Projects

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Chalk River, Ontario
Canada
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

We provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, energy modeling, and commissioning services for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, ON, Canada.

Since early 2018, we have been an active partner in one of Canada’s largest Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects: the design and construction of three new mass timber buildings at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) Chalk River Campus. 

IPD is a highly collaborative design and construction process that reduces barriers often found in the AEC industry by forging a tightly knit multi-firm cross-discipline project team that jointly shares in both project risks and rewards.

Delivered under CNL’s Vision 2026 (now Vision 2030), these three buildings form the foundation for the revitalization of the campus and support CNL’s ongoing efforts to reduce both embodied and operational greenhouse gas emissions. By incorporating human health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and future program flexibility, as core design priorities, these buildings support CNL’s commitment to its people and our environment.

The Minwamon Building is located at the main entry point to the campus. Through a combination of conference and open offices and a flanking logistics warehouse, the Minwamon Building and its staff serve as a key connection point between the main campus, visitors, and the community.

The support facility houses campus skilled trades and their shops, a light-industrial manufacturing facility, and campus maintenance functions. This new facility comprises a large double-height shop area and open offices wrapping the shop and manufacturing spaces.

The Science Collaboration Centre is a six-story, multi-use building, which is designed with future program flexibility in mind. This innovative and sustainable facility features modern office space, 44 meeting rooms, collaborative flex spaces, a university-style auditorium with 200 theatre-style seats, a welcoming library space, data centre, and a roof-top terrace. 

As needs change over time, the flexibility embedded into the design of the Science Collaboration Centre will allow CNL to remain flexible and focused on delivering on its mission.

Project Highlights

  • Supports the ongoing efforts on the Chalk River Laboratories site to demonstrate reductions in operational carbon emissions 

  • Incorporates environmental sustainability within the design and operation of the facility 

  • Embodies a human health and wellness strategy that focuses on Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ greatest asset – its employees 

Further reading

Grand Opening of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Science Collaboration Centre

Photo Credit: © CNL IPD NB Poly Party Team

Services

Awards
Innovation Award, 2021
Ontario Wood Design Award
Honorable Mention, North America Category, 2021
World Changing Ideas
Honorable Mention, Architecture Category, 2021
World Changing Ideas

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