Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Ivany Campus Student Housing

Dartmouth, NS
FBM NSCC IVANY JP 0026 Re Resize
Project Keywords: Airtightness Testing, Building Enclosure Consulting, Coastal, Dartmouth, LEED Gold, Precast Concrete, Student Housing, Waterfront
  • Size 96,000-sf
  • Completion 2025
  • Services Provided Building Enclosure Consulting
  • Market Sector Higher-ed, Residential - Student Housing
  • Owner Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
  • Architect FBM Architecture (RDH Client)
The new Ivany Campus Student Housing building at Nova Scotia Community College opened in Fall 2025 with 200 beds, providing much-needed affordable and accessible housing for students in the Halifax region. Located on a waterfront site in Dartmouth, the five-storey residence is targeting LEED Gold certification and is part of a broader institutional initiative to improve access to education and address housing affordability challenges.

RDH was engaged by FBM Architecture to provide building enclosure consulting for the design and early construction phases. The building’s coastal setting shaped the enclosure strategy from the outset. The team selected a highly insulated double-wythe precast concrete system for its durability, constructability, and design expression. The inner wythes are left exposed on the interior, providing a durable, low-maintenance finish that contributes to the building’s architectural character.

RDH worked closely with FBM Architecture to develop detailing for the precast wall panels, window interfaces, and air and water control systems. The enclosure strategy incorporated drained dual-stage sealant joints, window interfaces with drained sub-sill flashings, and continuous interior air seals to manage moisture risks in the waterfront environment. RDH also reviewed the precast supplier’s shop drawings during early construction to confirm alignment with design intent and performance objectives.

The results reflect the rigor of that approach. Whole-building airtightness testing at completion measured 0.136 cfm/ft² at 75 Pa, approximately half the maximum air leakage permitted under NECB 2020. The building is fully electric and designed to perform reliably in a coastal climate over the long term.

FBM NSCC IVANY JP 0303
FBM NSCC IVANY JP 0319
FBM NSCC IVANY DRONE JP 0002

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