Winnipeg Construction VIII

[Biff]

Just a curious question - sorry but off topic.

I have been very impressed with Edmonton's skyscraper boom as of late. Something that I have noticed is that most, if not all of these new towers are heavy on the use of glass facade's. Knowing that Edmonton has a very similar climate as Winnipeg, how is Edmonton building/proposing all these new towers considering the new National Energy Code applies the same for them as for us.

Do they just spend more money on their projects? Are we over exaggerating the new energy code here in Winnipeg by saying glass clad buildings are a thing of the past?

Again, curious.....

[bomberjet]

Maybe they have been put through prior to the code taking effect? A la Glasshouse here in Winnipeg.

[drew]

Originally Posted by Biff

Just a curious question - sorry but off topic.

I have been very impressed with Edmonton's skyscraper boom as of late. Something that I have noticed is that most, if not all of these new towers are heavy on the use of glass facade's. Knowing that Edmonton has a very similar climate as Winnipeg, how is Edmonton building/proposing all these new towers considering the new National Energy Code applies the same for them as for us.

Do they just spend more money on their projects? Are we over exaggerating the new energy code here in Winnipeg by saying glass clad buildings are a thing of the past?

Again, curious.....

Has Alberta adopted the National Energy Code? I don't know for sure, but I don't think so.

Manitoba has, and therefore all non-Part 9 buildings need to meet the energy Code.

That's the main difference AFAIK. However on a cost-per-foot basis, I imagine projects are more valuable in Edmonton versus Winnipeg, which may explain why there is higher quality finishes.

And remember - you can still have walls of glass - but something along the lines of the Hydro Building - which is basically cost-prohibitive for private funded buildings in current day Winnipeg.

...and maybe the glass is not ceiling to floor windows, but a combination of the window with insulated wall panels fronted by glass finish.

[Biff]

Originally Posted by drew

Has Alberta adopted the National Energy Code? I don't know for sure, but I don't think so.

Manitoba has, and therefore all non-Part 9 buildings need to meet the energy Code.

That's the main difference AFAIK. However on a cost-per-foot basis, I imagine projects are more valuable in Edmonton versus Winnipeg, which may explain why there is higher quality finishes.

And remember - you can still have walls of glass - but something along the lines of the Hydro Building - which is basically cost-prohibitive for private funded buildings in current day Winnipeg.

...and maybe the glass is not ceiling to floor windows, but a combination of the window with insulated wall panels fronted by glass finish.

Good point on if Alberta has adopted the code or not (i will look into that). For some strange Monday morning reason I hadn't thought of that. I know that glass CAN be built here....it will just be mighty expensive.

Thanks Drew.

[drew]

hmmm.

It looks as though Alberta is in the process of phasing in the NECB 2011 - but from what I get from this link, it's only for housing and small buildings (i.e. Part 9).

Perhaps they have not adopted it for larger buildings yet.

Interestingly, Manitoba is the opposite.

[CoryB]

Could Manitoba have adopted those code changes sooner as it was unlikely to have many projects that would be impacted?

[bomberjet]

Is there a downside to not adopting them? Or is there a time limit on when you have to adopt them by or is it solely a guideline?

I like dealing with guidelines much more than regulations!

[jmt18325]

Manitoba wants to cut power usage, but at the same time not kill votes. Hence, you make big buildings subject to the code, but let home owners make their own choices.

[drew]

Originally Posted by jmt18325

Manitoba wants to cut power usage, but at the same time not kill votes. Hence, you make big buildings subject to the code, but let home owners make their own choices.

Houses will be subject to the new energy Code in Manitoba soon enough. Just not sure when it will be implemented.

[jmt18325]

Originally Posted by drew

Houses will be subject to the new energy Code in Manitoba soon enough. Just not sure when it will be implemented.

If I had to guess, sometime after April.

[trueviking]

I think alberta just adopted the energy code a few months ago....these proposals likely would have been before that....Edmonton is in the same climatic zone as Winnipeg in the code so they will be restricted to 30% glazing as well...Calgary is a little better off.

Even spandrel is considered glazing...just higher performing, if you are trading off.

I haven't had to go the energy model route yet to see how much glazing you could reasonably have, without hydro building level trade offs....so far using really high quality windows gets you a couple extra percent....

[Urban recluse]

Originally Posted by Biff

Apparently there will be an announcement in March-ish regarding the Pumphouse redevelopment.

Is there any additional information you can share?

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by Urban recluse

Is there any additional information you can share?

id wait i have a feeling its guna be good.

[Urban recluse]

Do you know if it incorporates residential?

[1ajs]

Originally Posted by Urban recluse

Do you know if it incorporates residential?

no i dont its possible i had a 20 minut conversation on the st in the early fall all i know

[Urban recluse]

Is there an update on the new Richardson facility proposed?

[Biff]

Originally Posted by Urban recluse

Is there an update on the new Richardson facility proposed?

I think it has been delayed a bit.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Biff

I think it has been delayed a bit.

[The Unknown Poster]

Not sure if its been said here but SOD in South Winnipeg is slowly transitioning out of their building. If I recall they built that for themselves. They are sub-leasing part of it and then moving out completely.

[bomberjet]

Apologies, but what is SOD?