MetroPlace is a 46-story mixed-use building located in the heart of Burnaby, BC, that was developed to meet the needs of the fast-growing community around it. The tower contains 342 residential units along with 4 stories of commercial podium. The building also includes a series of townhouses that are accessible at the ground level. When it was completed in 2014, the project was one of the first of its scale and was one of the tallest buildings in Burnaby.

Our team was enlisted to support the building enclosure design and integration of the façade systems. The developer, Intracorp, explored several innovative new façade systems to create a unique identity for the building. The design phase focused on developing an enclosure that would allow Intracorp to produce a unique yet practical end product. The final design included a façade with both window wall and curtain wall systems, which created unique interfacing challenges. Yuanda China, a large curtain wall manufacturer based out of Guangxi, was chosen to supply the glazing system. Yuanda is renowned for its work on projects such as the Water Cube National Aquatic Centre in Beijing, but it did not have any ready-made systems that fit the cost targets for MetroPlace.

During the manufacturing phase, our team worked closely with Yuanda to develop glazing systems and produce the appropriate interfacing details for both the building and the unique climate of BC’s Lower Mainland. In addition to designing and testing a performance mock-up, we visited the manufacturing plant on numerous occasions to assure that the systems would conform to the shop drawings. During the construction phase, we were present throughout the installation process of the combined glazing system. We also performed water penetration testing on-site. Our presence throughout the various project phases was an important part in ensuring the owner’s vision was realized during construction.

The completed project was delivered significantly under budget and achieved an energy performance level equivalent to LEED Silver. Due to our team’s knowledge of the building, we were retained by the MetroPlace ownership group to develop a depreciation report and to conduct periodic warranty reviews of the building. We continue to work with the owners to help them maintain their building.

Date:

October 7, 2019

Client:

Intracorp

Architects:

Perkins & Will, NSDA Architects

Our Role:

Building Enclosure Consultant, Façade Designer

Key Services

Concept Review
Construction Document Review
Façade Development and Engineering
Procurement Consulting
Field Review
Testing
Maintenance and Planning
Warranty Reviews and Warranty Claims

Before material and systems selections are finalized, our clients benefit from a review of the building enclosure design strategies at a conceptual level. This review provides an opportunity to reflect upon the performance expectations and fundamental building science strategies behind the selection of appropriate solutions. Experience shows that changes made at the conceptual stage of building enclosure design have far greater cost-to-benefit impact than those made during late design or construction. A typical concept review considers the following:

  • Environmental loads
  • Energy performance targets and compliance options
  • Life cycle expectations
  • Constructability, sequencing, and complexity of detailing
  • Structural support
  • Risk analysis

Warren Knowles | P.Eng.

Principal, Senior Building Science Specialist
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Brian Hubbs | P.Eng., BEP

Principal, Senior Building Science Specialist
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Marcus Dell | M.A.Sc., P.Eng., BEP

Founder & Principal Emeritus
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Mark Will | BA Econ

Principal, Director of Business Operations
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Brittany Coughlin | MASc., P.Eng., BEMP, CPHC

Regional Director – Canada East, Energy & Climate Specialist
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Tim Bryant | ABET, RRO®

Associate, Senior Project Technologist
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