simcoe county administration building

Project Particulars

location: Midhurst, onclient: county of simcoeFacility tyPe: institutionalsize: 43,000 sq.ft.coMPletion: 2011leeD: Gold certified

Ground Floor Plan *Grey areas indicate

original building

the primary goal of this recently completed project was to improve public access to the county’s 22 different departments by adding a fully-accessible, light-filled and easy-to-navigate external ring to the existing dark and inward-looking administrative building. this new accessible corridor becomes a key public space, connecting visitors to the activities of the centre as well as a series of courtyards in a seamless manner. the expansion provides much needed additional office space as well as a strategy for future growth. new office areas maximize both views to the adjacent picturesque ravine as well as day-lighting, which was sorely lacking in the original facility. indeed, views to the centre’s incredible natural setting were a key driving principle of the design. Finally, the expansion adds much needed-public space to the building’s entrance to welcome visitors and direct them to the county’s many services.

executive suMMary

2nd Floor Plan *Grey areas indicate

original building

sustainable systeMs

incorPorateD in the leeD

GolD builDinG

1. large Pv array

2. Green roofs

3. Geothermal heating and cooling, along with sophisticated controls minimize the term ongoing service.

4. high-performance zinc rainscreen building envelope minimizes non-renewable energy consumption and operating costs.

5. award-winning "Waterloo biofilter" system cleanses waste water before it is discharged to the building's septic tank.

the client’s initial requirement for the project was to create additional office space for the county of simcoe administration centre as well as to improve the circulation in the entire facility. these two starting requirements were serendipitously ideal for a solution that was highly sustainable and environmentally responsible. the new 6,551 m2, two-storey addition wraps around the existing building, taking full advantage of the surrounding views, day lighting and natural ventilation and creating interior courtyards between the existing and new structures. the narrow floor plate of the addition minimizes the impact of the new footprint on the existing surroundings and sits primarily on removed asphalt areas resulting in very little increase to the hard surfaces on the site. the metal clad structure is designed to maximize the reflection of heat, minimize western exposure and maintain continuous views and natural light. Glazing is carefully planned to have overhangs for shading and smaller windows at heat gain areas while maintaining the maximum views permitted. insulation values achieve optimum performance and reduce the overall energy demand.

strateGic Decisions

With improved wheelchair accessibility and access to public transportation, as well as specific hybrid spaces and carpooling designated areas, the addition creates an enhanced public realm and superior ease of use. secure bicycle storage and showering facilities are provided to encourage staff to cycle to work the addition encourages interdepartmental exchange and provides a circulation system for the entire facility - not only for the new program, but for the existing building as well, in a light-filled, naturally ventilated, colourful and inviting space.

coMMunity

built on a ring road, the impact of the building on the site and natural environment is minimal.a comprehensive erosion and sedimentation control plan was implemented throughout construction to prevent the loss of soil from site to reduce negative impacts on water infrastructure and air quality. site servicing includes underground storage chambers and oil/grit separator to manage the storm-water run-off rate and quality, reducing the impact on receiving water bodies.

site ecoloGy

More than 75% of the building is within 7 meters of operable windows.annual energy consumption is 259 kWh/m2/year compared to 114.3 kWh/m2/year in an average building of this type. solar orientation and predominant wind patterns were reviewed and the building adjusted to minimize exposure to direct west sunshine. the forest to the north and west provides a natural wind break. large windows are provided to maximize views and the use of available daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting. operable windows in all occupied spaces allow for natural ventilation when conditions permit.

liGht & air

• a Waterloo biofilter system is used to treat 100% of all wastewater generated to tertiary effluent quality criteria

• the landscape design incorporates native and drought tolerant plant species to reduce the need for irrigation. Water for areas that do require irrigation is provided by a 33,000 litre cistern that collects rainwater from the roof.

• Water efficient plumbing fixtures are used throughout the building, including low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. these fixtures reduce potable water use in the building by 36%.

Water conservation

energy efficient mechanical systems harvest available energy through ground source heat/cooling heat pumps as well as photo voltaic panels. these systems are used to minimize energy demand and offset costs. energy models were done along with cost analysis to clarify the cost length of time these and other take to pay for themselves through cost deferral. heat recovery on ventilation systems are utilized to capture as much energy as is possible. high efficiency heat pumps are used to handle the numerous temperature zones within the building without over heating one side to achieve a minimum temperature on the other. through this system and lighting controls, energy use is closely controlled and employed only when necessary and in minimum quantities to maintain a high level of comfort. ncluded in this is the careful monitoring of co2 levels to create a comfortable work environment.

energy use = 411.5 Mj/m2/year

solar Pv system represents >5% of the building power consumption.

• building mechanical and electrical systems underwent a rigorous commissioning process to ensure proper instillation and proformance.

• to reduce global warming and ozone depletion, hFc refrigerants were specified in all mechanical systems

• energy efficient features include:

• enhanced insulation in walls and roof

• Dedicated outdoor air system with energy recovery and co2 control

• Distributed water-to-air ground source heat pumps connected to a reversible chiller and a geothermal loop containing 54 vertical wells

• Double glazed windows with a low-emissivity soft coat

• energy efficient lighting design utilizing a variety of technologies including cFl, t5 and t8 fixtures, daylight and occupancy sensors

enerGy Present &

Future

• a construction Waste Management program was implemented onsite to maximize the amount of waste diverted from the landfill. Materials were separated onsite and sent to recycling facilities.

• building materials extracted and manufactured locally and/or contain recycled content were used in the building.

• Wood certified by the Forest stewardship council was used throughout.

• a flexible layout and sustainable materials create a quiet and comfortable work environment.

• high quality foam insulation ensures continuous exterior seal for the entire building with insulation values of “r28-r30”. special attention given to the areas of thermal bridging. solarban 60 glazing with low “e” film.

a variety of low-emitting products were used throughout, including:

• adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings with low voc contents

• composite wood and laminate products free of urea-formaldehyde

• Modular carpet tile certified under the carpet and rug institute’s Green label Plus program

• low off-gassing GreenGuarD certified furniture

Materials & resources

• Green education Program - including real-time solar output.

• Monitoring & verification - ongoing (beyond first year)

• sustainability coordinator hired for the county of simcoe

• updates/Messaging from operations to staff (overhead screens)

• an educational outreach program was developed which includes an interactive kiosk and case study brochure that visitors and occupants can use to learn about the environmental measures that are included in the building.

eDucation & inForMation

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