West 17th Lofts Rehabilitation
Home
Vision
Design
Constructability
Team
Accolades
Entuitive's Role
Prime Consultant
Location
721 Aspen Meadows Hill SW, Calgary, Canada
Client
West 17th Lofts Condominium Corporation
Size
45,120 ft², 44 luxury four-storey townhomes in seven blocks
Budget
$6.9 M
In 2014, Entuitive was retained by a previous client, the condominium corporation of West 17th Lofts in Calgary, Alberta, to conduct a full building envelope condition assessment of the entire townhouse complex.
After careful investigation, and worrisome findings that necessitated immediate attention, our team prepared a comprehensive design package for the replacement of all affected structural and building envelope components, including all cladding, windows, and doors.
Our vision was to repair the safety and performance of the building envelope of each home, thereby restoring the value of the properties as well. The project was a true test of structural knowledge and ingenuity, requiring a workable solution for the fully occupied townhouse community.
Because major structural supports were undersized, the building envelope was not sealed properly, allowing moisture ingress. The moisture caused the severe decay of internal beams, columns, and timber framing throughout the structure. Certain areas exhibited levels of organic growth that were hazardous to occupant health.
We used a high-level of slag in the concrete. This meant we had a high percentage of recycled content in the mix, greatly reducing embodied carbon emissions for cement manufacturing.
The project optimizes human comfort with radiant heating and cooling (with hot water coming from the District Energy building two blocks away) while minimizing the need to condition outdoor air thanks to a dedicated outdoor air system (DAS). The system supplies outdoor air to the space at a low level and low velocity, known as displacement ventilation, which efficiently removes unwanted heat and contaminants as the supplied air rises through the space.
The nodes of the 55-metre truss consist of five piles of 100-mm-thick plate. The largest node weighs the same as some battle tanks at 12 metric tonnes. The two diagonal web members, which support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons, comprise four piles of 100-mm solid plate. These were welded using partial joint penetration welding along the edges in the shop, requiring high pre-heating and careful post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress concentrations and indicators. The site welding required for connecting the truss web members to the largest node took approximately 150 man hours to complete over multiple days, with induction heaters running 24 hours a day.
The library’s entryway is designed to resemble a Chinook arch cloud formation. The three-storey, 18-metre-tall trusses feature architecturally exposed web members, with the largest members comprising four built-up piles of 4” thick plate. The largest truss spans 55 metres, is curved, and supports another truss spanning 30 metres.
The library sits over Calgary’s busiest light rail transit (LRT) line. This presented many unique structural challenges. The curved shape of the LRT line helped achieve the library’s distinctive shape by mirroring the curve along its longitudinal axis. Cost-effective structural solutions involving long-span floor framing and long-span, mega-trusses provided large, column-free spaces at the main entrance and oculus.
Each truss was too long, too tall, and too heavy to ship as one piece. As such, each piece was individually shipped and erected 10 metres above grade and temporarily braced back to the concrete cores that were advanced first. A temporary bracing system was used to stabilize each truss as additional floors were cast. Welded in shop along the long edges in partial joint penetration, the truss pieces required careful pre- and post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress and steel cracking. Two-end dialog b members support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons.
Meet the Team
A truly creative feat of engineering
- Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
"
"
Calgary's
New Central Library
Imagination Realized
16,000 Calgarians contributed inputs towards the bold vision for this building. It was clear that a collaborative approach fusing engineers, architects, city planners, and library staff was fundamental in solving sich a complex problem.
Location: Calgary, Canada
Role: Structural Engineering Consultant
Partners: Snøhetta (Design Architect), DIALOG (Executive Architect)
Client: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Calgary Public Library, and The City of Calgary
Size: 278,000 ft²
Budget: $245 M
For the Community by the Community
Completed in 2019, Calgary’s New Central Library places a strong emphasis on creating community-oriented spaces through design and is an integral part of a burgeoning cultural campus in downtown’s East Village.
Vision
How do you create Calgary's most significant new building in 25 years?
The vision was to build a civic landmark with an anticipated high level of community engagement. The challenge was to build it over an existing LRT line that bisects the site on a radius, with minimal disruption to its operation.
