Constructed in 1970, the 11-story Capilano Tower is a non-profit home serving seniors within the municipality of West Vancouver and surrounding districts in British Columbia.
With a focus on sustainability, energy management and wellness, remediation and retrofit of this important community residential facility focused on conservation improvements and modernized systems. The project included full building envelope remediation, site improvements, mechanical systems replacement, fire alarm system upgrades, lighting replacement, new emergency battery pack and interior renovations.
Initial studies indicated the existing building’s top energy usage came from heating at 58% and hot water at 28%. Deep energy retrofits, building envelope remediation and building system upgrades targeted energy usage and greenhouse gas reduction for the building. Application of select energy conservation measures (ECM) targeted 60% reduction of energy usage and 85% reduction of greenhouse gases.
Existing glazing, which covered over 80% of the exterior, was replaced with a high-performance triple glazed window wall system to improve the building’s thermal performance and reduce energy use. A new condensing boiler heating plant and new radiant hydronic (ceiling) panels and terminals allow heaters to operate at higher thermal efficiencies. EXP’s building science team also performed extensive concrete remediation to balcony slabs, improving aesthetics through the incorporation of fascia bands into the railing design.
Extensive coordination between EXP and the mechanical and electrical teams enabled the building to remain occupied and operational during construction. This important project is indicative of EXP’s commitment to delivering energy-efficient solutions and using sustainable practices to improve existing buildings.
Services
Building Science, Building Envelope Design, Structural, Contract Administration