Update on New Administrative Office Building

October 13, 2022

Construction of TRCA’s four storey, 86,000 sq ft mass-timber new administrative office building continues to move forward, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you updates and photos of the project.

Since my last update, we continue to be on the forefront of environmental technologies and sustainability as is evidenced through our leadership on programs involving municipal partners, businesses, and residents.

TRCA’s new administrative building is pushing the sustainability envelope even further by serving as a pilot for what measures are possible to achieve in new office construction. Current modelling demonstrates that the performance of the new building will meet or exceed expectations of already ambitious sustainability targets. Through our ongoing commitment to promote, demonstrate, and incorporate environmental technologies and wellness standards into our new head office, TRCA is providing a forum and proof of concept for discussion and education purposes.

Through this project TRCA has collaborated with numerous groups and educational institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University, Queens University, University of Toronto, and Green Works just to name a few, to provide tours, workshops and research opportunities to further explore and study the mass timber and sustainable building industry.

Mass Timber Construction – January 2022

The last members of the CLT/glulam mass timber structure were erected in January of 2022 with work to the building envelope commencing shortly after. This milestone was significant, as the geometry and complex connections found within this design are among the most intricate and innovative in the field of mid-rise mass timber construction. The following photos capture the final finished product in January 2022 before tarping and extensive vapour barrier were installed.

West façade – Jan. 2022

North side & main entrance – Jan. 2022

CLT floor slab at high roof – Jan. 2022

Third floor – Jan. 2022

Current Progress

Substantial progress has been made on various other components of the project as seen in the following more current photos. Considerable sections of the raised floor are installed, mechanical/electrical equipment and systems are being completed, and interior framing is well underway further delineating the final floor plan.

The skylights have been completely installed, and fiberglass windows and curtainwall glazing are being delivered and installed as well. Lighting and radiant ceiling panel installation is progressing and the waterwalls are also being fitted with mechanical equipment in advance of the glazing install.

Entry way, facing west

Southwest corner: framing for glass curtain wall

Future parking lot and permanent entrance

Exterior façade northwest corner

Low roof skylight & solar chimney

Second floor lighting & radiant ceiling panels

Third floor partition walls

Window installation in board rooms

East atria facing south

Construction of water wall & mechanical

Landscaping Elements

In conjunction with the interior building construction, exterior landscaping and grading is well underway. TRCA’s permanent entrance from the shared access with our neighbours at Tennis Canada has commenced. The new driveway entrance adjoins with the visitor parking lot and encompasses sustainable features such as permeable pavers, storm water retention measures, electric vehicle chargers, and LED lighting.

Elsewhere on the site, grading and excavation is ongoing for the various rain gardens, walkways, and trails. In accordance with the WELL Building Standard, user experience and enjoyment were kept in the forefront while developing the design. Some of these elements, which can be seen in the renderings below, include raised vegetable garden beds, outdoor deck collaboration spaces, walking trails (which are constructed on concrete pavers cut from the original 5 Shoreham Office floor slab), ample seating areas, and green roofs.

The building is designed such that the office space feels as if it organically flows into the Black Creek Ravine creating a calming and open atmosphere.

View of north façade (rendering).

View of south façade (rendering).

Furniture and IT

To reduce our carbon footprint, TRCA has elected to repurpose much of the existing desk systems and furniture currently in use at 101 Exchange. The figure below is a sample of the proposed furniture layout plan. While final details are being completed, attention was paid to creating an improved working environment and comfort through more efficient staff circulation, reduction in solar glare, and improved natural lighting and ventilation. The geometry of this building creates clear site lines, while a three and four storey Atria create a feeling of warmth and openness.

In line with TRCA’s commitment to a hybrid work environment, all meeting and board rooms have been fitted with AV equipment and monitors to improve user experience and provide a seamless transition between in-person and virtual meetings.

Proposed furniture layout of the third floor northeast corner.

Timeline

As is common in this current construction climate, there have been delays to the project completion. However, the schedule anticipates staff transitioning from 101 Exchange Avenue into the new building in the late spring/summer of 2023.

I’d like to express my sincerest thanks to our TRCA team and industry partners working on this important project. I am looking forward to sharing more information and updates about this exciting project with you in the coming months!

Sincerely,

John MacKenzie, M.Sc.(Pl) MCIP, RPP
Chief Executive Officer
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)