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This project involved the restoration of a 17-storey residential tower with an adjoining 3-storey podium, known as Ken Soble Tower. Operated by CityHousing Hamilton, the building was transformed into 146 affordable housing units for seniors. It was recognized as the first high-rise Passive House retrofit in Canada and one of the largest of its kind globally. Building envelope inspection and testing services focused on air and water tightness performance to support Passive House certification. Whole-building blower door tests were conducted at the outset of the retrofit to establish a baseline, and again upon completion. Final results exceeded Passive House Canada’s stringent 0.6 air changes per hour requirement. Air and water tightness testing was concentrated on fenestration systems and their transitions, given the remainder of the envelope consisted primarily of EIFS-clad opaque walls. Post-construction thermographic scanning verified thermal continuity, and adhesion testing was performed on exterior sealants and waterproofing membranes to confirm installation quality and durability.
Key Building Envelope and Sustainability Features:
First High-Rise Passive House Retrofit in Canada: Achieved Passive House EnerPHit certification, setting a national precedent for deep energy retrofits in affordable housing.
Whole Building Air Tightness Testing: Baseline and final blower door testing confirmed performance well below the 0.6 ACH target.
Air Tightness Testing: Verified air barrier continuity at critical fenestration interfaces and transitions.
Opaque Wall Detailing (EIFS): Focused review of junctions between EIFS and windows to ensure thermal and air barrier integrity.
Thermographic Scanning: Infrared scans conducted post-retrofit to detect thermal bridging or heat loss.
Water Penetration Resistance Testing: Simulated wind-driven rain testing on window systems to confirm water-tightness.
Sealant and Membrane Adhesion Testing: Evaluated bonding performance of key waterproofing and air barrier materials.
PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto)
2201 Bristol Circle; Suite 500 Oakville, Ontario