July 2, 2010

TOM ARBAN

The inventive use of structural steel framing in the Camilla & Peter Dalglish Atrium allowed the structure to achieve long spans.

Diamond + Schmitt Architects wins award for Royal Botanical Gardens atrium

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) has presented a national steel design award of excellence to Diamond + Schmitt Architects for the Camilla & Peter Dalglish Atrium at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

The institute said the project capitalizes on the intrinsic qualities of steel to enhance the building’s design, fulfilling both program requirements and the client’s ambition to create “a highly transparent” space.

“Long steel spans result in a glass-enclosed building that visually recalls a greenhouse aesthetic.”

The award was in the architecture category, which recognizes structures where architectural considerations predominately influenced the design of the structure. The project last year won an award of excellence in the Ontario steel design awards program.

“The Camilla & Peter Dalglish Atrium is a dramatic space that reflects the Royal Botanical Garden’s mission of raising public awareness of the plant world and conservation,” said Michael Szabo, a principal at Diamond + Schmitt.

The 1,480 square-metre pavilion is enclosed on all sides by glass. The transparent glazed roof is supported on a delicate steel truss. The building scheme employs a variety of sustainable initiatives, including the use of structural steel. LEED Gold is being targeted.

The team included structural engineer Halcrow Yolles, project manager MHPM Project Managers and general contractor Ira McDonald Construction. CISC steel fabricator and detailer was Central Steel Fabricators Ltd.

The project was one of two in Ontario to be recognized in the national steel design awards program.

In the engineering category, an award of merit was handed out for the transformation of the Art Gallery of Ontario, which also won a similar award last year in the Ontario program.

Through a “patchwork” of visions and creativity, the gallery underwent a transformation that added 97,000 square feet to the 100-year-old building, the CISC said. Public space and galleries were expanded and overhauled.

“The strategic use of steel helped realize many of the building’s striking features,” CISC said.

The project team included architect Gehry International, structural engineer Halcrow Yolles and general contractor EllisDon. CISC steel detailer, erector and fabricator on the main structure was Benson Steel Ltd. Mariani Metal Fabricators Ltd. fabricated the stair structure.

The awards were announced during the CISC’s recent annual general meeting in Alberta. Nearly 100 projects competed in the architecture, engineering and sustainability categories.

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