Project Details
This state-of-the-art facility for the School of Pharmacy serves as the flagship building for the University of Waterloo’s Health Sciences Campus. An eight-storey construction management project, it consists of administrative offices, lecture spaces, meeting rooms and research labs.
The poured concrete building features a stone, metal and glass exterior that depicts various plants used in the production of pharmaceutical drugs.
The Challenge
Record rainfall, harsh winters and labour strikes were all factors, but even greater challenges revolved around design changes. Due to ongoing involvement of user groups, project design and selection of materials were moving targets that significantly affected both budget and schedule.
The use of complex and exotic materials made cost-effective management difficult. Time had to be dedicated to ensure their protection from damage, from arrival on-site until completion.
With all the specialty items involved in this project, installation was complicated and there was an ongoing need to guarantee high quality workmanship.
The Ball Solution
An artist was commissioned and the resulting floral pattern on the outside of the building is innovative and very distinguished.
In cooperation with the owner, our involvement in numerous budget updates and cost-saving revisions resulted in a finished product that satisfied all parties.
A rigorous and collaborative program of safety inspections, site safety talks and committee meetings meant there was no lost time due to injury.
The completed facility has received attention internationally for the quality of workmanship and the innovative use of building materials.