Tech Sales and

Marketing Inc. proudly
providing the Canadian
marketplace with high
efficiency condensing boiler
and water heater products
manufactured by
At Shaw Contract, we believe
that the ground beneath your Lochinvar LLC.
ELKAY
feet should have a positive
Acuity Brands is a leading
LEED v4 Category potential
impact on how you work, learn, for New Construction,
heal and live. We make flooring provider of innovative lighting Elkay EZH2O Bottle Filling
systems. Our comprehensive Major Renovations and Stations are the next conservation
that delivers a purposeful blend
of design elements, materiality, portfolio of luminaires, controls Homes for energy strategy for architects, designers
sustainability and performance and daylighting, delivers performance. and builders to strengthen their
across the globe. intelligent lighting solutions sustainable designs and promote
to our customers in key environmental awareness, aesthetic
www.shawcontract.com market segments. design and embrace an overall
MR Credits: Building Product Disclosure and
culture of conservation.
Optimisation: www.acuitybrands.com REPRESENTED BY
- Material Ingredients - Options 1 & 2
- Environmental Product Declarations - Option 1 Distributed in Canada by
- Sourcing of Raw Materials - Option 1
EQ Credit: Dobbin Sales, 1 800 565 8515 or
- Low Emitting Materials - Option 1 info@dobbinsales.com
MR Credit: LEED BD+C and ID+C: Optimize www.aquatech-canada.com
- Interiors Life-Cycle Impact Reduction - Option 3 Energy Performance

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 35

ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | HVAC | RENEWABLES
CONTROLS
Automated Logic
CorporationDelta Controls
Inc.
Distech Controls Inc.
Douglas Lighting Control
Cristal Controls
Echoflex Solutions Inc.
Ecobee
Energex Inc.
EnergyBank
Honeywell Building Solutions
Integrated Lighting Systems
Lutron
Optimum Energy Products
Ltd.
Reliable Controls Corporation
Texmar Control Systems
WattStopper
Zero Footprint
ELECTRICAL
Dyson Canada
VÄNEE Deco-Touch™
GROUND SOURCE
Airtechni
Boreal Geothermal Inc.
CGC Group
Delta Geothermaique
Ecologix Heating
Technologies
Enertran Technology Inc.
FHP Manufacturing
GeoSmart Energy Inc.
Geothermal Utilities Inc.
Geothermix
Groundheat Systems
HeatLink Group Inc.
Ice Kube systems Ltd.
NextEnergy Inc.
WaterFurnace Int’l Inc.
36 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18
* companies in bold have a 1/8-page listing
HVAC LIGHTING PLUMBING FIXTURES
Air Quality Engineering Inc. Acuity Brands American Standard Canada
Air Quality Solutions Ltd. Cree Lighting Canada Blanco Canada Inc.
Airia Brands Inc. Eaton Cooper Lighting Clivus Multrum Inc.
Big Ass Fans Encelium Technologies Inc. Crane Plumbing Corporation
Broan-NuTone Canada Inc. Eureka Lighting Duravit
Busch Systems International Eurofase Inc. Elkay / Dobbin Sales
Inc. GE Lighting Kohler Canada
Carver Climate System Gotham Lighting Masco Canada
CGC Group H.E. Williams, Inc. Novanni Stainless Inc.
Conematic Heating Systems Hubbell Canada LP Sancor Industries Ltd.
Inc.
Illumineer Ltd. Sloan Valve / Dobbin Sales
Continental Fan/Aeroflow
Ledalite Architectural Water Matrix Inc.
Enershield Air Barrier Products Inc. Waterless Co.
Engineered Air Leviton
IPEX Inc. Osram Sylvania Ltd.
Isolation Algon 2000 Inc. Philips Color Kinetics SOLAR AIR
Jaga Canada Climate Philips Lighting
Systems Inc. Conserval Engineering Inc.
Rebelle Architectural
JAS Filtration Inc. Matrix Energy, Inc.
Lighting
Kiko Water Systems Your Solar Home Inc.
Selux
L2B Environmental Systems Sistemalux
Inc.
Solera Corp. SOLAR - PV
Legalett
Solera Sustainable Energies
Lochinvar/Aqua-Tech Sales Bullfrog Power Inc.
Standard Lighting
and Marketing Inc.
Ushio Canada Inc. BP Solar
Mammoth-WEBCO Inc.
Westinghouse Lighting CARMA Industries Inc.
Maritime Geothermal/Nordic
Corporation Carmanah Technologies
Mitsubishi Electric Sales Corp.
Canada Inc.
PLUMBING GE Industrial
Nu-Air Ventilation Systems
Generation PV
Inc.
Bosch Water Heating Nova Sun Power
RadiantLink Infloor Heating
Caroma Inc. Sanyo Canada Inc.
Runtal North America, Inc.
De Dietrich Boilers Siemens Building
Seresco
Eco Innovation Technologies Ltd.
Step Warmfloor Ontario Ltd.
GROHE Canada Inc. Xantrex Technology Inc.
Tate Access Floors
HeatLink group Inc. – N Moen
Tempeff North America
Canada
Termobuild SOLAR THERMAL
Marathon International/Baxi
TermoDeck Canada
Marathon International/ NY Thermal Inc.
Therma-Ray Inc. Eternal
Roth Canada
Uponor Ltd. Noritz
Simple Solar
Venmar Ventilation Inc. RenewABILITY Energy Inc.
SunPump Solar Inc.
Ventacity’s Smart Ventilation ReTherm Energy Systems
Viessmann Manufacturing
Viessmann Manufacturing Inc.
Company Inc.
Company Inc. Rheem Canada Ltd.
Zehnder America Taco
Incorporated
Takagi Canada, Inc.
Uponor Ltd.

