In 2015, the Federal Government announced an over $40 million investment by the Government of Canada in the Canadian Coast Guard. Under that investment was the new ($18.2 million) Atlantic region headquarters, built and completed in early 2019, at the existing Coast Guard base in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The existing building was built in 1962 and was no longer suitable as the Canadian Coast Guard continues to upgrade and modernize operations. This building was demolished after the opening of the new headquarters.
The new facility is designed for increased functionality in the modern workplace with the required codes and standards for occupational health and safety, and improved security. In support of government initiatives for green and energy efficient operations, tidal energy will be used to heat and cool the building, as well as a geothermal energy feature this is expected to save 200,000 litres of fuel. Other energy saving devices, such as lighting, low-E windows, and low water usage fixtures, will also be installed to further increase building efficiency.
The project included a four-story steel-frame structure with a building footprint of approximately 1,800 square meters, and a mechanical penthouse. The building is partially supported on steel piles and partially on concrete spread or strip footings founded on bedrock.
Allnorth was engaged by J.W. Lindsay Enterprises to complete structural design of the steel piles and concrete foundations, the steel super-structure, floor framing, elevator shafts, and secondary elements including, curtain wall and window connections, roof platform, mechanical units support, stair wells, and flagpole and site signage supports. Allnorth was also responsible for contract administration for the related structural work including shop drawing review, coordination with the steel supplier, site inspections of the foundation and steel construction, and project sign-off.
This was a difficult site, adjacent to St. John’s Harbour. Much of the area was reclaimed land and the soil was in poor condition with debris and unsuitable material contained within. The structural design included different foundation types with part of the structure on steel piles driven to bedrock and part on concrete foundations, also extending to bedrock. Concrete grade beams were used for much of the foundation and to support the main floor concrete slab, to minimize the amount of concrete required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Structural design of steel pile and concrete foundations
- Floor framing design
- Roof platform design
- Mechanical units support
Structural work including
- Shop drawings review
- Coordination with the steel supplier
- Site inspections of the foundation and steel construction
- Project sign-off
- Contract administration
LOCATION
St. John’s, NL
