1400 Series
The 1400 Series is a capped and pressure plated unitized panel system. Its controlled fabrication and fast install time make...
Calgary, AB
2019
MacKimmie Tower
Fully automated double-wall curtain wall with custom triangular, segmented, and sloped corner geometry. 1400 unique unitized panels, 400 interior window walls, 1500 automated vents.
LEED: Net Zero
Project Overview
MacKimmie Tower at the University of Calgary is one of Canada’s few net-zero buildings, transforming a former library into a modern, functional and architecturally striking office tower with a fully automated building envelope.
Ferguson played a key role in bringing this ambitious project to life, supplying and installing the double-wall interior and exterior curtain wall system, motorized vents, motorized Venetian blinds, and automated entrance doors and vestibules.
The innovative double-wall façade features approximately 325 individual window bays, each equipped with mechanized aluminum Venetian blinds to help manage solar gain and improve energy efficiency.
Ferguson also custom-designed and engineered the building’s distinctive triangular, segmented and sloped corners, working closely with the consultant team to bring this highly complex, fully automated building envelope to life.
The Challenge
Delivering a high-performance, fully automated building envelope presented significant engineering, design and logistical challenges.
The building’s complex geometry, including triangular, segmented and sloped corners, required custom engineering and precise integration into the unitized curtain wall system. The automated vents and shading systems also demanded careful coordination to meet the building’s stringent energy performance requirements.
Working on an active university campus added another layer of complexity. Just-in-time material deliveries, detailed safety planning and careful scheduling were essential to maintaining progress while minimizing disruption to campus operations.
Extensive 3D BIM modelling and clash detection helped coordinate the envelope with the building structure and adjacent trades, resolving potential issues before installation.
Ferguson’s Approach
Through a collaborative design-assist process, Ferguson provided engineering, thermal analysis, constructibility reviews and value engineering to develop a building envelope that balanced architectural vision, technical performance and installation efficiency.
Ferguson designed, engineered and installed the double-wall interior and exterior unitized curtain wall system, motorized vents, Venetian blind systems, and automated entrances and vestibules.
Custom aluminum and glass systems were developed for the building’s unique geometry, with materials engineered to meet demanding energy requirements and sourced from around the world.
Working closely with the consultant team and specialist partners, including RGO Window Coverings, Ferguson developed detailed shop drawings and collaborative mock-ups to refine the design and ensure seamless integration of the automated systems.
Performance testing, in-house mock-ups, 3D-printed prototypes and BIM coordination helped validate complex details, identify potential clashes and streamline fabrication and installation.
Results
Ferguson successfully delivered one of its most technically complex building envelopes to date, combining custom-engineered geometry, advanced automation and high-performance glazing systems.
Completed on schedule within an active university campus, the project demonstrates Ferguson’s ability to deliver sophisticated building envelope solutions through collaborative design-assist, innovative engineering and precise execution.
The result is a striking, energy-efficient façade that supports MacKimmie Tower’s net-zero performance goals while setting a high standard for sustainable building design.
Project Details
| Location | Calgary, Alberta |
| Contract Type | Design-assist / Lump Sum RFP |
| Project Duration | 28 months, from design-assist award to completion |
| Substantial Completion | March 2020 |
| Project Security | Bonding |
| Systems | Double-wall unitized curtain wall, motorized vents and blinds, automated entrances |
Key Personnel
- Alex Seegerer, GSC: Construction Manager, Design Assist
- Jessie Bampfield, GSC: Project Manager, Construction
- Brent Harder, P.Eng., GSC: Design Assist, Engineering
- Jeff Smart, GSC: General Superintendent
- Jason Maess: Senior Superintendent
- Bryce Ulrich, GSC: Senior Superintendent
Key Stakeholders
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Owner: University of Calgary
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Architect: DIALOG Architecture
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General Contractor: Stuart Olson Inc.
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Window Coverings Partner: RGO Window Coverings
“Ferguson has been and will continue to be our trusted partners in developing complex and high performance envelopes and curtain wall projects. What separates them is a spirit of deep and meaningful collaboration. They and their industry partners have supported our design initiative and have pushed the envelope with us on highly intricate and innovative buildings.”
John Souleles
Principal, DIALOG
Project Duration
Design – 6 months
Fabrication – 4 months
Panel Assembly – 8 months
Installation – 10 months
“For the last 3 years, our design team has worked shoulder to shoulder with Ferguson Corporation as an industry partner to tackle the most ambitious post secondary project to date at the University of Calgary, the MacKimmie Complex. In my opinion, this team has the experience to manage a highly complex, and deeply sustainable and innovative projects. Their team along with industry partners work collaboratively throughout all phases of any aspirational project, leveraging and helping us navigating extreme complexity with poise and professionalism. The team at Ferguson is strong during the design and construction phases, managing the risks and providing innovative solutions.”
John Souleles
Principal, DIALOG
Project Testing
PMU was tested at CRL Miami in November of 2018. Report available upon request.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Ferguson on various project, however the Mackimmie Tower project on UofC Main Campus was largest and most complicated collaboration. The experiences with the Ferguson Glass have always been positive. The team always comes forward with positive attitude and a willingness to work together to achieve a common goal. The communication from the PM’s and office Managers to the General Superintendent, to the site Foreman and lead hands is always open. Everyone in the company seems to know what the other is doing, and there is always a united front. As for meeting our expectations and needs, Ferguson never disappoints. Material is always there when it needs to be. Should we have any constructibility concerns than Ferguson does not shy away, but rather comes forward with ideas and innovations to resolve the item at hand. When it comes to safety, There is no concern. Ferguson Documentation is always on hand, and every employee seems to value the need, requirement and importance of safety in our the industry.”
Julius von Bieberstein
Superintendent, Stuart Olson