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UT Academic Wood Tower

Architect: Patkau Architects Inc. + MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Inc.
Project Team: John Patkau, Patricia Patkau
with Greg Boothroyd, David Shone, Michael Thorpe, Peter Suter, Dimitri Koubatis, Katy Young, Roy Cloutier, Bryn Martin, Marc Holland, Kimberley Glauber, Nicole Sylvia, Thomas Gaudin, Shane O’Neill, Matthew Harty, Heba Maleki, Sebastian Elliott
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 (1)
Shane O’Neill (2 - 5)

Awards

2019 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence

Description

The Academic Wood Tower is under construction. The 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place will be the tallest academic wood tower in the world. 


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.

Certifications

Description

The Academic Wood Tower is under construction. The 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place will be the tallest academic wood tower in the world. 


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.

Location

Size

Client

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

11,800 sq m / 127,000 sq ft

University of Toronto

Description

The Academic Wood Tower is under construction. The 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place will be the tallest academic wood tower in the world. 


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 under construction. The 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place will be the tallest academic wood tower in the world. 


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.

Description

The Academic Wood Tower is under construction. The 74.5m high, fifteen storey tower for the University of Toronto at Bloor St & Devonshire Place will be the tallest academic wood tower in the world. 


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.

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