CALGARY, AB
West 17th Lofts Rehabilitation
In 2014, Entuitive was retained by a previous client, the condominium corporation of West 17th Lofts in Calgary, Alberta, to conduct a full building envelope condition assessment of the entire townhouse complex.
In 2014, Entuitive was retained by a previous client, the condominium corporation of West 17th Lofts in Calgary, Alberta, to conduct a full building envelope condition assessment of the entire townhouse complex.
After careful investigation, and worrisome findings that necessitated immediate attention, our team prepared a comprehensive design package for the replacement of all affected structural and building
envelope components, including all cladding, windows, and doors.
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The project was a true test of structural knowledge and ingenuity, requiring a workable solution for the fully occupied townhouse community.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
CLIENT
West 17th Lofts Condominium Corporation
ARCHITECT
-
OUR ROLE(S)
Prime Consultant
SIZE
45,120 ft²;
44 luxury four-storey townhomes
in seven blocks
BUDGET
$6.9 M
MARKET (OFFICE)
CALGARY
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Challenge One
The beams above each of the garage doors in the complex, as well as other major structural supports for each unit, were severely undersized, causing the structures to sag. This structural failure caused multiple other failures in the building envelope.
Solution One
As multiple undersized beams had to be replaced, the team worked closely with the contractor to ensure that the means and methods were the most economical and feasible, while ensuring that the replacements would not impact the new building envelope components being installed overtop.
Challenge Two
Because major structural supports were undersized, the building envelope was not sealed properly, allowing moisture ingress. This caused severe decay of internal beams, columns, and timber framing. Certain areas exhibited organic growth hazardous to occupant health.
Solution Two
As the issues with the building envelope were so extensive, repair had to start at the level of the timber studs, moving outward step by step. Our team developed many details to deal with the various issues. Envelope components were upgraded, poorly secured masonry was replaced, and proper drainage incorporated.
GALLERY
