Sustaining brand integrity with the vibrancy of colour and resilience of steel

Way back in 1939, the world was amazed by the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy, picked up from sepia-toned dustbowl Kansas, landed in the brilliant and beautiful Technicolor world of Oz, right on top of a Wicked Witch.85 years later, and steel is having a similar ‘Technicolour’ moment. Steel’s colourful transformation wasn’t as quick or as dramatic as Dorothy stepping onto the Yellow Brick Road, but …

ArcelorMittal Dofasco is one step closer to manufacturing clean, net-zero steel. EPDs are there to back their claims.

The day I spoke to Stan Lipkowski, Principal Projects Manager – Sustainability, Construction and Manufacturing Products for ArcelorMittal Dofasco, was a snowy Thursday in February. That normally wouldn’t be noteworthy, except that this year, that winter storm was the only time in the entire month it snowed.Everywhere you look, you can see the growing effects of climate change: changing weather…

Engineers and architects talk about the value of data-driven science in the built environment

It was a Tuesday morning at the Canadian Steel Conference, and most of the attendants of the panel were still holding paper cups of coffee from the hotel buffet. The session – titled CFS 12-storey building case study – took up the biggest session room at the conference, with seating for 240 people. And it was close to a packed house. The panel was just one of the many ways ArcelorMittal has…

The PS1200 Fort Worth development shows innovative use of Galvalume™

In the midst of rectangular buildings, low-rise apartments, and cookie-cutter commercial strips, the PS1200 development looks like an alien invasion in progress. The new Fort Worth, Texas project is all curved lines and shining steel, a contrast to the brick and dull-metal buildings surrounding it. It looks like something from a decades-past vision of the future: undulating arches of corrugated…

New Stade de Soccer Saguenay integrates prefab panels and local flair

It’s late at night on a crisp, fall Wednesday, and a few tired parents trudge back to their minivans, their children bouncing around them in jerseys and long socks, soccer cleats hanging off their shoulders. Behind them shines the new Stade de Soccer Saguenay, a tall mixture of steel, gray metals, and glass in the middle of a Smart Centre shopping plaza. It’s a new experience for the citize…

Steel buildings minimize environmental impact

On the shore of a northern Canadian lake, the need to respect the natural world hits home. For two families who have cottages here, sustainability matters. It was important to ensure that the buildings on their properties were constructed as sustainably as possible. The new cottages allow the families to enjoy the beautiful lakeside setting while minimizing their environmental impact. At the…

Weathering steel roots new build to its natural setting

At the southern edge of Alberta, the prairie fields stretch as far as the eye can see. Overhead, the sky spans seemingly forever, the vast blue broken only by the occasional wisp of cloud. A river bends and winds through the endless expanse of grass. Far in the distance, you see the sweet grass hills of Montana. This picturesque spot is a timeless showcase of the province’s natural beauty. An…

Reflecting the elegance and legacy of the golf club experience through steel

A round of golf is about much more than playing the course. It’s connecting with friends, family or business associates. The beauty of the landscape and time spent outdoors. The challenge of beating your personal best. The enjoyment of amenities and a post-game meal in the clubhouse. For many, golf isn’t just a game, but rather an experience. And the National Golf Club of Canada in Woodb…

Steel clad residence at UNBSJ is built with longevity and legacy in mind

Nearly sixty years ago, the University of New Brunswick looked beyond its base in Fredericton and established a second campus in Saint John. For decades the Saint John site was modest. It developed a reputation as a centre for marine biology and as a commuter school for local students. Twenty years ago, the university began to expand its operations along the Bay of Fundy. One of the primary goa…

Steel offers environmental and financial benefits for high-rise construction

Cities are economic engines. They have the greatest concentrations of companies, the most job opportunities and the highest salaries. However, housing in major cities is increasingly unaffordable. The high cost of buying or renting a home in Canada’s urban centres discourages people from moving to where employment prospects are best. Without people to do the work, our economy suffers. To ensu…