WATER TREATMENT
Canplas
Bord na Mona Inc.
Bradford White Canada
Judo water Treatment Inc.
RH20 North America Inc.
Waterloo Biofilter
Systems Inc.
WIND
Bullfrog Power Inc.
Cleanfield Energy Corp.
Energy Wind Systems Inc.
Hybridyne Power Systems
Canada
SLOAN VALVE
Sloan’s High-Efficiency Toilet
and Urinal fixtures are engi-
neered for water efficiency.
Pair vitreous china fixtures with
Sloan’s electronic or manual
Flushometers, including dual-
flush toilet valves and 0.13 gpf
urinal valves. Sloan toilets
and urinals carry the Water
Sense certification.
Dobbin Sales: 1-800-565-8515
www.dobbinsales.com
LEED BD+C, ID+C:WE-Water Use
Reduction
LEED O+M: Indoor Water Use
Reduction
KIKO WATER SYSTEMS
2017 CaGBC Product of the Year
– Reduce your HVAC energy by
10-30% without capital costs!
Improve equipment efficiency,
extend lifespans, lower operating
costs, plus real time equipment
performance and energy
monitoring.
604-731-1666 / 1-855-kiko-h2o
www.kikowatersystems.com
LEED BD+C and O+M: Water
Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere,
Materials and Resources, Indoor
Environmental Quality, Innovation in
Design and Regional Priority.
TEMPEFF NORTH
AMERICA
Tempeff North America
manufactures Semi-Custom air
to air energy recovery equipment
with up to 90% energy efficiency
in winter without any requirement
for an energy robbing
defrost strategy.
[204] 783-1902
www.tempeffnorthamerica.com
LEED BD+C and LEED O+M:
EA-Optimize Energy Performance
ELECTRICAL | PLUMBING | HVAC | RENEWABLES
DESIGNER, SUPPLIER
AND INSTALLER OF
SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS
Our patented Freedom WonTM
Grid connected, net metered
technology provides the best
photovoltaic systems. As well
solar heating available for your
off-grid systems of all sizes.
LEED or off-grid project.
Serving Atlantic Canada for
over 20 years. • Solar Thermal
• Photo-voltaic
www.novasunpower.com • Energy monitoring
nsp@novasunpower.com • Design & Consulting
www.simplesolar.ca
- Efficient Domestic Hot Water
- Efficient Domestic Hot Water
Equipment - 2 or 3 points available
Equipment - 2 or 3 points available
for solar thermal systems.
for solar thermal systems.
- Renewable Energy - up to 4 points
- Renewable Energy - up to 4 points
available for solar PV systems.
available for solar PV systems.
- We have done several projects
- We have done several projects
with both solar PV and thermal that
with both solar PV and thermal that
can provide 7 LEED points.
can provide 7 LEED points.
VIESSMANN
TATE ACCESS FLOORS MANUFACTURING
COMPANY INC.
With Tate’s underfloor service
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SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 37
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CASE STUDY SPONSORED CONTENT

UBC’S BROCK COMMONS:

STUDENT RESIDENCE
http://blog.holzindustrie.at/tag/septemberoktober-2016/

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

ARCHITECT ASTON OSTRY ARCHITECTS PRODUCT TRESPA® METEON®

FABRICATOR ALTIUM BUILDING PRODUCTS
NW12 P25.8.1
INSTALLER CENTURA BUILDING SYSTEMS NATURAL ANTHRACITE
MARKET SEGMENT EDUCATIONAL BAGENDA GREY

BUILD TYPE NEW CONSTRUCTION FINISH SATIN

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION FIXING SYSTEM TS-110
USE VISIBLE (EXPOSED) FIXING
FAÇADES
WITH SCREWS ON AN
YEAR 2017 ALUMINUM SUBFRAME

Think Trespa
SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 39
BROCK COMMONS
TRESPA® METEON® SELECTED
TO CLAD WORLD’S TALLEST
WOOD BUILDING
The University of British Columbia
consistently showcases its interest in
building innovation. UBC’s enrollment
growth meant that new student housing
was needed. Additional housing for over
400 students called for a quick, sustainable
and cost effective building solution. The
building was completed less than 70 days
after the prefabricated panels were delived
to the site, with the installation rate
averaging two floors per week. Adhering
to the province’s “wood first initiative”,
Brock Commons is the first mass wood,
steel and concrete hybrid project over
14 storeys tall in the world. Due to the
upkeep costs of natural wood, Trespa® was
introduced as a substitute to eliminate any
40 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18
Think Trespa
Image
Image Source:
Source: http://www.naturallywood.com/emerging-trends/tall-wood/brock-commons-tallwood-house
http://www.naturallywood.com/emerging-trends/tall-wood/brock-commons-tallwood-house
additional life cycle costs while preserving
the desired aesthetics.
DESIGN
The choice of colours was another factor in
selecting the cladding material. As a
signature structure on campus, a beautiful
and low maintenance facade was mandatory.
Trespa® fulfilled the requirements creating
a building that will continue to be an
architectural gem on campus for many
years. In order to house over 400 students,
the tower includes 404 beds within 33
four-bedroom suites. Centrally located
with stunning campus and ocean views, it
is the pinnacle of student housing and was
completed in the spring of 2017.
STRUCTURE
Standing at 53 metres (174 feet) high,
Brock Commons is currently the world’s
tallest mass timber structure. The entire
façade of this student residence is constructed
with steel stud framing with exterior
sheathing, insulation and Trespa® Meteon®
for the rainscreen. The use of modular
construction reduced the build schedule
by over 10% and improved installation
quality using a controlled environment.
DURABLE
Trespa’s patented Electron Beam Curing
(EBC) process creates the industry’s most
colour stable and homogenous phenolic
panel. Resistance to weathering, UV
exposure, dirt accumulation, scratches “Wood is increasingly recognized as an
and dents means the panels will look as
beautiful today as they will in decades
important, innovative and safe building
to come. Trespa® helped reduce the façade material choice. This new tall wood
life cycle costs which would have included
cleaning, re-staining or re-painting every
building reflects UBC’s leadership
3–5 years. This was essential in meeting in sustainable construction and our
budget requirements over the life of
the building.
commitment to providing our students
with more on-campus housing.”
SUSTAINABLE
Not only does Trespa® add to the beauty Santa J. Ono, UBC President
of UBC’s campus, it is also PEFC and FSC
certified and made with 70% wood fibres,
making it an environmentally responsible
product. As part of the rainscreen system,
it contributed to the building achieving
LEED Gold certification by meeting R-16
thermal resistance. Trespa® helped attain
UBC’s vision of a beautiful, long lasting
and sustainable building.

WORLD CLASS
This remarkable building, the first of its
kind in the world, is another shining
example of Canadian ingenuity and
building innovation. With a large global
push for sustainable wood construction,
the project was a popular destination for
those eager to learn how it was designed
and built. Visitors comprised of delegates http://www.fastepp.com/index.php/en/projects/featured/ubc-tall-wood-residence
from around the world including the
2020 Japanese Olympic Committee for
construction of Olympic venues and “What I like about the Natural Bagenda
housing. Brock Commons paves the
way for additional “wood first initiative”
is it does not mimic an actual wood
projects across North America and grain. Rather, it is a man-made pattern
the world.
that evokes the spirit of wood. Trespa is
also made with 70% wood fibers, which
TRESPA® PRODUCT was a compelling consideration as it
TRESPA® METEON®
aligns with the spirit of Brock Commons’
mass wood structure.”
NW12 P25.8.1
NATURAL ANTHRACITE
BAGENDA GREY
Russell Acton, Principal of Acton Ostry Architects Inc.