It is the first time in Calgary’s history that an active LRT line has been encased to enable an above-grade development project. Until now, this parcel of land immediately adjacent to City Hall had been considered an unusable hole in the ground.
Performance in Many Forms
Early on, Entuitive demonstrated that the LRT encapsulation could also be used as the Library’s foundation, meaning the cost of encapsulation would be significantly ofset by the base-building construction budget. Entuitive’s feasibility assessment was able to show that for the first time in the city’s history, it could build over the tracks without significant disruptions to the transit schedule.
Ultimately, the project was completed on time and under budget.
6.4 million annual visits.
500,000 visits in the first 100 days of opening
670,00 active members.
Overbuild increased the total size of the library by two-thirds.
6.4 M
2/3
670,00
500,000
With striking architectural design, the New Central Library one of the most significant and distinctive structures in Alberta.
Expertise Applied in a Different Context
Design
Entuitive developed a transfer system that created the opportunity for a contiguous floor plate above the LRT line, with a regular grid system that maximizes future flexibility. This forms the basis for the encapsulation, a new concrete structure that clear spans approximately 12 metres.
Steel trusses were brought in to allow for the architect’s column-free vision in the main entrance, enabling the building to take its distinctive shape. Within the heart of the building, an oculus with a steel framed skylight allows natural light to permeate through the soaring four-storey atrium, which includes three massive steel-framed cantilevered staircases.
A truss on the north end of the building cantilevers out over the LRT tracks and features a café that provides a unique view of the trains exiting from the tunnel underneath.
Fact
The truss design can bear the load of a building five times its height (or 450,00 books).
The entrance and vast wooden walkways were conceived using 3D modelling and structural analysis software. Entuitive’s custom technology integrations were critical in engaging the entire stakeholder team throughout the phases of design and construction. We realized accelerated design solutions by leveraging multiple platforms, including Rhino 3D and Grasshopper for parametric studies, and Tekla during the conceptual design.
Technology
The library design puts a strong emphasis on public accessibility and community-oriented spaces, with 80% of the building allocated to public space. The library is proving to be a true community hub.
Cost, constructability, and aesthetics drove the building framing. A truly hybrid concrete and structural steel building was chosen as the optimal materiality for the library. Creating an inviting grand entrance to the library atop the LRT line required large, column-free spans, which were achieved with several large trusses. The largest mega-trusses were curved and sloped in elevation, spanning the encapsulation to create an inviting and grand front entrance.
Constructability
The library sits over Calgary’s busiest light rail transit (LRT) line. This presented many unique structural challenges. The curved shape of the LRT line helped achieve the library’s distinctive shape by mirroring the curve along its longitudinal axis. Cost-effective structural solutions involving long-span floor framing and long-span, mega-trusses provided large, column-free spaces at the main entrance and oculus.
The library’s entryway is designed to resemble a Chinook arch cloud formation. The three-storey, 18-metre-tall trusses feature architecturally exposed web members, with the largest members comprising four built-up piles of 4” thick plate. The largest truss spans 55 metres, is curved, and supports another truss spanning 30 metres.
The nodes of the 55 metre truss consist of five piles of 100-mm-thick plate. The largest node weighs the same as some battle tanks at 12 metric tonnes. The two diagonal web members, which support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons, comprise four piles of 100-mm solid plate. These were welded using partial joint penetration welding along the edges in the shop, requiring high pre-heating and careful post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress concentrations and indicators. The site welding required for connecting the truss web members to the largest node took approximately 150 man hours to complete over multiple days, with induction heaters running 24 hours a day.
We used a high-level of slag in the concrete. This meant we had a high percentage of recycled content in the mix, greatly reducing embodied carbon emissions for cement manufacturing.
The project optimizes human comfort with radiant heating and cooling (with hot water coming from the District Energy building two blocks away) while minimizing the need to condition outdoor air thanks to a dedicated outdoor air system (DAS). The system supplies outdoor air to the space at a low level and low velocity, known as displacement ventilation, which efficiently removes unwanted heat and contaminants as the supplied air rises through the space.
