March 5, 2007

Education

Concrete gives Kwantlen expansion a green edge

Peter Mitham

correspondent

A creative approach to a tight budget put concrete at the top of the list of materials Kwantlen University College incorporated into its new Cloverdale campus.

Defying the notion of tilt-up construction being grey and industrial, Kwantlen’s new 185,170 square foot Cloverdale Trades and Technology Centre uses coloured concrete that is both practical and good-looking.

“We used it because it gives a warm effect and it does not require future maintenance,” explained Karen Hearn, Kwantlen’s facilities director.

Since the pigments are within the concrete itself, the walls have a tendency to change colour in a way similar to sandstone, deepening when wet and altering in response to the quality of light shining upon them. “It creates an interesting exterior,” she said.

The material was perfect for the new Cloverdale campus, located at the corner of Highway 10 and 180th Street. The new campus replaces premises in the Newton neighbourhood that Kwantlen had outgrown.

Ledcor Construction Ltd. is overseeing construction of the new complex, designed by Bunting Coady Architects of Vancouver. “Bunting Coady, the architect, selected integral coloured concrete so that they could realize the depth and natural look that can’t be reproduced with stains or paint,” said Bruce Vasarhely, project manager with Ledcor.

Peter Mitham

Kwantlen University College's new Cloverdale Trades and Technology Centre features coloured concrete that gives the tilt-up building a dynamic facade that responds to lighting conditions and weather.

Since very few tilt-up projects in the Vancouver area have used coloured concrete, Vasarhely said there were some challenges. Consultations with stakeholders addressed concerns regarding coordination of rebar chairs, release agents and placement.

“The end product has turned out well overall and the owner and architect are happy with the finished product,” he said.

Total cost for the new campus, scheduled to open this spring, is approximately $42.3 million.

The complex will host 900 full-time students, more than double the number in Newton. The focus is on trades, technology and applied training.

Appropriately, students at the new campus will study cement masonry as well as other trades associated with the construction, manufacturing, mining, transportation and utilities sectors.

The new Cloverdale campus isn’t the only place where Kwantlen is making use of cement to meet both economic demands and reduce maintenance requirements.

The $36 million expansion of Kwantlen’s main Surrey campus employs concrete as part of the geothermal energy system chosen to heat and cool two buildings. The concrete is part of the mechanical system of the building, so then you don’t have to put a boiler into the building,” Hearn said.

Polished concrete is also used for the floor, eliminating the need for alternative flooring materials that would require expensive cleaning methods and, eventually, replacement. Cloverdale has sealed concrete in its shops, classrooms and hallways that serve a similar purpose.

“You’re reducing your environmental footprint by using these kinds of products,” Hearn said, noting that the projects aim to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Print | Email | Comment