Steel cladding adds energy to Churchill Meadows Community Centre

“It’s just a box,” says architect Tyler Walker. However, Walker’s description is intentionally coy. The new Churchill Meadows Community Centre in Mississauga is much more than “just” a box. Walker, along with colleague Chris Burbidge of MJMA, took a basic box and filled it with complexity and energy. “By using a simple form you can actually really highlight and make something f…

A spectrum of possibility with steel in education

For people of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, a new junior-senior high school is about more than education. It is also a centre for the community, which is approximately 90km northwest of Edmonton. Chief Aranazhi High School, which opened in fall 2021, is a place to celebrate and preserve the nation’s culture. “When education was introduced to our people through residential schools – it…

Pre-fabricated steel building in harmony with its lakeside setting

The shore of a quiet lake in Northern Ontario is a spot to commune with nature. It’s also a place to see how steel structures can intersect and complement the natural surroundings. The new head office for Prestige Steel showcases the potential of pre-fabricated steel buildings. Located on Kahshe Lake, the building uses steel, wood, rock and concrete to create a functional and beautiful sp…

Molson Coors builds on two centuries of history in Canada

In 2021, the Molson Coors Beverage Company completed construction on an integrated brewing and distribution centre in Longueuil, Quebec. The ultramodern production and distribution complex is one of the most significant investments in the company’s 235-year history, with a budget of $600 million. At the centre of the new facility is a commitment to sustainability and respect for the envir…

Lightweight steel framing provides elegance in Oakville condo

Oakville, Ontario is known for its high-end real estate. Close to Toronto, but removed from the bustle of the city, Oakville is a desirable community with established neighbourhoods and well-appointed homes. The Coventry, a condominium in downtown Oakville, caters to those looking for luxury. Suites are spacious—the four storey building houses just 12 units. Inside, the units feature high…

Honouring past and present with weathering steel in Sudbury

Go for a walk around Sudbury, and you’ll find traces of both the region’s history and industries. Black leathered rocks, etched from mining. Red-orange ore seeping through the weathered ground.  The region’s physical character was one inspiration for the new Place des Arts, a French arts and cultural centre currently under construction in Sudbury. Other inspirations were the city itsel…

The Impact and Durability of Steel in Passive Housing

Wrapped in black steel cladding, the Parkview House in Victoria, BC is visually striking. The home is a simple two-storey design with a typical peaked roof. Its simplicity makes it stand out. But under the steel, the Parkview House stands out for another reason—it is a passive house. Passive house is an international system for constructing extremely energy efficient buildings. Passive ho…

The Growing Market of Insulated Metal Panels in Aquatic Centres

Beloeil, Quebec, southwest of Montreal, is tucked between Mont Saint-Hilaire and the Richelieu River and surrounded by agricultural fields. Beloeil’s new aquatics centre celebrates this unique setting through its architecture.  The centre was designed as “a translucent and luminous glass case set on a solid black base,” notes architectural firm Lemay. “Combining opacity and tra…

Modular Pods Create Modern Backyard Offices

A room of one’s own is necessary, Virginia Woolf tells us, for creativity and productivity. The thousands of people working from home over the last year and a half would surely agree.  But where to find such a space? For Trevor Gilbert of Modeco, the answer was his own backyard.  Modeco specializes in modular, prefabricated “pods.” Products include bathroom pods for multi…

Expanding the palette of coloured steel surfaces

THE RECENTLY COMPLETED STRUCTUBE HEAD OFFICE IN LAVAL, QC – THE LARGEST WAREHOUSE IN THE CITY. Picture a child with a red crayon. Ask them to draw a house, and you’ll likely see a rectangle topped with a triangle. This distinctive shape has come to symbolize home. When Structube was looking to construct a new head office, store and warehouse, this iconic house image was integr…

KF Aerospace’s growth plans take off with steel support

THE NEW KF AEROSPACE MAINTENANCE HANGAR LOCATED AT JOHN C. MUNRO, HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. A Boeing 777 airplane is 74m long, 65m wide and 18.5m tall. If you want to park it in the garage, you’re going to need a big one. Such a garage—or hangar, more accurately—exists at the YHM Hamilton International Airport. Opened in November 2019, the hangar is 87m wide by 80m deep with …