Each truss was too long, too tall, and too heavy to ship as one piece. As such, each piece was individually shipped and erected 10 metres above grade and temporarily braced back to the concrete cores that were advanced first. A temporary bracing system was used to stabilize each truss as additional floors were cast. Welded in shop along the long edges in partial joint penetration, the truss pieces required careful pre- and post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress and steel cracking. Two-end dialog b members support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons.
They took all the liabilities and turned them into an opportunity
"
"
– Druh Farrell, City of Calgary
Learn more about the role of steel with Ian Washbrook
Entuitive brings together a high caliber group of professionals with a new attitude. Our core values of being creative, collaborative, and advanced are rooted in our One Company culture. By combining our creative, disciplined imagination with our technical knowledge, we utilized the latest technologies to solve complex engineering challenges, collaborating with all stakeholders along the way. Bringing the New Central Library to fruition exemplified the Entuitive Mindset. Accounting for multiple perspectives, believing in a better solution, and a commitment to the vision guided us on the path to seeing this incredible community hub come to life.
Meet The Team
P.Eng. LEEED A.P
Managing Director
Brock Schroeder
P.Eng.
Senior Associate
Chongsong Yu
P.Eng.
Senior Associate
Ian Washbrook
C.Tech.
Associate
Blaine Jansen
P.Eng.
Associate
Fredo Simvo
Contract Administrator
Aaron Clarke
Libraries of the Future and of the World’s 12 Most Anticipated Buildings of 2018 – Architectural Digest
2019 AIA/ALA Library Building Award from the American Institute of Architects
2019 Building Communities Award from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Award of Merit from Canadian Architect
2017 Great City, Great Design Award from the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards
2019 Merit Award for Wayfinding from the SEGD Global Design Awards
Accolades
Learn more about the construction process!
A truly creative feat of engineering
- Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
"
"
Calgary's
New Central Library
Location: Calgary, Canada
Role: Structural Engineering Consultant
Partners: Snøhetta (Design Architect), DIALOG (Executive Architect)
Client: Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), Calgary Public Library, and The City of Calgary
Size: 278,000 ft²
Budget: $245 M
For the Community by the Community
Completed in 2019, Calgary’s New Central Library places a strong emphasis on creating community-oriented spaces through design and is an integral part of a burgeoning cultural campus in downtown’s East Village.
Vision
16,000 Calgarians contributed inputs towards the bold vision for this building. It was clear that a collaborative approach fusing engineers, architects, city planners, and library staff was fundamental in solving sich a complex problem.
Imagination Realized
How do you create Calgary's most significant new building in 25 years?
The vision was to build a civic landmark with an anticipated high level of community engagement. The challenge was to build it over an existing LRT line that bisects the site on a radius, with minimal disruption to its operation.
It is the first time in Calgary’s history that an active LRT line has been encased to enable an above-grade development project. Until now, this parcel of land immediately adjacent to City Hall had been considered an unusable hole in the ground.
Performance in Many Forms
Early on, Entuitive demonstrated that the LRT encapsulation could also be used as the Library’s foundation, meaning the cost of encapsulation would be significantly ofset by the base-building construction budget. Entuitive’s feasibility assessment was able to show that for the first time in the city’s history, it could build over the tracks without significant disruptions to the transit schedule.
Ultimately, the project was completed on time and under budget.
6.4 million annual visits.
500,000 visits in the first 100 days of opening
670,00 active members.
Overbuild increased the total size of the library by two-thirds.
6.4 M
2/3
670,00
500,000
With striking architectural design, the New Central Library one of the most significant and distinctive structures in Alberta.
Expertise Applied in a Different Context
Design
Entuitive developed a transfer system that created the opportunity for a contiguous floor plate above the LRT line, with a regular grid system that maximizes future flexibility. This forms the basis for the encapsulation, a new concrete structure that clear spans approximately 12 metres.
Steel trusses were brought in to allow for the architect’s column-free vision in the main entrance, enabling the building to take its distinctive shape. Within the heart of the building, an oculus with a steel framed skylight allows natural light to permeate through the soaring four-storey atrium, which includes three massive steel-framed cantilevered staircases.
A truss on the north end of the building cantilevers out over the LRT tracks and features a café that provides a unique view of the trains exiting from the tunnel underneath.
Fact
The truss design can bear the load of a building five times its height (or 450,00 books).
