Located in Spruce Grove, roughly ten kilometers outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Spruce Haven Manor is an affordable seniors residential building originally constructed in 1980. The facility features 30 one-bedroom suites over three stories, shared laundry space and common areas. Spruce Haven Manor is managed by Meridian Housing Foundation, an organization partnering with municipalities in Alberta to provide affordable housing options for the senior communities of 65 and older.
The windows within the building required replacement due to reaching their end of service life. Williams Engineering (WE) performed as the building envelope consultant on this replacement project, beginning by conducting a thorough review of the existing site conditions and building envelope design. WE provided site reviews while installing of the new aluminum-clad PVC windows and aluminum brick moulding cap installed around the window frames. An air leakage test was then conducted to review the installation and ensure the quality of the window’s air seal. WE was also engaged in the tender and construction administration phases of the project. The tender phase included leading pre-tender bidder meetings, producing addenda, and reviewing tender bids to ensure compliance with the drawing and specification packages. During the construction administration phase, WE provided reviews to document the construction progress and identify any deficiencies observed onsite, reviewed and made recommendations on progress claims and change notices and produced as-built drawings.
This window replacement for Spruce Haven Manor will significantly impact the insulation of the building, resulting in reduced energy use, lower operating costs, increased safety and an overall higher property value. In addition, building envelope upgrades such as this are essential for keeping occupants comfortable and decreasing noise pollution in the facility’s residential suites. With the high cost of housing in Alberta, many seniors in our community struggle to afford stable housing with the added challenges of decreased income and increased medical needs. Facilities such as Spruce Haven Manor provide accessible and safe residences specifically designed to meet their needs and enhance their quality of life.
