Our Project

ATK

Client

Tridel

Occupency Type

Residential High Rise Government Subsidairy Housing

Location

635 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON

Date

July 2024

S.O.W: 

  • HVAC Work done inside building 
  • Primarily focusing on sheet metal inside of residential suites

Over 150+ residential suites

The project involved a large-scale HVAC upgrade within an occupied residential high-rise. With a strict government housing mandate, Tridel was tasked with ensuring precise mechanical installations while minimizing disruption to residents. The goal was to deliver a seamless, efficient, and compliant HVAC system that met both performance and regulatory standards.

Project Overview

Tridel, a leading real estate developer, undertook a critical HVAC infrastructure upgrade at the 635 Dundas St W residential high-rise complex, Toronto, Ontario. Set for completion by July 2024, the project involves extensive HVAC sheet metal installation across over 150 residential suites in a government subsidiary housing complex. This case study narrates the technical journey of the project, outlines the challenges faced, and highlights the innovative solutions that ensured a successful and efficient execution.

Challenges

  1.  Working within Occupied Residential Spaces

    The project had to be carried out in an occupied building, meaning installation work had to be done without disturbing the residents’ daily routines.



  2. Coordinating Work Across 150+ Suites

    The complexity of installing HVAC systems in 150+ unique residential suites, each with different layouts, posed logistical difficulties.



  3. Minimizing Resident Disruption During Installation

    Noise, dust, and vibrations from sheet metal work were inevitable, potentially disturbing residents.



  4. Ensuring Precision in Sheet Metal Fabrication and Installation

    Given the high-rise nature of the project and the unique needs of each suite, precision in sheet metal fabrication and installation was crucial.




  5.  Adhering to Government Housing Standards

    The project had to meet stringent government housing standards and compliance regulations, including documentation and inspections.

     

Solutions

  1.  Working within Occupied Residential Spaces

     A phased, suite-by-suite installation strategy was implemented. Each unit was completed individually, minimizing disruption. Work was scheduled during off-hours, and residents were regularly updated on schedules and progress, ensuring they were informed and inconvenienced as little as possible.

  2. Coordinating Work Across 150+ Suites

     Detailed planning and a tailored installation approach were key. Customized designs were created for each suite, and materials were pre-ordered and coordinated in advance. A dedicated project management team oversaw scheduling, ensuring the timely delivery of materials and minimizing delays during installation.

  3. Minimizing Resident Disruption During Installation
    Advanced noise and dust mitigation strategies were used, including temporary enclosures around work areas and the use of vacuum systems to control dust. The team followed strict work-hour schedules to avoid peak hours, and noise levels were closely monitored, ensuring minimal disturbance.
  4. Ensuring Precision in Sheet Metal Fabrication and Installation

     To reduce on-site time and ensure high-quality installations, Tridel employed precision prefabrication. Sheet metal components were fabricated off-site to exact specifications. On-site installation was streamlined, and advanced measurement tools ensured that all parts fit perfectly, contributing to system performance and efficiency.

  5. Adhering to Government Housing Standards

     Tridel maintained strict adherence to all government housing mechanical specifications. Regular inspections were conducted, and the team worked closely with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance at every stage. Comprehensive documentation was kept to ensure transparency and accountability.

     

     

Implimentation Process

  • Pre-Construction Planning: Coordination with architects, engineers, and local authorities ensured the HVAC design aligned with building requirements.
  • Fabrication and Prefabrication: Sheet metal components were prefabricated off-site, reducing on-site labor and installation time.
  • Phased Installation: The HVAC installation was carried out in phases, with each suite receiving individualized attention, and work was scheduled to minimize disruption to residents.
  • Collaboration with Other Trades: Close communication with other contractors ensured that HVAC installations were integrated smoothly with other construction activities.
  • Quality Control and Compliance: Continuous monitoring and compliance checks ensured the installation met all relevant codes and regulations.

Results and Impact

  • On-Schedule Completion: The HVAC sheet metal work is on track for completion by July 2024, with all installations progressing smoothly.
  • Resident Satisfaction: The phased approach and effective dust/noise control measures resulted in minimal complaints from residents, maintaining their quality of life during the installation.
  • Efficient Execution: Prefabrication and precise planning reduced installation time, minimized errors, and enhanced the overall efficiency of the project.
  • Regulatory Compliance: The project adhered to all necessary government regulations, ensuring the HVAC systems meet safety, efficiency, and performance standards.

Conclusion

Tridel’s HVAC sheet metal installation project at 635 Dundas St W exemplifies technical excellence, meticulous planning, and innovative problem-solving. Despite the challenges presented by working in an occupied residential high-rise, the team successfully delivered a high-performance, compliant HVAC system with minimal disruption to residents. The lessons learned from this project will continue to inform best practices for future infrastructure upgrades in similarly complex environments, reinforcing Tridel’s reputation as a leader in residential construction and mechanical systems installation.