Architect: Patkau Architects Inc. + MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Inc.
Project Team: John Patkau, Patricia Patkau
with Shane O’Neill, Greg Boothroyd, David Shone, Roy Cloutier, Sebastian Elliott, Thomas Gaudin
MJMA: Ted Watson, Leland Dadson, and Johnathan Chan
Consultants
Structural: Blackwell Structural Engineers
Mechanical / Electrical / Audio-Visual / Lighting: Smith + Andersen
Acoustic: RWDI Consulting Engineers and Scientists
Envelope: RDH Building Science Inc.
Sustainability: SA Footprint
Fire: CHM Fire Consultants Ltd.
Code: David Hine Engineering Inc.
Cost: A.W. Hooker Associates Ltd.Images: Patkau Architects; model photos by Shane O’Neill
Location
Size
Client
Awards
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
11,800 sq m / 127,000 sq ft
University of Toronto
2019 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence
Description
The Academic Wood Tower is a proposed 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place. Typical floor plates are 850sm, and floor-to-floor heights are 4.2m for office levels and 4.9m for classrooms.
The foundations, basement and first floors have already been constructed in concrete and steel as part of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, along with the elevator core to level four. At the University’s request in 2016 we undertook a study to explore the feasibility of a Mass Timber Structure. A number of timber wall and floor systems were investigated, including the use of CLT panels and hybrid concrete-timber systems. Overall, the use of Mass Timber was found to be feasible, and the project is moving forward with Engineered Timber as the primary structural system. The core, beams and perimeter bracing are glulam members (ranging from 315 x 380 mm to 515 x 494 mm). Floor decks are 175mm thick glulam slabs to maximise clear spans and provide inherent two hour fire resistance.
The project contains a variety of program types for multiple faculties and user groups, including the Rotman Executive Education Group, Munk School of Global Affairs, Arts & Sciences and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Functions include flat-floor Active Learning Classrooms, Executive Learning, Catering and Dining facilities, and administrative office suites.
The Academic Wood Tower is a proposed 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place. Typical floor plates are 850sm, and floor-to-floor heights are 4.2m for office levels and 4.9m for classrooms.
The foundations, basement and first floors have already been constructed in concrete and steel as part of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, along with the elevator core to level four. At the University’s request in 2016 we undertook a study to explore the feasibility of a Mass Timber Structure. A number of timber wall and floor systems were investigated, including the use of CLT panels and hybrid concrete-timber systems. Overall, the use of Mass Timber was found to be feasible, and the project is moving forward with Engineered Timber as the primary structural system. The core, beams and perimeter bracing are glulam members (ranging from 315 x 380 mm to 515 x 494 mm). Floor decks are 175mm thick glulam slabs to maximise clear spans and provide inherent two hour fire resistance.
The project contains a variety of program types for multiple faculties and user groups, including the Rotman Executive Education Group, Munk School of Global Affairs, Arts & Sciences and the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Functions include flat-floor Active Learning Classrooms, Executive Learning, Catering and Dining facilities, and administrative office suites.