Working with these less common materials and building technologies has provided the invaluable opportunity for industry learning.

Working across trades and disciplines, we’ve built full scale mock ups, ran a thermal comfort model, and tested air infiltration, deflection and indoor air quality to set quality expectations. By establishing proof of concept, we can see how dissimilar materials meet with an eye towards building science, ensuring a seamless and surprise-free construction process.

We’ve been able to iron out the aesthetics of the detailing while learning how to adjust to the limitations of the material in the field – by coming together with the envelope, code and structural consultants we have been able to identify where refinements can be made. We’ve set ambitious targets around envelope performance with an air infiltration value targeting a 30% improvement over code, while using this as an energy conservation measure. This has meant rigorous design and on-site review by our envelope consultant in advance of the whole building testing that will take place to verify the performance. All of these steps will inevitably lead to a higher quality of workmanship, durability and accountability. It’s interesting to note that whole building testing will be a mandatory part of TGS v3 Tier 2, so 80 Atlantic has given us advanced experience and insight. The bottom line is that by making space for all the consultants to participate in pre-construction testing we have set the bar for quality very high and the end result will be a better building.