Calgary Cancer Centre

1100 Unitized panels glazed with View Dynamic Glass, curtainwall punched openings.

In early May of 2018 following an extensive RFP and interview process Ferguson was selected for Envelope Design-Assist Services/Glazing for the new Calgary Cancer Centre. The design assist process included conceptual reviews, detail design and coordination of the various envelope scopes, engineering, 3-D modelling, thermal analysis and value engineering. Ferguson attended weekly team meetings with the Consultants, General Contractor and other envelope trades.

Project Overview

Following an extensive RFP and interview process, Ferguson was selected in May 2018 for Envelope Design-Assist Services and glazing on the new Calgary Cancer Centre.

The design-assist process included conceptual reviews, detail design and coordination of the various envelope scopes, engineering, 3D modelling, thermal analysis, and value engineering. The project features dynamic smart glass that automatically adjusts in response to daily lighting conditions.

The Challenge

Ferguson identified gaps in the RFP documentation, including a missing wind load study, incomplete details, and missing doghouses, all flagged and addressed at tender stage. On budget, value-engineering options delivered more than $1M in savings from the original budget through aluminum price tracking, alternate details, and scope refinements. The dynamic glass system was engineered and coordinated across the envelope scope, and full BIM coordination at LOD 350, including clash detection and weekly updates, maintained schedule and minimized site issues.

Ferguson’s Approach

Ferguson provided full building-envelope design-assist services, including conceptual reviews, detail design and envelope scope coordination, engineering, 3D modelling, and thermal analysis. The scope included the supply and installation of dynamic smart glass that auto-adjusts to daily lighting.

Value engineering spanned aluminum LME tracking, alternate details, a windscreen alternate, perimeter tie-in improvements, deletion of fins, and Sacred Space revisions. Ferguson delivered a BIM model to LOD 350, including the BIM Execution Plan, weekly model updates, clash tests, and coordination meetings, alongside weekly design-team meetings with consultants, the GC, and envelope trades.

Results

Ferguson delivered over $1M in verified value-engineering savings while achieving LEED Gold on Canada’s largest stand-alone cancer centre.

Project Details

Key Personnel

• Richard Neal, GSC: Senior Project Manager, Design Assist
• Brent Harder, P.Eng., GSC: Design Assist
• Jeff Smart, GSC: General Superintendent
• Charles Kan, P.Eng.: Design Assist

Key Stakeholders

• Alberta Health Services: Owner
• Stantec: Architect / Prime Consultant
• PCL Construction: General Contractor

Project Testing

Results of previous similar testing were accepted.