1.5 ConEd Learning Hours

2:00 p.m. ‐ 3:30 p.m.

The Region of Peel’s Pathways housing project sets a remarkable precedent for other non‐profit affordable housing providers who want to build more housing and can do it by adding additional units on top of their existing buildings. Globally, it is estimated that approximately 20 to 25% of existing buildings can support a vertical addition in wood, which is a comparatively lightweight building material. This novel approach removes the need to find new land to develop and has the added benefit of immediately integrating new residents into an existing supportive community. This project will add six barrier‐free, affordable apartments on top of a 35‐year‐old, occupied residential building. The project is an example of ‘gentle densification’, which is being promoted in communities across the province to help increase housing stock in response to our significant and widespread housing shortage. This revolutionary approach to development uses prefabricated mass timber components, which means that most of the construction occurs off site so the project can be quickly assembled on site with minimal disruption to existing residents.

In this session, the project team will discuss the specific details of this project including structural, architectural, energy, mechanical, sprinkler, electrical, acoustic, fire performance, and building code considerations.

Learning Objectives
1. Understand the unique architectural considerations required to pursue a vertical addition; from permitting and approvals, to tying into the pre‐existing building(s), to energy modelling and determining mechanical, electrical, and sprinkler requirements.
2. From a structural engineering perspective, understand what is involved in determining the capacity of the existing structure to support the structure, and how to coordinate with the mass timber manufacturer.
3. Understand the complexities of tying into an existing, largely unsprinklered building and what the requirements are for encapsulated mass timber construction.
4. Gain an understanding of basic acoustic principles and how acoustic requirements were met in this case study example.


Cathy Tafler, B. Arch., OAA Architect
Tafler Rylett Architects

Cathy Tafler has a bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Toronto’s School of Architecture where she graduated with honours. Since founding her firm in 1986, she has become adept at understanding client needs and building consensus with large groups. Working with the authorities having jurisdiction to help expedite approvals is another aspect of her work.

Cathy's focus is on the environmental aspects of the firm's designs. She was chair of the OAA's Committee on the Environment, is a member of the Toronto Alliance to End Homelessness (TAEH), and works on the approval processes for the firm's supportive housing projects.

Simon Edwards, M.Eng., P. Eng., Associate, Senior Acoustical Engineer Howe Gastmeier Chapnik Limited

Simon Edwards is a member of HGC’s built environment division, whose acoustical work has spanned the permitting, design, construction, and post‐occupancy phases of residential and commercial buildings. He has experience working on buildings of every material type. Simon is a leader in HVAC noise control and an expert at conducting sound transmission testing (e.g., ASTC, NIC, AIIC, and ISR), including both theoretical calculations and experimental sound transmission testing (“Kij Testing”) to specifically evaluate sound transmission flanking in accordance with ISO 12354 and ISO 10848. He is a member of both the ISO and ASTM Technical Committees on Building Acoustics and a contributing member to the development of ongoing ISO and ASTM standards that govern industry‐wide measurement and calculation methodologies around the world.

Craig Nicoletti, P.Eng Partner, Structural Engineer Engineering Link Inc.

With 15+ years of structural engineering experience, Craig Nicoletti’s tenacity and drive bring a high level of proficiency to the numerous structural engineering projects he leads across all sectors. Craig’s commitment to each project and his responsiveness to the needs of clients has recently earned him the position of partner at the firm. Craig also co‐manages and mentors a team of 15 structural engineers and designers, providing technical auditing support and guiding them toward becoming the next generation of skilled engineers and project leaders.

Oprite Bobmanuel, MASc, EIT, Project Consultant , Vortex Fire
 
Oprite Bobmanuel is a dedicated professional with a Master of Applied Science in Fire Safety Engineering and a background in Structural Engineering. Oprite specializes in building and fire code consultancy, accessibility, and various fire engineering related tasks at Vortex Fire Consulting Inc.

With four years of experience in fire protection engineering, her vast experience includes residential, industrial, office, healthcare, and mixed-use building code reviews, including mass timber projects, engineering judgments, alternative solutions, and fire safety plans.