Williams Engineering Canada (WEC) is proud to be on the list of winners for the 2015 Top Projects Awards by Alberta Construction Magazine. WEC was awarded for its work on the Mill Woods Library, Seniors and Multicultural Facility in the “Institutional—Under $50 Million” category.
This award was also shared with DUB Architects, EllisDon, Hughes Condon Marler Architects and Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd., all of whom also played a big part in the success of this important municipal project. The multi-purpose facility boasts a 25,000-square-foot library located on the main floor, in addition to a 25,000-square-foot second floor that includes a large multipurpose program space, a full commercial and catering kitchen and multiple activity rooms for games, arts and programs.
In designing the library, the Edmonton Public Library sought open and flexible spaces that could adapt to potential space functions from one day to the next and could also adapt to the rapidly changing nature of libraries and information exchange. The use of an access floor system allowed the WEC team to meet several project goals in terms of flexibility, adaptability, indoor environmental quality, ease of maintenance and design aesthetics.
WEC’s mechanical and electrical engineers played a key role in implementing this approach as it was an opportunity to achieve accessible, flexible and cost-effective mechanical and electrical systems. The access floor is used to deliver ventilation, heating and cooling to the library occupants and as a pathway for plumbing, power, data and telecom services.
The mechanical and electrical systems were also designed to provide a high level of performance in the areas of occupant comfort, safety, energy and water efficiency, with consideration being given to initial capital costs, operating costs, reliability, maintenance and good engineering practice.
WEC is honoured to have made it on this list and looks forward to being a part of many more projects, such as the Mill Woods Library Seniors and Multicultural Facility, that engage, innovate and inspire.