This project looks at improving the performance of the Architecture Building and Monetary Time Building located on the Ryerson University Campus. Thoroughly understanding the existing conditions and challenges, I have proposed two architectural solutions and moved forward with one proposal, looking into building science aspects to improve the building performance. Focusing on a new and improved envelope system, my main goal was to provide this entrance to the campus with a sense of identity and vibrancy, while increasing the density of this location on the Ryerson Campus.

  

Proposal 1 focuses on the new addition between Monetary Times and Architecture Building. This proposal also highlights the proposed facade change of Monetary Times and Architecture Building.


Proposal 2 focuses on the new addition between Monetary Times and Architecture building, while only changing the façade of the middle section of this new form.

Final Proposal:
Respecting the Heritage façade of the Monetary times building, the new proposal combines elements of both proposals to add a new addition with a shared entrance to both buildings and leave the Monetary Times’ building façade untouched. Additionally, changing the envelope system of the Architecture building to improve performance and aesthetic of the building.

The project aim was to improve the performance of the Podium Building at Ryerson University using architectural and building science interventions. The Ryerson Campus Master Plan was consulted to determine what interventions were needed the most. The goal was not to create something that meets the current needs of the Ryerson Master Plan to help the campus until the foreseeable future. Therefore, the original structure and facade were kept and interventions were added onto the building. The new design achieves the Ryerson Master Plan goals through the addition of outdoor spaces and vegetation to help promote the health and wellbeing of the environment to preserve habitats and their natural resources.

Research into different green systems was done to determine what could be used in the project. An extensive green roof is added to the inaccessible lower portion of the roof, whereas an intensive green roof is added to the higher portion, that would be accessible to the Ryerson community. A vertical green wall system is also added onto the large masses on the facade to enhance the laneway in front of it. To build the green roof, a ZinCo semi-intensive-perennial garden system was implemented while the green wall uses a Versa Wall frame from GSky.

A building performance assessment of a typical residential building. This project investigates a 300m2 single family home consisting of two above ground storeys and a finished walkout basement. The building typically houses four occupants and operates on a forced air heating, central split air conditioning, and conventional tank water heating system using natural gas.

Through comparing energy efficiency standards to building data, including bills, on-site observations and energy modelling, the home’s use of natural gas, electricity, water, and stormwater management are assessed. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic which has created a remote working and learning situation for three of the home’s four occupants, another aspect of the home’s performance that is assessed is the quality of the workspaces it provides. The daylighting and acoustics in the identified workspaces are analyzed for their ability to support productivity.

Natural Gas:


The overall usage of natural gas is slightly higher than the provincial average. Space heating usage is almost 5 times the Passive House standard, while the hot water usage is below the 190L/day threshold of SB-12. The components generally perform below the current standard for new builds.

Electricity:


The overall electricity usage is slightly higher than its comparable benchmarks. Some appliances in the home fulfill Energy Star and SB-12 Zero Rated Homes requirements but fail to provide the minimum required energy star savings. Lighting is not energy efficient.

Acoustics:
Long reverberation times indicate that the profiled home workspaces are not equipped to provide acoustic comfort to occupants while working.

Water:

Although the overall water use is average, the outdoor water use and fixture flow rates are significantly higher than standard benchmarks.

Stormwater Management: The current permeable area is not sufficient to support rainwater runoff from non-permeable areas.

Daylighting:



In each of the profiled spaces, sDA and UDI measures indicate that natural daylight is insufficient to support productive work. Supplementary artificial lighting is required to work comfortably throughout working hours (8am - 6pm).


Overall: The home performs quite closely to the average overall resource use for homes in York Region, Ontario, and Canada. However, its building performance falls below current sustainability standards in regards to energy use, water use, daylighting, and acoustics. Its sustainability and efficiency could be significantly improved through an upgrade to its various building components, appliances, and fixtures.