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 41

MAINSTREAMING
Mass Wood
Construction
Lessons from Brock Commons

At 18 storeys and 53 metres in height, Brock

Commons Tallwood House is a 404-bed student
residence building located on The University of
British Columbia Point Grey campus in Vancouver,
that officially opened for students in July of 2017.
The project is the first to be completed in Canada
under the 2013 Tall Wood Building Demonstration
Project Initiative sponsored by Natural
Resources Canada.
1
By Russell Acton
section a section b

At 18 storeys and 53 metres in height, Brock Commons

Tallwood House is a 404-bed student residence building locat-
ed on The University of British Columbia Point Grey campus in
Vancouver, that officially opened for students in July of 2017.
The project is the first to be completed in Canada under the
2013 Tall Wood Building Demonstration Project Initiative spon-
sored by Natural Resources Canada
Brock Commons aspires to be a model for a future that
features extraordinarily ordinary mass wood buildings that are
quick, clean and cost effective to construct and which maximize
Ground Floor plan ground floor plan
N
carbon sequestration and the reduction of greenhouse gas
Brock Commons Tallwood House
emissions in cities. Vancouver, BC

The building is extraordinary for its height—which makes
Brock Commons the world’s current tallest mass timber tower—
the building is also extraordinary for the speed at which its
structure of glue laminated timber, cross laminated timber
[CLT], and prefabricated facade went up in only 66 days.
At 2,233 cubic metres, the building utilizes an extraordinary
amount of timber that stores an impressive 1,753 metric tons of
carbon dioxide and avoids the production of 679 metric tons of
greenhouse gas emissions associated with a concrete equiva-
lent. Another extraordinary achievement is that the innovative
project demonstrates that a mass wood building can be com-
parable in cost to a traditional concrete building.
To make the building possible the provincial government of British
Columbia issued a site-specific regulation that allowed Brock Commons to
use mass timber in a high-rise application, which resulted in a building that
is even more resistant to fire than an equivalent concrete or steel tower.
Key to receiving approvals and realizing economic viability for the timber
tower was a ‘keep it simple’ design approach that makes the building appear
ordinary—extraordinarily ordinary—through the encapsulation of the wood
structure with gypsum board.
With all the attention the building has received from the architectural
media, this ‘ordinariness’ has largely been overlooked. In fact, we have often
been criticized for not exposing the wood, as if covering the structure with
drywall was somehow dishonest.

42 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 The truth is, had we tried to expose the wood, and
prove its performance through fire-simulation modelling,
the building could not have been built within the tight
schedule or the available budget.
The research done for this project suggests that an
exposed wood structure is more than twice the cost of an
encapsulated one. However, the realities go beyond the
straightforward comparison of structural costs to include
the additional costs of running exposed services, and the
kid-gloves handling required on site for any mass wood
component that is also to be exposed as a finish material.
The time and effort required upfront to achieve success-
ful results also adds to the cost.
All this results in a premium few clients would be pre-
pared to pay however committed to sustainability they
might be. So common sense suggests that the interests
of sustainability would be better served by mass wood
buildings that are cost competitive, therefore more
attractive and accessible to developers. With this afford-
able and replicable approach, we would be building far
more mass wood buildings, using far more wood and
storing far more carbon dioxide than would be achieved
with the construction of fewer and more expensive,
exposed wood solutions.

1 - Brock Commons Tallwood House at dusk.

2 - Cross laminated timber canopy.
3 - Mass wood installation and freestanding concrete cores. section a section b
Credits: Acton Ostry Architects Inc. [1, 2]. naturally:wood [3]. 2

Floor plan
typical floor plan
PROJECT CREDITS
ARCHITECT Acton Ostry Architects Inc.
OWNER University of British Columbia
TALL WOOD ADVISOR Architekten Hermann
Kaufmann ZT GmbH
STRUCTURAL Fast + Epp
FIRE SCIENCE & BUILDING CODE GHL
Consultants Ltd.
BUILDING SCIENCE RDH Building Science
MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL & SUSTAINABILITY
Stantec
MASS WOOD ERECTION Seagate Structures
MASS WOOD SUPPLY Structurlam
CONCRETE FORMWORK Whitewater
Concrete Ltd.
VIRTUAL MODELLING Cadmakers Inc.
ENERGY MODELLING EnerSys Analytics Inc.
ACOUSTICS RWDI
LANDSCAPE Hapa Collaborative
CIVIL Kamps Engineering Limited
GEOTECHNICAL Geopacific Consultants Inc.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Brock Common
Urban One Builders
DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
UBC Properties Trust
PHOTOS Michael Elkan [1, 2, 9, 10],
KK Law [3, 4], Pollux Chung [5, 6],
Steven Errico [8].