The library design puts a strong emphasis on public accessibility and community-oriented spaces, with 80% of the building allocated to public space. The library is proving to be a true community hub.
The entrance and vast wooden walkways were conceived using 3D modelling and structural analysis software. Entuitive’s custom technology integrations were critical in engaging the entire stakeholder team throughout the phases of design and construction. We realized accelerated design solutions by leveraging multiple platforms, including Rhino 3D and Grasshopper for parametric studies, and Tekla during the conceptual design.
Technology
Cost, constructability, and aesthetics drove the building framing. A truly hybrid concrete and structural steel building was chosen as the optimal materiality for the library. Creating an inviting grand entrance to the library atop the LRT line required large, column-free spans, which were achieved with several large trusses. The largest mega-trusses were curved and sloped in elevation, spanning the encapsulation to create an inviting and grand front entrance.
Constructability
Learn more about the construction process!
The library sits over Calgary’s busiest light rail transit (LRT) line. This presented many unique structural challenges. The curved shape of the LRT line helped achieve the library’s distinctive shape by mirroring the curve along its longitudinal axis. Cost-effective structural solutions involving long-span floor framing and long-span, mega-trusses provided large, column-free spaces at the main entrance and oculus.
The library’s entryway is designed to resemble a Chinook arch cloud formation. The three-storey, 18-metre-tall trusses feature architecturally exposed web members, with the largest members comprising four built-up piles of 4” thick plate. The largest truss spans 55 metres, is curved, and supports another truss spanning 30 metres.
The nodes of the 55 metre truss consist of five piles of 100-mm-thick plate. The largest node weighs the same as some battle tanks at 12 metric tonnes. The two diagonal web members, which support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons, comprise four piles of 100-mm solid plate. These were welded using partial joint penetration welding along the edges in the shop, requiring high pre-heating and careful post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress concentrations and indicators. The site welding required for connecting the truss web members to the largest node took approximately 150 man hours to complete over multiple days, with induction heaters running 24 hours a day.
We used a high-level of slag in the concrete. This meant we had a high percentage of recycled content in the mix, greatly reducing embodied carbon emissions for cement manufacturing.
The project optimizes human comfort with radiant heating and cooling (with hot water coming from the District Energy building two blocks away) while minimizing the need to condition outdoor air thanks to a dedicated outdoor air system (DAS). The system supplies outdoor air to the space at a low level and low velocity, known as displacement ventilation, which efficiently removes unwanted heat and contaminants as the supplied air rises through the space.
Each truss was too long, too tall, and too heavy to ship as one piece. As such, each piece was individually shipped and erected 10 metres above grade and temporarily braced back to the concrete cores that were advanced first. A temporary bracing system was used to stabilize each truss as additional floors were cast. Welded in shop along the long edges in partial joint penetration, the truss pieces required careful pre- and post-heating to minimize potential weld-induced stress and steel cracking. Two-end dialog b members support the largest compression forces of 33 and 38.5 meganewtons.
They took all the liabilities and turned them into an opportunity
"
"
– Druh Farrell, City of Calgary
Learn more about the role of steel with Ian Washbrook
Entuitive brings together a high caliber group of professionals with a new attitude. Our core values of being creative, collaborative, and advanced are rooted in our One Company culture. By combining our creative, disciplined imagination with our technical knowledge, we utilized the latest technologies to solve complex engineering challenges, collaborating with all stakeholders along the way. Bringing the New Central Library to fruition exemplified the Entuitive Mindset. Accounting for multiple perspectives, believing in a better solution, and a commitment to the vision guided us on the path to seeing this incredible community hub come to life.
Meet The Team
Accolades
Libraries of the Future and of the World’s 12 Most Anticipated Buildings of 2018 – Architectural Digest
2019 AIA/ALA Library Building Award from the American Institute of Architects
2019 Building Communities Award from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Award of Merit from Canadian Architect
2017 Great City, Great Design Award from the Mayor’s Urban Design Awards
2019 Merit Award for Wayfinding from the SEGD Global Design Awards
P.Eng. LEEED A.P
Managing Director
Brock Schroeder
P.Eng.
Senior Associate
Chongsong Yu
P.Eng.
Senior Associate
Ian Washbrook
C.Tech.
