Case Studies

AIRDRIE

Airdrie fire department

THE PROJECT

The City of Airdrie undertook the Chinook Winds Stations and Fire Headquarters—using the principles of LEED design and construction—and achieved certification as a Silver Shadow project. The design featured large areas of glazing to reduce the use of artificial lighting and passively heat the complex, while creating an aesthetically pleasing and architecturally unique facade. We worked hand in hand to ensure the successful completion of the many key glazing systems.

THE PROCESS

We provided the vital project management support for the timely and efficient fabrication and installation of the various commercial aluminium window and door systems.

THE CHALLENGES

Integrating multiple forms of building materials and finishes created a unique set of challenges. To maintain horizontal sightlines across multiple product lines and construction materials required skilled work and was achieved in close coordination with the architect and general contractor. In addition, the curtainwall window required us to integrate with and accommodate unique architectural finishes and features, such as the soffit ceiling panels and fascia valance which appears to fit seamlessly into the window.

EDMONTON

Edgewater

THE PROJECT

Construction of the Edgewater project consisted of two towers (30 and 26 stories respectively). We worked with the general contractor (GC) on the exterior facade, curtainwall and entrance doors in addition to interior glass.

THE CHALLENGES

Installing the oversized spandrel glass in a limited working space was the project’s biggest challenge. Multiple installers and cranes onsite meant that clear and constant communication amongst team members was critical to the project’s success.

The Edgewater project was a mixed-use residential and Commercial project. By combining our expertise in both fields, we were able to take on the entire scope of the project which included uPVC punched windows in the suites and a curtainwall façade.

Due to the constraints within the condensed job site, coordination and communication with the contractor, along with all other trade partners was crucial throughout the entire project.

SHERWOOD PARK

Emerald Hills

THE PROJECT

We worked closely with the general contractor to design and create complex curtain wall and structural glass wall installations for the stunning Emerald Hills Leisure Centre. The objective of the County’s newest community space was to maximize the amount of natural light and combine that with a modern, contemporary feel.

The project scope included exterior and interior facade, curtain wall, doors, and a feature structural glass wall. Glass handrails, laminated glass and low iron back painted glass were installed. As the iron content on typical full glass is what gives it the green colour, a low iron glass was chosen to provide a true colour for the back painted surfaces.

THE CHALLENGES

Each piece of glass was custom measured and fabricated to specification. Due to the sheer weight of each of the pieces (between 250 lbs. and 1,200 lbs.), the installation team deployed a spider crane to safely lift each piece carefully into place without damage or breakage.

The 25-mm thick, three-metre-tall interior glass wall and all of the custom hardware were sourced internationally by the team demonstrating our global supply chain reach. Due to the long lead times of the globally sourced products, precision was key in order to successfully install the project on time and on budget.

The exterior frames contained polygons of varying shapes and slopes, which meant that precision in field measurements was critical. We completed a 3D scan of the structure to determine the exact locations of the steel in order to precisely determine the angles and shape of the openings. For aesthetic differentiation, the front entry also included a bank of doors requiring triple-glazed glass with custom fit patterns.

EDMONTON

ONPA Architects

THE PROJECT

ONPA Architects partnered with us and the general contractor to help bring the vision for their Edmonton head office to life. The iconic project was an example of how we were able to showcase modern interior glass designs.

THE CHALLENGES

Attention to detail was extremely important for this particular project because the work would be displayed in a high traffic area. The work was also critical for ONPA Architects because the project would serve as a showpiece of their capabilities as an architectural firm.

To keep certain elements of the original design intact, we found creative solutions to execute the completed design, while still taking into consideration the structural requirements of the space. This resulted in a smooth integration of old and new designs to achieve the final vision.

The Laguna style doors, which serve as the main focal point of the office space, required highly complex rail systems. These state-of-the-art doors create continuity throughout the office and provide multiple options for privacy while taking up very little space. This meant placement of these doors onto the rails required extraordinary precision and attention to detail.

EDMONTON

Southgate Volkswagen

THE PROJECT

When Southgate Volkswagen decided to make the move to a newer, larger space in the south side of Edmonton, they seized the opportunity to create a beautiful, open-concept showroom utilizing striking custom glass elements and making the most of their increased space. We worked together to ensure a creative and seamless completion of the many commercial glazing elements.

We provided design and project management support, along with assembly and installation of a variety of commercial glazing products. A custom curtain wall stretching across the entire front of the dealership—and extending to most of the other walls—was created in addition to many custom interior glazing elements.

THE PROCESS

We provided an assortment of services during the construction including design support, project management, fabrication and installation of various custom products.

THE CHALLENGES

After noticing design details that needed to be ironed out in the schematics, we liaised with the original engineers – located in Germany – to implement the necessary design revisions. There was no room for error in installing two 137-foot-long skylights that was compounded by a design that called for the enormous panels to be placed within four millimetres of one another. We also completed seamless installation of the skylights, producing a truly stunning result. The implementation of the custom curtainwall running along several sides of the dealership required an extensive installation system. With each panel weighing in excess of 500 pounds, a system of computerized suction cups and cranes was utilized to seamlessly complete the striking piece.