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 43

 In this way, sustainability can be more effectively advanced
through the construction of more encapsulated mass wood
buildings at a lesser cost.
At Brock Commons, we were permitted by Code to expose
the wood on the top floor, and to include a mass wood canopy,
and we should be realistic in our expectations that, in a build-
ing like a student residence, this is really all that is appropriate.
Exposing more would be asking for trouble in terms of vandal-
ism and increased maintenance costs due to wear and tear.
In countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the
United Kingdom, where most of the world’s mass wood build-
ings are being designed and constructed, it is relatively rare
that the wood structure is left exposed, with the exception of a
feature wall or ceiling. Frankly, this is what the market seems to
want anyway. Most clients and building users don’t want wood
exposed everywhere – they prefer white or plain surfaces for
the most part.
If we accept these realities, exposed wood buildings then
become the rare, evocative showpieces they are intended to
be, made possible by much higher budgets. Such feature build-

Encapsulation ings will most likely be limited to taller, image-conscious corpo-

rate buildings and public buildings such as libraries, community
centres and possibly academic buildings, where the constant
presence of people will provide a significant level of reassur-
ance and security regarding vandalism concerns.
The use of exposed wood in such applications will likely be
considered well worth the added expense in the long term. In
most other building types, we must get past our fixation with
philosophical posturing that the ‘beauty’ of exposed mass
wood structures must be achieved at all costs, and instead
focus on practicality and economy.

Mass timber structure

4 - The prefabricated facade consists of steel stud framing with exterior

sheathing, insulation and Trespa® Meteon® [distributed by ATS-Sales]
for the rainscreen, attached with fibreglass ‘Cascadia Clips’ which signifi-
cantly reduce thermal bridging compared to a more traditional metal girt
cladding system.
5 - Cross laminated timber canopy.
6 - Glulam post installation
7 - Exposed and encapsulated mass wood structure.
8 - Exposed wood structure at 18th floor amenity space.
9 - Wood finishes at 18th floor study space.
Credits: naturally:wood [4], Seagate Structures [5, 6], Acton Ostry
Architects Inc. [2, 9, 10].

44 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 7

This is not to deny the unique visual quality that

the strategic use of exposed wood can bring to a
building, however, this is not the core concern of
the mass market, any more than sustainability is.
What they are interested in is the speed, the preci-
sion, and the cleanliness of the construction site.
We achieved all of this at Brock Commons, and the
experience will certainly influence the attitudes of
the contractors and subtrades toward future mass
wood projects.
These changing attitudes will also help to move
mass wood technology forward, and so long as
the wood option is cost-competitive — the current
cost premium will inevitably lessen over time as
the industry innovates, evolves and matures — the
sustainable attributes of the material will be more
widely available and include an environmental
bonus of carbon sequestering and use of a renew-
able resource in the future growth of cities.

RUSSELL ACTON ARCHITECT, AIBC AAA SAA

OAA FRAIC, IS A PRINCIPAL AT ACTON OSTRY
ARCHITECTS.

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 45

 INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN EBERLE
Brian Eberle, Director of Marketing & Sales at EUROSHIELD®
Roofing Products [htttp://www.euroshieldroofing.com/] in Calgary
loves old tires since they are the main ingredient in a line of slate
and shake roofing styles that can out-perform the real thing.