Associate
Blaine Jansen
P.Eng.
Associate
Fredo Simvo
Contract Administrator
Aaron Clarke
Learn more about the construction process!
A True Test of Building Envelope and Structural Ingenuity
Home
Team
Constructability
Challenge
Constructability
Building Envelope
The previous year, Entuitive had been retained by West 17th to consult on a roofing investigation and replacement project. During this project, the project principal, Brian Shedden, noticed that many garage door headers exhibited significant deflection. The firm was brought on the following year to investigate this issue, which revealed major structural and building envelope issues.
Challenge
Vision
The beams above each of the garage doors in the townhouse complex, as well as other major structural supports for each unit, were severely undersized, causing the structures to sag. This structural failure caused multiple failures in the building envelope.
Structural
Structural
As multiple undersized beams had to be replaced, the structural team worked closely with the contractor to ensure that the means and methods were the most economical and feasible, while ensuring that the replacements would not adversely impact the new building envelope components that would be installed overtop.
The extensive decay to the timber framing required much of it to be replaced in-situ, including corrections to poorly executed carpentry work found once the walls were fully revealed. Some of the decay was so severe that tools were not required to remove the affected components. (The team could remove them by hand.)
Building Envelope
The issues with the building envelope were extensive and significant. Poor installation methods coupled with the shifting structure resulted in open joints in almost all locations. As such, the building envelope repair had to start at the level of the timber studs, moving outwards step by step. This required our team to develop a significant number of details to deal with the differing conditions encountered. The team documented the existing conditions during demolition to showcase the rationale behind such extreme rehabilitation, both for the owners and the board of directors.
The design also incorporated proper drainage and airflow to ensure the underlying components could breathe. The material selections involved a significant undertaking to find matching materials and products, which were so successful the complex today does not look like it has undergone any significant rehabilitation work. This was a primary directive from the condo corporation.
Building Envelope Remediation
Randy Thesen
M.Eng., P.Eng.
Principal
Structural Remediation
Brian Shedden
BSS
Principal
Heather Elliot
P.Eng., LEED Green Associate
Associate
Nicholas Fuss
A.T., P.Tech. (Eng.)
Building Envelope Specialist
Nicholas Fuss
A.T., P.Tech. (Eng.)
Building Envelope Specialist
Jamie Wentjarv
Building Envelope Specialist
Robert Paquet
P.Eng.
Engineer
Post-Construction
At one point, there was so much scaffolding on the project that other contractors were complaining they were having difficulty finding any available in Calgary!
Interesting Fact
Throughout construction, additional issues with the structure were found. The most shocking being the bolts through the structural C-channel that had simply been glued on to the surface to mimic the appearance of proper fastening.
As multiple undersized beams had to be replaced, the structural team worked closely with the contractor to ensure that the means and methods were the most economical and feasible, while ensuring that the replacements would not adversely impact the new building envelope components that would be installed overtop.
The extensive decay to the timber framing required much of it to be replaced in-situ, including corrections to poorly executed carpentry work found once the walls were fully revealed. Some of the decay was so severe that tools were not required to remove the affected components. (The team could remove them by hand.)
Throughout construction, additional issues with the structure were found. The most shocking being the bolts through the structural C-channel that had simply been glued on to the surface to mimic the appearance of proper fastening.
The envelope components were upgraded with higher performing breathable membranes and self-adhered products around penetrations, while the windows were upgraded to more thermally efficient fibreglass frames.
The existing, poorly secured masonry, which could be pushed over by hand during demolition, was replaced with new masonry that met industry standard securement and reinforcement.
Once construction had begun, Entuitive attended the site daily, sometimes multiple times a day, to monitor progress and react to unanticipated site conditions and unforeseen issues. The extensive and severe nature of the deterioration required a high level of responsiveness to keep construction on schedule while maintaining a high degree of workmanship.
Following completion of the rehabilitation work, the townhouse complex still had a number of remaining issues related to the courtyard and other areas. The board retained Entuitive on an on-call basis to investigate any and all issues brought up by owners. Entuitive acts as prime consultant, hiring subconsultants and subcontractors on the condo corporation’s behalf to complete work as necessary.
Challenge
Home
Vision
Vision
Constructability
Team