Managing costs and efficiency by building for the environment you are in

“In Winnipeg it’s much easier for us to design buildings because we don’t have any seismic load. It’s only wind loads… The deck was used to support the weight of the roofing system and the snow during the winter” A new FedEx distribution facility in Manitoba can sort up to 30,000 packages an hour. And all of them will pass under a roof of where the raw material originates from A…

Weighing in on the benefits and performance of steel construction

Awareness is growing of sustainable building technologies and the need to reduce energy consumption. For architects, designers, engineers, contractors and developers, this increasing environmental consciousness translates to an openness to explore new construction techniques and evaluate how to minimize our long-term impact on the planet.ArcelorMittal Dofasco is contributing to this conversation w…

The benefits of steel for residential construction

Steel is the go-to material for industrial and commercial construction. But when it comes to residential projects, steel is underrepresented. Jay Lim, principal at 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design in Ottawa, is working to change that. FOR LIM, THE BENEFITS OF USING STEEL ARE FOUR-FOLD: ECONOMY, EFFICIENCY, ENVIRONMENT AND AESTHETICS. “We have been huge proponents of steel for our cladding�…

Custom cladding defines new building at McMaster University

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario needed more space. More classrooms, more room for student services, more residence beds, more parking, even a spot for a daycare. So university officials decided to embark on a unique construction project that combined all of these functions in one structure. The result is the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning. This 14-storey, 335,000 square fo…

Metal tiles replicate natural roofing materials

Featuring True Nature Steel Tiles By Vicwest Ongoing maintenance is a necessary part of homeownership. Most homeowners are resigned to reshingling their roof every decade or so. But in addition to the financial cost of a new roof, there’s an environmental one as well. Eleven million tonnes of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every year. As awareness of the impact and lifespan of asphal…

Building the most sustainable, cost-effective mid-rise building

Using scientific analysis to guide construction Mid-rise residential buildings can be found in cities across NorthAmerica, and more are under construction every day. Withcommercial spaces at street level and residential units above, this style of structure appeals to developers, tenants and city officials. Mid-rises are less imposing than high rises, for both the residents that call them…

Maximizing density with steel creates panoramic vistas to Lake Ontario – Pier 27, Toronto, Ontario.

Pier 27 is a multi-phase, large-scale condo development on Queens Quay, in Toronto’s central waterfront. As one of the last undeveloped lakefront parcels in the downtown core, Pier 27 is an important component in the revitalization of the Toronto shoreline. The massive undertaking will offer residential and commercial spaces that celebrate life on the shores of Lake Ontario. Steel Design Maga…

Light Steel Frame Construction Delivers Precision, Efficiency and Savings – Seasons Retirement Residence, Cambridge, Ont

Située dans un quartier patrimonial de Cambridge (Ontario), la nouvelle résidence pour personnes âgées Seasons semble bien appartenir à son quartier. La pierre et la brique recouvrent les deux étages inférieurs, reflétant l’architecture et l’échelle de la rue. Au-dessus, la tour qui monte du podium est un stuc plus léger et plus moderne. Mais mettez vos lunettes à rayons X pour regarder…

Steel blends old and new structures, while providing speed and cost-savings – Brandon Municipal Airport, Manitoba

The Brandon Municipal Airport needed a major upgrade. First constructed in the 1970s, the building was out-of-date and small. But Prairie Architects, Inc., the firm that was contracted for the project, faced a challenge. The airport needed to remain open and operational while a new expansion and overhaul of existing facilities was completed. “The original airport was largely underused, but Br…

Using pre-painted Z275 (G90) galvanized insulated steel panels to provide sustainability, energy efficiency along with d

When SMS Equipment was constructing a new facility just outside Laval, Quebec, the company was looking for a distinctive structure that reflected its business.  SMS is the leading Canadian heavy machinery distributor for the construction, forestry, mining and utility industries and is Canada’s largest Komatsu dealer. The superior insulating properties, increased spanning capabilities …

The impressive Saskatoon Civic Operations Centre is a LEED certified facility that serves as the home of Saskatoon Trans

