Ingenuity Drives Innovative Design: What Canadian projects can learn from Dutch design

Last fall, members of the construction and design community from around the world were invited to participate in an architectural tour of the Netherlands to see how the country is designing and redeveloping recognizable buildings. Despite the distance separating the countries, it was interesting to note some of the parallels with Canada in terms of technologies and strategies, as well as what Canadians can learn from Dutch design approaches.

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Exterior Venetian Blinds: The most effective way of providing solar control?

When considering solar control, most think of reducing heat gain. There is no question this is a significant part of what an effective exterior shading system should achieve. However, energy from the sun also includes the visible spectrum so the control of natural daylight is also important. An effective solar control system appropriately deals with heat gain while allowing as much natural daylight into the building as possible without causing glare issues for occupants. By controlling heat gain, reductions in the size and running costs of the HVAC system can be achieved.

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Getting to the bottom of moisture management

Both gravity and temperature can create misunderstandings resulting in improper or inadequate moisture management design for the exterior building envelope. The lowest point of a building envelope is the wettest because of gravity’s influence (Figure 1). The low point of a building’s exterior wall system does not necessarily have to be the top of the footing (Figure 2) or the top of the stem wall (Figure 3).

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Specialty metal ceiling system improves Toronto subway station

As part of Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC’s) renovation of Islington Subway Station, a snap-in specialty metal ceiling assembly was selected to meet the performance, appearance, longevity, and ease of installation requirements. The master specification developed for the station serves as the basis for all ceiling replacement needs in TTC stations scheduled for renovation.

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The effectiveness of different drip edge designs

Control of rainwater is a primary function of the building enclosure. Water penetrating the roof, wall, and foundation can cause deterioration of the building’s structure, damage to property, and mould growth. Water on the surface or penetrating the building enclosure’s outer layers can cause corrosion and decay of sheathing and cladding attachment systems, staining and discoloration of cladding systems, and freeze-thaw damage to masonry materials.

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