255 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

A deep energy retrofit achieving EnerPHit Certification, resulting in a new building exterior, improved air quality and a more than 60% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Services

Building and Structural Restoration Energy and Carbon Reduction

Subservices

Passive House and EnerPHit

Sector

Residential

Duration

2018-2024

Client

Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation

Partners

Peel Passive House, CK Engineering

Project Value

$15,000,000

Project size

20-storey building (300 units)

255 Riverside Drive East is a 20-story, 300-unit non-profit housing building originally constructed circa 1975.

As one of the largest social housing providers in Ontario, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (CHC) has a deep commitment to sustainability, implementing projects at their existing buildings that are targeting the highest performance levels and creating new high performing buildings. With that in mind, Pretium was selected to be the Prime Consultant to complete CHC’s first Step-Wise EnerPHit project at Riverside Drive.

The project team conducted a feasibility study to determine options for each of the systems requiring renovation. Eighteen scenarios were modeled in PHPP with changes to the:

Exterior cladding
Balconies
Roof assembly
Floor slab and foundation walls
Ventilation design
Domestic hot water system
Vent stacks
Penthouse
Lighting

The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing
Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

Specifications for the renovation were prepared including the preparation of detailed drawings, permit application, and architectural renderings for the new exterior cladding. Construction review and contract administration services
are ongoing with mechanical system installation complete and building envelope upgrades scheduled to be complete in July 2024.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Condition Assessment and/or Feasibility Study

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, and remedial options, allows for clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.

Energy Modelling

A quantitative tool that assists designers in evaluating the environmental, technical, and financial viability of a proposed building retrofit or design for a new building. The data obtained from the analysis allows designers to communicate recommendations to building owners and managers more effectively. The information is used to identify optimal solutions.

Design and Specification

Design documents describe the project scope, materials, and procedures based on information collected during the assessment/feasibility phase with the Owner’s agreement on approach and budget. They communicate to the contractor in a way that promotes refined pricing and increases the potential for success through improved workmanship, fewer changes and disruptions to occupants, a shorter schedule, and cost within budget.

Tendering

A fair and competitive tender process is followed for both public and private projects. During the tender process, we respond to queries, prepare addenda, and walk the work area with the bidders. On closing of tenders, we prepare a written summary and analysis of the bids received.

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

The building has been given new life, with all upgraded systems and an eye-catching black, white, and blue exterior. The benefits of this project do not stop at the extended life and curb appeal:

The annual energy consumption is expected to drop approximately

65%

The thermal bridge free design and new continuous fresh air ventilation system combine to significantly improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort.

The annual greenhouse gas emissions are expected to drop approximately

64%

Original image of the northeast corner of the building.

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