“The City of Saskatoon wanted an innovative program on a site that they had attained,” said Gerry Garvin the Senior Contract Administrator in an interview with Steel Design magazine. “It is bounded on one side by the CN rail line and railyards, so it’s a fairly linear site and bus movement is paramount in moving vehicles out in the morning and midday and then bringing them back between cru…

There are many reasons why using steel products are beneficial to architects and builders everywhere, but one of the mos

Steel has a lot of flexibility, which provides plenty of design freedom. It’s a robust material, light-weight, durable, attractive and maintenance free. Buildings in northern, remote locations are a particular challenge, therefore the use of durable, prefinished and corrosion resistant steel is important, which is why steel was the choice when it came time to construct the new NorthwesTel Centra…

Pre-painted Z275 (G90) galvanized steel assists in ensuring perfect architectural integration. When the snow is piled up

The volumetry of this complex suggests a jagged-shaped glacier, a fragmented snow block reflecting sunlight, a piece of frosted and translucent ice in the northern environment,” says Yan Laplante, associate architect with CCM2 Architects. The whole structure is extremely light, even considering the load consisting of the snow in winter, which is considerable in the region concerned. Lig…

The healthy homes of Grow Community, an urban neighborhood on Bainbridge Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride from Seattl

Grow Community is a development that appeals to individuals and families looking to enrich their lives with environmental responsibility, while reaping the benefits of a high-quality, healthy lifestyle. Residents of this community boast zero carbon footprints and use sustainable transport, water, food and materials on a daily basis. Unique, sustainable and energy-efficient homes are buil…

Steel has long been integrated into building construction and recognized as a significant material in traditional and mo

In the case study presented here, a mid-rise office building in the GTA area was virtually designed using steel component construction and contrasted against concrete construction. The functionality of the building did not change; identical use, occupants, size, geographic location were critical in ensuring a responsible comparison. Life Cycle Assessments of the design scenarios were con- ducte…

The versatility of steel gives architects and engineers the freedom to achieve their most ambitious visions, and provid

Steel offers consistently high-quality standards, precision products and guaranteed strength and durability in the most challenging environments. Steel is produced to the most exacting specifications under highly controlled conditions, eliminating the risks of on-site variability, which is an inherent disadvantage with other building materials. Steel is dimensionally stable and can be manufactu…

Wolfville’s Railroad Station is one of Nova Scotia’s few remaining brick railway stations. The Station was abandoned

The station, a two-and-a-half storey brick and stone building, is valued for its historical association to the railway system in the Annapolis Valley and for its renovation in 1993 by Wolfville’s citizens. In 1994, the Foundation received the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia Built Heritage Award for the Station’s restoration. The current Wolfville Memorial Library, is one of eleven branches of th…

Number Ten Architectural Group has a long history of working in remote areas of northern Canada. In particular, the Winn

The Fox Lake Cree Nation School is located in the town of Gillam, a semi-rural community in Northern Manitoba. The 1,349m2 (14,520 sq. ft.) elementary school accommodates a student population of 65 (town population 1,300), as well as a high school re-entry program and adult education. The school’s modest scale and low-slung roofs create an intimate setting for students, staff and visitors alike….

The CSSBI has developed a new standard CSSBI 61-18 Manufacturer Certification Requirements for Cold Formed Steel Framing Members. Under the CSSBI certification program, a participating Manufacturer certifies that the designated structural and non-structural cold formed steel (CFS) framing members it produces meet or exceed the applicable ASTM International (ASTM), Canadian Standards Associatio…

Ideally located on the St. Lawrence River, Montreal’s Old Port is renowned for its walking and cycling network, along

In 1967 the Iberville Passenger Terminal, or Terminal 1, was constructed on a 305m x 91m (1,000 ft. x 298.5 ft.) pier for receiving cruise ship passengers. Parallel to it was a parking structure, or Terminal 2. They extend nearly the entire length of the pier. A project to renovate the entire cruise ship terminal was launched in 2014. The parking structure, which covers 7,500m2 (80,730 sq. ft.), w…

Steel is so incredible for construction projects that it is known the world over for its versatility and durability. Tha

