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CMTN, Spruce Building (2024)
Project Name
Terrace, BC
Location
Institutional Building
Type
Replacement of Windows and Curtain wall
Scope of Work
About the Spruce Building
The Spruce Building is the main academic hub of Coast Mountain College (CMC), serving as a key space for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. The building houses classrooms, administrative offices, and the Waap Sa’mn Library, a cherished resource for students and faculty alike. The library is home to the Indigenous Reading Circle, which preserves and showcases Indigenous knowledge and literature. The renovation of the Spruce Building’s glazing systems was an essential step in enhancing thermal efficiency, comfort, and acoustics.
Project Challenges
⚠️Aging Structure & Waterproofing – The existing window system was outdated, with rotting plywood sheathing discovered in the openings during the site assessment. The compromised waterproofing had resulted in significant heat loss and persistent condensation issues.
⚠️Performance & Aesthetic Requirements – The new glazing had to match the architectural identity of the campus and the aesthetic of adjacent buildings while incorporating low-e coatings and triple glazing for improved energy efficiency. It also needed to meet structural requirements, accounting for Terrace, BC’s high winds, seismic activity, and temperature variations.
Solution & Execution
✔ Advanced Glazing System Selection – The Aluprof MB-79N SI Casement was chosen for its superior insulation and structural durability. Paired with triple-glazed glass and dual coatings for low-emissivity and sun resistance, it significantly reduced heat loss while enhancing indoor comfort.
✔ Upgraded Curtain Wall System – MB-SR50N was installed to replace the entrance areas, accompanied by new Kawneer 350T doors, hardware sets, and ADOs to match the previously updated entrances.
✔ Enhanced Acoustics & Comfort – The new triple-glazed units significantly reduced external noise, ensuring a quiet atmosphere in the Waap Sa’mn Library and study areas.
✔ Quality Control & Engineering Verification – PE-stamped shop drawings, thermal simulations, and fabrication inspections ensured the highest standard of performance and installation precision.
Results & Impact
✔ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability – The U-value of the new system was significantly improved, lowering heating and cooling costs while reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
✔ Enhanced Learning & Research Environment – The library and classrooms now benefit from a quieter, more comfortable indoor atmosphere, making study and research spaces more productive.
✔ Aesthetic & Functional Harmony – The Spruce Building preserved its architectural identity while gaining a modern glazing package, ensuring its longevity as a cornerstone of education in the region.
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