255 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

255 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

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

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

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 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

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

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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The final rendering selected as the design for the EIFS overcladding project.
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Installation of the new mineral wool EIFS in various stages of progress including insulation, base coat, and finish coat.
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Northeast corner of the building, nearing completion.
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

518 Mohawk, Hamilton

518 Mohawk, Hamilton

518 Mohawk, Hamilton
A restoration project was completed, resulting in a brand-new look, with more occupant comfort, less energy use, and minimal disruption.
Services
Building and Structural Restoration
Subservices
Balconies, Cladding, Windows and Doors
Sector
Residential
Duration
2015-2016
Client
Effort Trust
Project Value
$1,700,000
Project size
12-story building (74 units)

518 Mohawk Rd is a 12-storey structure with 74 units and a footprint of approximately 608 m2.  

The building was constructed in 1966 and features 71 balcony slabs with balcony sliding doors and aluminum-framed windows with spandrel panels spanning floor-to-floor.  The project scope included: 

  • the installation of a new window wall assembly over the existing system 
  • glazing and sliding door replacement 
  • balcony concrete repairs and painting 
  • guard replacement 

The purpose of the project was to improve the building’s performance and appearance.The scope included a full replacement of the existing window assemblies spanning floor to floor, including patio doors. The original window assembly formed the majority of the interior suite finishes. The challenges associated with this project included minimizing resident disruption and the need for interior repair. 

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Condition Assessment / Feasibility Study

Condition Assessment / 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.
Design and Specifications

Design and Specifications

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

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

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.

Client Benefits 

Pretium designed and prepared specifications which included only a partial removal of the existing assembly.

The new assembly was installed directly over the existing assembly with an estimated one day per unit installation schedule. This approach minimized resident disruption, eliminated the need for extensive interior repairs, and improved building thermal efficiency significantly.

The final assemblies gave the building a clean and polished look on the exterior that can be appreciated by more than just the building residents and managers. 

Original building elevation with all white cladding, exposed slab edges, and dark metal panel and picket balcony guards.
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Close up of the deteriorated window and metal panel finishes.
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Close up of the balcony concrete and metal panel balcony guard deterioration.
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Water testing the new assembly during construction.
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A field adhesion test showing adequate paint adhesion.
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Anchor pull out testing at the new balcony guards.
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Installation of a new cladding panel over new insulation.
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View of the cladding installation in progress.
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A mast climber used to access the exterior wall for the duration of the work.
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Nearly completed elevation, showing new white and red cladding, and new full glass balcony guards.
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Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.