Fletcher went on to add that it was a long process to get the deal done in Georgia in order to build these structures but, by partnering with the right people the project became a reality. “One of the arenas is in Plavi the other one is in Gori, which is (interestingly) where Joseph Stalin was born and raised and the third one is in Batumi,” said Fletcher. “The Plavi and Gori buildings are 5…

When the City of Red Deer approached Red Deer College about hosting the 2019 Canada Winter Games, it was a catalyst for

“We envisioned a facility that would be learner-centred; support teaching, learning and the student experience; provide for sport and lifestyle fitness and be available for community use,” says Doug Sharp, the college’s Director of Capital Projects. “The facility would contribute to the economic, social and inclusive wellbeing of the central Alberta region and would become the legacy build…

The unpainted 30,000 shingles in “À la Canadienne” shingle pattern, manufactured from .45mm and .61mm (.0179” an

The architects teamed-up to complete the Monique-Corriveau Library, which involved an addition to and conversion of the St-Denys-du-Plateau church in Québec City. Built in 1964, the church is a landmark example of modernism in the region, featuring a tent-like form and it served parishioners until it was closed in 2009. In the fall of 2013, after being restored and expanded, it reopened as the M…

With a steel exterior and towering presence, the unique Premont Harley-Davidson dealership on the outskirts of Quebec Ci

Located at 1071 Boulevard Pierre-Bertrand, near the axis of Route 358 and Autoroute Félix-Leclerc (A40), the building is sheathed with 2,787m2 (30,000 sq. ft.) of 0.61mm (.0239”) 22.2mm (7/8”) cor- rugated AZM150 Galvalume steel cladding, coloured QC2642 Silver. Why Galvalume? “It was a question of economy. The choice of a metallic exterior facing is economical. Also, it gives the sides…

LustreLok™ is a thin, clear organic coating, applied to both sides of the galvanized steel as a final protective layer

This enhancement offers our customers and users the following benefits: REDUCED COSTS: • The product is designed to be roll formed dry, which eliminates the need for lubricants • Lower maintenance costs – reduced coating build-up and reduced tool wear will extend die life. • Improved productivity – extended die life results in longer production runs. • Enhanced scheduling flexibilit…

A composite floor system shortened construction time by three months and cut material costs, for an 11-storey, 166-condo

Once assembled into floor decking and with rebar placed in the deep V-grooves, concrete is poured on the Ultra-Bond, creating a lightweight composite floor 292mm (11.5”) thick. Once finished, it has a two-hour fire rating. Pawsey checks off some of the advantages of this construction technique: “UltraBond significantly reduced weight on the structure compared to a conventional slab. It redu…

The Taylor Performing Arts Centre is music to students’ ears at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Designed by Pfeiffer Architecture, construction on the new addition to the school was begun in 2011 and finished in the Fall of 2015. The Centre’s crowning glory is the 800-seat Bella Concert Hall, which features a stunning Alberta rose looking over the stage. The Conservatory features the…

The new Aquatic Centre in Iqaluit, Nunavut, has revitalized the community and helped to teach another generation of resi

“It’s an aquatic centre first with community centre elements and a fitness facility. It’s Phase 1 of a long-term plan to increase recreational facilities in the community,” he explains. “Since it opened, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Centre gets a lot of use.” Stantec’s client for the job, the City of Iqaluit, had previously leased a small pool from a develop…

The award-winning Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre (CCRC) is now five years old. Commissioned under the City of

The LEED Silver building resulted from a joint-use partnership between the City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club. MJMA of Toronto along with local partners HIP Architects (now Kasian) built on and expanded the formerly underutilized site of the 1978 Commonwealth Stadium, cleverly combining: stadium activities, football operations, and a fitness and community centre. The integ…

The Victoria Park Transfer Station is a waste drop-off and transfer facility located in North York, Ontario. It is owne

The waste transfer station was built in the 1970s by Inducon Consultants of Canada Limited. The original brick building was constructed without a rain screen cavity. As a result, moisture entering the masonry wall due to rain and/or the migration of moisture in the form of vapour from within, was unable to drain away effectively. When the brick froze in the winter, any pre-existing moisture was un…