Winnipeg Construction IX

[Wolf13]

Originally Posted by Urban recluse

Your opinion is correct though

TV knows better; of course you can still build glass towers that meet the codes. It will add to the cost, but you can do it. 300 Main?

Thank you

Originally Posted by drew

I think what TV is referring to is those glass towers in Vancouver that are all floor to ceiling glass.

That kind of thing would be difficult to pass through the new energy code for MB, and really, it should be. Entire walls of glass (like those in Vancouver) would not be enjoyable in -30C or +30C here in Winnipeg.

Our glass towers would need to include lots of spandrel to cover the insulation a climate like ours needs.

300 Main is not an all glass tower..?

The exterior structure is... it just has some panelling in place of glass, but that's an entirely curtain wall assembly.

That's why I'm confused about the "all glass" thing... an all glass curtain walled structure performs better thermally than a window wall structure by miles, so it doesn't make sense

Originally Posted by drew

Well, we kind of need to get that specific. The buildings in Vancouver all "look" that way because the class is continuous and uninterrupted.

I guess it works OK when you have an annual temperature swing of 30 C. Not so much when its closer to 70.

300 Main is uninterrupted as well. Thermally that is more efficient than, for example, Glasshouse.

Originally Posted by trueviking

It'll be interesting to see what the final design for 300 Main is. It's rendered as all glass. Even spandrel has reduced insulation from solid walls. I'm not sure how it would be possible but we will see.

Most residential buildings can't afford an all glass and spandrel facade. It's just the reality. Artis must be working on a very long payback. Until we have rental and condo rates like other cities and more competitive construction costs glass isn't realistic in Winnipeg. Design of a typical residential project usually includes a hot debate over the upcharge of stucco to hardie board. Every inch of glass is precious.

TNS got in under the old code I believe.

The affordability of all glass is low, but the foundation of 300 is already there... that's why I'd guess they're going this route. But what about the code? I presume you can energy model that thing towards approval?

Originally Posted by Andy6

It's probably more of a publicity stunt than a serious bid. Canada's tech sector is getting a bit of U.S. media exposure over this, and they want Winnipeg to get some media mentions in that context rather than being completely invisible as usual.

And this would be wise.