Originally opened in 1982, the community centre required a comprehensive overhaul, including both functional and aesthetic improvements. Costing $37 million and designed by architects from Perkins+Will Canada, the re-worked facility accommodates a host of new features, including a 25 metre pool, gymnasium and the relocated Meadowvale Library.
In order to satisfy LEED Silver specifications, the development capitalised on state-of-the-art technologies, including the use of low-VOC materials, rainwater harvesting and the incorporation of external solar shading on east and west-facing elevations.
As a world-leading solar shading specialist, Levolux was approached to develop a custom solar shading solution, combining its innovative Infiniti® Fin system and Triniti® bracket.
The solution comprised a series of rectangular-shaped aluminium louvres, fixed vertically in front of full-height glazed openings. In total, Levolux supplied 350 vertical louvres, each measuring 400mm wide by 50mm thick and extending up to 6 metres in height. The louvres, commonly known as fins, are spaced at 600mm centres and are angled at 45 degrees to the building’s glazed façade.
The fins create a striking architectural feature, as each is finished in one of 8 contrasting colours. They range from greens and blues, to lilac and purple. The colours are applied with a highly durable powder coating.
As a form of Brise Soleil, the fins are positioned and angled to counter the path of the sun as it passes across the sky. While horizontal fins are preferred for south-facing elevations, vertical fins work more effectively on east and west-facing elevations. This arrangement provides optimum shading during mornings or afternoons, when the sun is lower in the sky. As the popularity of glazed curtain walling increases, so does the importance of external solar shading. If it were not for the fins at Meadowvale Community Centre and Library, internal temperatures would soar to uncomfortable levels, due to excessive solar heat gain.
In the past, developers relied on mechanical cooling and air conditioning systems to maintain comfortable internal temperatures. Today, external solar shading is recognised as a considerably more cost effective solution, which is significantly easier to install and maintain.
Levolux’s Infiniti Fin system delivers uncompromised results. Its integrated stainless steel fixing method ensures excellent strength, while allowing fins to appear continuous and uninterrupted over long distances. Not only are the number of fixings reduced and concealed, but fins also appear weightless, as they can be cantilevered past aluminium carrier arms.
The extruded aluminium fins supplied for the new Meadowvale Community Centre and Library are secured in place using Levolux’s Triniti brackets. The brackets complement the Infiniti Fin system, as they incorporate a comprehensive thermal break. This eliminates any problems associated with cold bridging, such as interstitial condensation, and prevents unwanted noise and vibrations from occurring.
The redeveloped community centre and library has been much anticipated during a two-year construction period. The new development, with its distinctive multi-coloured vertical fins from Levolux, provides new and improved access to recreation for residents of the City of Mississauga.
