Current Issue

Current Issue of Construction Canada
Photo courtesy Kasian.




Cover:

The design of the University of Calgary's Child Development Centre (CDC) had aggressive goals. The desire was for a building that not only facilitated stronger connections between child development practice and research, but also achieved stringent sustainability standards. No Canadian project of this size had ever been certified to Platinum status under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED Canada) program. The road to success was paved with collaboration.

Features
  • 10 Pervious Possibilities

    Ross Monsour

    Pervious concrete allows stormwater to percolate through the 'hardscape,' back down into the water table. In certain applications, it presents both an environmental and economic boon.

  • 18 Nanotechnology for Greener Concrete

    Taijiro Sato, PhD

    Thinking small can reap huge awards for concrete construction. Cutting-edge research is exploring the benefits of nano-sized ground limestone (CaCO3) to ordinary portland cement.

  • 21 Reflecting on Polished Concrete Floors

    Greg Schwietz, CSI, CDT

    Colourful polished concrete is emerging as an attractive and cost-effective flooring option, with green connotations. Design/construction professionals should understand proper installation practices.

  • 30 Investigating the I-joist: The heart of the engineered wood floor

    David Birmingham

    Engineered wood products continue to be a great value in commercial and multifamily floors, where end users face the dilemma of higher costs, product scarcity, and design flexibility.

  • 38 Better, Greener Buildings are in the Air

    Tony Woods

    Air barriers can significantly reduce energy consumption. Modelling the impact of these assemblies in terms of another type of 'green'—dollars and cents—can help owners understand the importance.

  • 48 Systematic Success with Air Barriers

    Remo DiFelice and Peter Kubas

    Establishing a functional, reliable air barrier depends on myriad factors, with even the smallest gaps taking tremendous toll. With the variety of products available, ensuring compatibility is crucial.

  • 64 Daylighting Gets Active

    Ray Torres

    Passive skylights are not always enough. Active daylighting units can offer complementary (or even supplementary) ways to harness the sun's natural illumination.

  • 66 Specifying Fibreglass Insulation for HVAC

    Renee Chesler

    Fibreglass insulation can work in conjunction with an energy-efficient HVAC system to lower energy loss and utility bills. Before specifying such products, one must understand the different applications.

  • 72 The Quest for Green HVAC

    Harry Topikian, P.Eng.

    Niche energy-efficient HVAC systems exist for specialized applications, ranging from artifact protection to streamlining consumption in natatoriums to supermarkets.

  • 84 Water Intrusion, Drainage, and Windows

    John Edgar

    This article examines large-scale water intrusion problems, explaining the signs, procedures, and preventative actions that should take place.

  • 98 Far More than Child's Play

    Judy MacDougall, AAA, LEED AP

    Taking an in-depth look at sustainability, this article focuses on the design and construction of the University of Calgary's Child Development Centre, as it strives for Platinum recognition.

 
 
News
Concrete knowledge: CSC and CPCI announce precast seminars
Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute are launching a series of seminars dealing with architectural and structural precast concrete.
Read more...
 
Online PCD course begins in mid-September
Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) is currently offering an online version of its Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course, with classes set to begin September 15.
Read more...
 
 
Construction Canada Online
Canadian projects among shortlist for 'World Building of the Year'
cultural center
A trio of projects from Canada has been shortlisted for next month's first annual World Architecture Festival in Barcelona. For the event's awards program, 224 design projects (representing 43 countries) will vie for 'best in class' status among 17 categories, ranging from 'Religion and Contemplation' to 'Office.'
Read more...
 
Submission deadline approaches for CaGBC's building performance initiative
jean
Those interested in participating in the inaugural round of Canada Green Building Council's (CaGBC's) Green Building Performance Initiative (GBPI) have until September 30.
Read more...
 
Building better BIM with interoperability
BIM
Autodesk and Bentley Systems have announced an agreement to expand interoperability of their building information modelling (BIM) software. The companies' portfolios, consisting of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) programs, will be supported through the reciprocal use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Read more...
 
NRC-IRC residential seminars finding homes across Canada
EIFS-BPG
New research about the design and construction of low-rise residential buildings will be presented at Building Science Insight (BSI) seminars held in the fall and winter throughout Canada.
Read more...
 
'Go Green' developer acquired, but system remains with BOMA Canada
A financial and professional services firm has bought ECD Energy and Environment Canada—the developer of the 'Go Green' rating system for existing buildings.
Read more...
 
Upcoming Events

September 9-10
2008 Green Building Festival
Innovolve Group
Toronto, Ont.
Toronto Congress Centre
www.greenbuildingfest.com

September 24-27
MCA/World Plumbing/Canadian Institute of Heating International Conference
Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada
Calgary, Alta.
Hyatt Regency Hotel
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Toronto, Ont.
Direct Energy Centre
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October 1-3
CDBI National Conference
Canadian Design-Build Institute
Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel
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October 1-3
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Baltimore, Md.
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October 2-5
BCRMA Convention
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Penticton, B.C.
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October 13-17
APT Montreal
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Montreal, Que.
Hilton Montréal Bonaventure
www.apti.org