The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) is building a 750-bed Passive House Student Residence which aims to become one of the largest passive house projects in North America, incorporating advanced energy efficiency principles and construction techniques.
The 265,000-square-foot building will provide much needed student housing to the UTSC inventory to accommodate both short- and long-term campus growth projections, and is envisioned to become a social hub on the north campus, incorporating student life spaces, and a large dining hall and servery. There will also be an outdoor roof garden and terrace.
Toronto, Ontario-based IBI Group is leading the consultant team, as part of the design-build contract awarded to Pomerleau Inc.
“With more than 60 offices across the globe, IBI’s commitment to the environment, which includes our corporate footprint as well as the work we undertake with our clients, has wide-reaching impacts,” said Scott Stewart, CEO of IBI Group. “This project adds to our growing portfolio of Passive House projects in North America, and we are proud to be a leader in implementing this gold standard for energy-efficient design.”
Principles of the new UTSC residence are focused on the improved thermal performance of the building envelope, effective mechanical and electrical control systems, and reduced water consumption. The project also places great importance on the use of natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial light sources.
As design lead, IBI Group will now begin to mobilize a multidisciplinary team to build upon the Bridging Contract Document package developed by the university and its consultants.
IBI Group has a portfolio of significant passive house projects in Vancouver, B.C. and the firm has a long history of transforming the campuses of higher education institutions in Canada and overseas. Notable projects include the George Brown College Waterfront School of Design, Ryerson University’s HOEM on Jarvis Student Residence, the Cardiff University Maindy Road Innovation Centre, and the Cornell University Human Ecology Building.
Pomerleau said it intends to use Building Information Modeling technology to manage material usage, energy-efficiency planning and timeline management.
“We are very proud to be partnering with the U of T Scarborough for the delivery of this unique Passive House building, which is set to be one of the most eco-efficient in the country,” said Patrick Stiles, vice-president and regional manager at Pomerleau. “Our focus on building innovative and sustainable buildings has never been stronger, and we are excited to work with the U of T Scarborough to create a safe, healthy and inspirational living environment for its students.”
Consulting work is commencing immediately, with an anticipated project completion of December 2022.
Featured image credit: IBI Group.