What’s the ‘elevator pitch’ on the

EUROSHIELD® story?
G.E.M. Inc. [EUROSHIELD® Roofing Products] was
founded in 1999 by local Calgary entrepreneur Henry
Kamphuis with the goal of producing the world’s fin-
est rubber roofing shingles using the deluge of used
tires ultimately destined for landfill sites.
Years of research and development has led to the cre-
ation of a unique formula containing approximately
70% tire rubber and 95% recycled content, resulting
in the very best synthetic roofing products available
on the market today. Approximately 400 [but up
to 1,000] rubber tires are diverted and recycled in
the production of a single EUROSHIELD® roof for a
residential home. Scrap material generated during the
EUROSHIELD® Roofing Products, Heritage
manufacturing and installation process is also col-
Slate [left] and Harvest Shake, incorporate
lected and recycled again – virtually eliminating 70% tire rubber and 95% recycled content.
environmentally harmful waste. Euroshield products
are available in two profiles: Shake-like and Slate-like
rubber roof panels. Rundle Slate and Euroshake are
the original thicker profiles and a thinner and lower
cost line is comprised of Heritage Slate, Harvest of 2016 we offered an industry first…a 2” hail damage warranty, to show consumers
Shake and Beaumont Shake. we have a product that can stand up to the worst Mother Nature can throw our way.
The insurance industry has taken notice and many now offer homeowner premium
How many tires do you take out of the waste discounts for installing Euroshield in hail zones. Euroshield is also recognized for its
stream in a year? insulation and sound deadening qualities as well as its performance in high wind zones
It’s hard to say exactly how many tires as they come in
different sizes and types but we used approximately 7 Is the recycled content of your product a strong selling point
million pounds of tire-derived crumb rubber over the with your customers?
course of the last year and that number is growing. Our customers are drawn to Euroshield products for three reasons…Looks, Durability
According to Alberta recycling, in 2015 Euroshield and the fact it is very Environmentally Friendly. It has taken time for people to warm
utilized 53% of all crumb rubber consumed by Alberta up to recycled products in general but today it is not just accepted… it is expected and
manufacturers from Alberta processors. definitely a strong selling point. Our customers tell us they love the look of their new
roof and are pleased that they have been able to contribute to waste reduction at the
What is the track record on your roofing products? same time. In the multitude of testimonials we receive, the environmentally friendly
We have been manufacturing Euroshield rubber roof- feature is most often mentioned and was instrumental in the purchase decision.
ing products for 18 years now in the same facility here THE ENWAVE THEATRE, TORONTO.
in Calgary. Our customers hail from all over the world Do you see EUROSHIELD® evolving to a cradle-to-cradle model where your roof-
including the USA, Russia, Netherlands, Scotland, the ing is recycled into new roofing?
Caribbean and beyond. In fact, Euroshield’s Heritage That is entirely possible, however, with a lifetime warranty [first 50 years non-prorat-
Slate was recently chosen in a world-wide search for ed] and a life expectancy well beyond that, it will be a while! At the present time, we
a product that could withstand the impact of golf accept trim pieces generated from the installation process by contractors where pos-
balls on the roof of the iconic Old Course Hotel at St. sible and practical. These trim pieces, along with scrap pieces generated during the
Andrews, Scotland. Over the years there have been manufacturing process, are used in the manufacture of Euroshield starter strips that
many refinements and improvements along with are used under our field panels during the installation process. Euroshield products are
new product introductions to meet the needs of our covered under CCMC guidelines in Canada and meet or exceed the National Building
customers. Our products have always been the most Code of Canada. In the USA, our products meet or exceed the requirements for ICC-
impact resistant available anywhere but in August ES. New products and innovations are coming in 2018…stay tuned!

46 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18

 PRECAST CONCRETE BUILDS ON...
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT
DECLARATIONS (EPDS)

The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI), the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA)
and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) have released Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in
three key precast concrete product categories. The EPDs will allow architects, engineers, building owners, and
other specifiers to better understand the environmental impacts of precast and prestressed concrete products.

An EPD is an ISO-compliant and third-party verified, standardized and internationally recognized comprehensive
tool for providing information on a product’s environmental impact.

The precast concrete industry wide EPDs are now available for Architectural and Insulated Wall Panels, Structural
Precast Concrete Products and Underground Precast Concrete Products.

Download the precast concrete EPDs: www.sustainableprecast.ca | precast.org | pci.org

The members of CPCI, NPCA and PCI are proud partners of these two North American industry sustainability initiatives:
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS FOR PRECAST CONCRETE
NORTH AMERICAN PRECAST CONCRETE SUSTAINABLE PLANT PROGRAM

.ca

SABMag - WINTER 2017/18 47

creating better environments

New Colors
Spring 2016!

Introducing
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endless possibilities.
beautiful. durable. sustainable. hygienic.
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48 SABMag - WINTER 2017/18