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| PROJECT: |
Computer Sciences Building – York University |
| LOCATION: |
Toronto, Ontario |
| APPLICATION: |
Cladding |
| ARCHITECT: |
Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects, Toronto, Ontario,
in partnership with Busby & Associates, Vancouver, B.C. |
| CONTRACTOR: |
French Brothers Roofing & Sheet Metal, North York, Ontario |
| METAL SUPPLIER: |
Peckover’s, Thornhill, Ontario |
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DESCRIPTION: |
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Green building is becoming increasingly important to architects,
engineers, and building owners. This project is an excellent example
of the role design and materials can play in sustainability and
the environment. It has been featured in Canadian Architect, Canadian Consulting Engineer, and Architectural Record, as well as newspapers and other media, because of its creators
focus on green building technology and the University’s desire
to operate a building with as little environmental impact as possible.
Copper plays an important role because it is a metal that is largely
manufactured from recycled materials, such as building wire and
plumbing tube, and therefore, is considered to be environmentally
friendly. Plus copper is also valuable and retains its value over
time. For example, copper construction materials removed from
a building being demolished today are probably more valuable now
than when there were originally installed. As a result, the majority
of copper mined throughout the ages is still in circulation today.
It was partly for these reasons that copper was chosen as the
cladding for the new Computer Sciences Building at York University.
Copper’s striking natural appearance and finish also played a
key role in its selection. The 16-oz. copper cladding was installed
using a standing seam. The pans, which were longer than normal,
were roll-formed, and then installed in one continuous piece,
necessitating great care in detailing to address expansion and
contraction.
The building was also awarded the designation as the best “green
building” by World Architecture, as part of the ARUP Awards program. It is considered by many
to be the greenest structure in Canada. The project illustrates
that in the pursuit of “green” ideals architects do not have to
sacrifice either design goals or budgetary constraints in achieving
their goals.
Since then, Van Nostrand Di Castri Architects merged with Wallman
Clewes Bergman to become Architects Alliance.
Adapted from Canadian Copper, No. 147.
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