Department of Architectural Sciences Evaluation of Critical Factors From
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Department of Architectural Sciences Evaluation of Critical Factors from Residential Adaptive Reuse Projects Within the context of Toronto, Ontario By Susan Ittoop Puttoo Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) Major Research Project Presented to Ryerson University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Building Science (MBSc.) in the Program of Building Science Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2014 ©Susan Ittoop Puttoo 2014 Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings for Residential Developments Author’s Declaration I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this Major Research Project. This is a true copy of the Major Research Project including any required final revisions. I authorize Ryerson University to lend this Major Research Project to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I further authorize Ryerson University to reproduce this Major Research Project by photocopying or by other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the purpose of scholarly research. I understand that my Major Research Project may be made electronically available to the public. ii Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings for Residential Developments Abstract Adaptive Reuse is a growing phenomenon embraced by cities as one of the low carbon strategies in their climate change agenda which shifted the focus from new construction to existing buildings. The research study is based upon cross-case analysis of four case study buildings selected from the inventory of conversion projects located within the context of Toronto. Analysis of the archived project documentations and unstructured interview with the involved architects were performed to identify key criteria and design strategies adopted for residential conversion. The key findings revealed that although the housing functions could be accomodated easily within the converted buildings; both interior and exterior aspects were demolished for residential configuration within both heritage and non-heritage adaptive reuse projects. The architects felt that such demolitions were necessitated due to lack of flexibility within its interiors; provisions for daylighting and thermal comfort; code compliances for fire and acoustic separations. Furthermore, findings from the current building regulations revealed a necessity for a separate policy tool due to lack of clarity for residential conversion within Toronto. Key words: adaptive reuse; building conversion; code compliances iii Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings for Residential Developments Acknowledgements I sincerely thank Dr. Russell Richman, my supervisor for his guidance and support throughout this MRP work and Prof Mark Gorgolewski not only as my second reader for his valuable advice based on his experience, but also for his helpful suggestions throughout the MBSc program. Furthermore, I would like to especially thank Prof Peter Love and Dr. Graham Armstrong for their feedback which helped me find this research topic. Special thanks goes to the architects, Mr. Blair Robinson from Alliance Architects; Mr. Brad Collard from Montgomery Sisam Architects and Mr. Rod Rowbotham from OneSpace Architects for their helpful assistance in the selected case studies. Moreover, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the entire faculty at Ryerson University for sharing their knowledge and being helpful throughout my graduate studies and also special credit goes to my note takers, especially Gemma and Helen in helping me understand the lectures. Last but not least, my gratitude goes to my parents, my hubby and my daughter whose support helped me to achieve my educational goals. iv Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings for Residential Developments Table of Contents Author’s Declaration ................................................................................................................................... ii Abstract ....................................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................... v List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. ix List of Acronyms ......................................................................................................................................... x Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Setting the context: Toronto...................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Problem statement ..................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Research Questions .................................................................................................................. 3 1.4 Research Output ........................................................................................................................ 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review .................................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Section I: Adaptive Reuse Scenario: ....................................................................................... 4 2.1.1 Evolution of the Built Environment: .................................................................................. 7 2.1.2 Obsolescence ................................................................................................................... 12 2.1.3 Decision making Process ................................................................................................ 13 2.1.4 Energy Conservation Measures: .................................................................................... 17 2.2 Section II: Analysis of Code Compliances for Residential Conversion ............................ 25 2.2.1 National Building Code of Canada (NBC): ................................................................... 26 2.2.2 Toronto Green Standard (TGS): .................................................................................... 27 2.2.3 Ontario Building Codes: .................................................................................................. 28 2.2.4 Heritage Designated Structures: .................................................................................... 32 2.3 Section III: Summary on Principles of Adaptive Reuse ...................................................... 33 Chapter 3: Research Methodology ........................................................................................................ 35 3.1 Selection of Case Study Buildings ........................................................................................ 35 3.2 Limitations and Assumptions .................................................................................................. 36 Chapter 4: Case Study Buildings ........................................................................................................... 38 4.1 Tip Top Lofts at 637, Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto ............................................... 38 4.1.1. Before Conversion: ............................................................................................................ 38 v Adaptive Reuse of Existing Buildings for Residential Developments 4.1.2. Post Conversion: ................................................................................................................. 39 4.1.3. Observations: ......................................................................................................................... 42 4.1.4 Summary of Findings: ............................................................................................................ 44 4.2 Printing Factory Lofts at 201 Carlaw Avenue, Toronto....................................................... 45 4.2.1 Before Conversion: .......................................................................................................... 45 4.2.2 Post Conversion: .............................................................................................................. 46 4.2.3 Observations: .................................................................................................................... 49 4.2.4 Summary of Findings: ...................................................................................................... 50 4.3 Imperial Plaza Residences, 111 St Clair Avenue West, Toronto ..................................... 51 4.3.1 Before Conversion: .......................................................................................................... 51 4.3.2 Post Conversion: .............................................................................................................. 53 4.3.3 Observations: ...................................................................................................................