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Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre - Algoma university
Algoma Universitys new Biosciences and Technology Convergence Centre welcomed its first students in September at 1520 Queen Street East in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The 57,000 - square - foot centre, which consists of four floors plus a mechanical penthouse, is the universitys first LEED project The main objective and goal for the mechanical and electrical building systems was to achieve the highest level of energy efficiency to achieve LEED Gold status within limited budgetary constraints, says David Barban, consulting engineer with Nor Mech Engineering Inc. "The building is heated using a modular high - efficiency full - modulation condensing type boiler system and cooled using a multi - staged high efficiency chiller system with an air cooled fluid cooler to use for winter cooling requirements," says Barban. "Mechanical HVAC systems are comprised of modulating VFD rooftop unit fan coil units with R13 urethane double - wall construction, which all have free - cooling economizers with interlocked power exhaust systems, as well as a MERV 8 pre - filtering, MERV 14 main filtering and ultraviolet sterilization system provisions." Every HVAC system is controlled and monitored by a central BMS Control System with full building graphics and individual building system schematics, and each office or room has independent zone control damper control, says Barban. "The building has a main energy ventilation unit that collects all building exhaust air and, through its more - than - 80 - per - cent - efficient energy recovery desiccant wheel, will either pre - heat, humidify and/or pre - cool the incoming fresh air that is HEPA - filtered and then re - distributed to all of the air - handling equipment throughout the building, dependent on each zones demand and to meet building make - up air requirements," says Barban. The centres teaching and research laboratories required various specialized systems, says Barban, adding that 11 lab fume hoods were provided, each with its own independent variable speed exhaust fan. "Trying to encompass all the various required mechanical and electrical building systems while still maintaining a high level of energy efficiency to meet or exceed LEED standards made for interesting challenges and unique design considerations," he says. "The building includes a very interesting landscape that incorporates storm scepters with a dry riverbed ponding system that filters the stormwater and lets it re - enter the aquifer," says Kevin Hemsworth, divisional director of external relations at Algoma University. "Being located adjacent to the St. Marys River, this was an important environmental feature as it virtually eliminates stormwater disturbing the river bottom due to heavy discharge." Limestone boulders were used to reconcile the slopes and grade changes from the public car park to the facilitys main entrance while recreating a bluff - like visual quality, says Ernst Kreps, owner of Design Environment Landscape Architect Inc. "Washed glacial pit - run in varying sizes was artfully applied along with indigenous boulders that were reclaimed from earlier site excavating and placed throughout the site in a creative manner," says Kreps. "A wide variety of drought - tolerant grasses and woody vegetation was used to create a biodiversity of species that would enhance the concept and develop a low - maintenance naturalized site." The centre has six private research labs, a technology business innovation incubator, a working community geo - matics centre, and facilities for the Algoma Games for Health, Invasive Species and Health Informatics research institutes. "There are three teaching biology labs that seat 40 students each and two lecture theatres, along with meeting rooms, a small classroom, a computer lab, animal care facilities, space for receiving and processing specimens, autoclave facilities, growth chambers, distilled water supply, central UPS and a dual back - up generator that will keep the entire facility operational during electrical blackouts," says Hemsworth. The building features open stairs in the two - storey lobby, which is glazed on two sides with glass slanting out to eliminate sun and shade effects, and an overlooking mezzanine on the second level with glazed railings. "There are some attractive and unique MOZ panels covering all exposed columns in the hallways, brick and window wall exteriors, and a beautiful setting with landscaped features and a lovely natural forest nearby," adds Hemsworth. 
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