McMaster University Life Sciences Biology Building and Greenhouse

This project is a significant, four-phase, multi-year phased renovation of McMaster University’s Life Sciences Biology (LSB) Building, a historic building located at their primary Hamilton campus.

Phase 1 included the integration and addition of a new research greenhouse onto the existing building, new limited electrical and mechanical upgrades in Life Sciences Biology Building, and new lobby and hallway upgrades at the connection to LSB and surrounding landscape. Mass timber was used for the roof structure of the entrance and walkway from the atrium to the Life Sciences building, and which consisted of post and beam Glulam in combination with a CLT deck.

Landscape elements were integrated with the building, drawing people closer and creating a welcoming outdoor forecourt. This dramatic new entrance experience brings occupants through the main entry onto a suspended bridge hosting views onto the two-storey greenhouse space below. Environmentally separated from the greenhouse, the glazed bridge acts as an extension of the lobby, integrating wood elements that carry the spatial qualities from the space beyond.

Phases 2-4 involved a comprehensive upgrade to the LSB Building including accessibility upgrades, functional reorganization of the entire building to facilitate better synergies among research departments, new best practice student experience spaces such as breakout spaces and lounges, improved access to daylight, limited new construction and window replacement and significant mechanical and electrical upgrades in keeping with new carbon-neutral standards for the university.

The mass timber supplier oversaw the construction design of the mass timber structural component, the development of the approval drawing and the coordination of the new structure within the existing structure, as well as supplied the mass timber material.

The project was designed to a minimum LEED Silver certification and is to achieve a minimum annual energy consumption saving of 25% when compared with the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB). The placement of the greenhouse, and subsequent role of the facility, is a vital part of the entry sequence to the LSB Building. Furthermore, with the site’s proximity to the adjacent McMaster University Medical Centre and Hospital, its campus visibility, and its surrounding municipal vehicular routes, the new greenhouse seizes the opportunity to reflect McMaster University’s leadership in the study and research of science and natural systems in health and wellness, as well as echos its commitment to growth, health, and sustainability.