{"id":393902,"date":"2024-09-23T04:37:27","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T08:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canada.constructconnect.com\/?p=393902"},"modified":"2024-09-20T16:05:15","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T20:05:15","slug":"gillam-constructs-new-landmark-project-at-university-of-waterloo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canada.constructconnect.com\/dcn\/news\/projects\/2024\/09\/gillam-constructs-new-landmark-project-at-university-of-waterloo","title":{"rendered":"Gillam constructs new \u2018landmark project\u2019 at University of Waterloo"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once complete, a new building on the University of Waterloo\u2019s<\/a> campus will be a landmark project, the construction manager for the build says.<\/p>\n

Gillam Construction Group<\/a> was awarded the contract for the new Math 4 Building, located on the university\u2019s Waterloo, Ont. campus. The 120,000-square-foot, five-storey building was designed by Moriyama Teshima Architects.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re constructing this new facility over top of the existing Davis Centre building and in between the other buildings and creating a new gateway and a new connection between the existing math and computer buildings,\u201d explained Scott Reitsma, vice-president for Gillam Group.<\/p>\n

\u201cCurrently we have a building permit and IFC (Issued for Construction) drawings and we\u2019re awarding subcontracts at this point in time. We\u2019re also doing final site reviews, investigations and planning and demolition should start in October.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gillam\u2019s project scope involves selective demolition in the connected buildings, including a partial removal of the existing student walkway bridge connecting the Davis Centre to the Math 3 building.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an existing bridge that needs to be partially demolished and some existing connections to the adjacent buildings as well as some exterior fa\u00e7ade that needs to be removed\u2026to accommodate tying in the new building,\u201d Reitsma said. \u201cWe\u2019re engaging subtrade partners to perform the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Careful planning and phasing required<\/span><\/h3>\n

The project presents some unique logistical challenges as it will be constructed over top of and eventually envelop some parts of the existing Davis Centre building, Reitsma explained.<\/p>\n

The building will be constructed in front of the existing building and two storeys will be added on top. It will be connected to existing buildings on three sides. Portions of the existing buildings will remain open during various phases of construction.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere will be some phased occupancy during different parts of construction but we\u2019re building over top of the existing building. That location needs to be vacated while we\u2019re doing hoisting and major activities,\u201d said Reitsma.<\/p>\n

According to Gillam, key construction systems that will be used during the project include helical piers, structural steel, curved curtain wall glazing and aluminum composite wall panels.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re using a tower crane,\u201d said Reitsma. \u201cWe have an extensive construction logistics plan to accommodate access for University of Waterloo facilities as well as maintaining student access to the adjacent buildings. We also need to accommodate any University of Waterloo events during construction as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the features of the new building include large open atriums with large stairwells; student study halls; traditional and open informal classrooms; multiple lounge areas; new offices; and meeting rooms. The existing outdoor courtyard will also be maintained.<\/p>\n

There is a focus on passive design strategies and the atrium features a solar chimney that provides natural ventilation to achieve energy savings and enhance occupant wellness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were engaged last year on the project and we\u2019ve done extensive preconstruction work as well as pricing and design recommendations to achieve the owner\u2019s budget,\u201d Reitsma said. \u201cWe\u2019ve tendered it out, confirmed the scope and cost of the project and now we\u2019re currently underway with trade awards.\u201d<\/p>\n

Work on foundations and structure will take place over the winter months. After that, the team will be working towards the building envelope and finishes are anticipated to commence in late 2025\/early 2026. The goal is to have partial occupancy of the existing buildings by the end of 2026 and completion of the new building in early 2027.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe design team and the City of Waterloo have been fantastic to deal with in supporting the project,\u201d said Reitsma. \u201cFrom a design standpoint, it\u2019s been very well thought out and from a construction logistics standpoint we\u2019ve been working hard over the last six months to develop a plan. Once we have trade partners on board we hope to start finalizing our logistics plan and schedule to move the project forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Follow the author on X\/Twitter @DCN_Angela.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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