Sophisticated Research Facility

The CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory at McMaster’s Innovation Park is a 175,000 sq. ft. environmentally sustainable research facility. The 3-storey structure supports research activities in the materials development and performance evaluation including pilot scale casting, rolling, forming and welding, corrosion, mechanical testing and micro-structure evaluations.

RJC’s mandate was to provide innovative solutions to the facility’s energy-reducing goals. A 6,000 sq. ft. solar wall, high-performance thermal building envelope for the walls, foundations, roof, along with triple-glazing reduces heat to maximize energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Exposed concrete slabs are featured throughout the building in an effort to significantly reduce finishes. The structural slabs incorporate radiant heating/cooling pipes to activate the thermal mass of the structure to reduce peak mechanical loads in the building. This strategy was aligned with the need for thickened slabs that support the high industrial loads. Recycled content was specified for all structural components including concrete, rebar, structural steel and metal deck.

The lab support program includes machine shop, metal working, carpentry, electronics and electrical shops, emergency response team room, shower/change facility, shipping receiving, oil, chemical and flammable storage facilities. The light-infused atrium provides open concept offices, private offices, meeting rooms, quiet rooms, copy rooms, mailroom and record storage.  Program support spaces include the MTL library, Non Destructive Testing administrative suite, display area, photo studio suite, server room, atrium and kitchenettes.

The CANMET-MTL is a leading-edge model of sustainable design in a laboratory setting. The building is targeting LEED Canada NC Platinum Certification. The facility is also targeting the 2030 Challenge – a design sector initiative to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of new and renovated buildings in Canada.