Ontario Construction News staff writer
A beam ceremony was recently held on Gillam’s Mathematics 4 site at the University of Waterloo, marking the completion of the structural frame, a major milestone for the project.
The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize the collective efforts of project partners, including the University of Waterloo, Moriyama Teshima Architects, Blackwell Structural Engineers, trades and consultants who significantly contributed to achieving this milestone. To commemorate the event, key stakeholders involved in the project were invited to sign the beam before it was hoisted into place.
Gillam is the construction manager for the new, five-storey, 142,000 sq. ft. building situated in the heart of the “Mathematics district” on the university campus in Waterloo, Ontario.
Once complete, the building will seamlessly connect the existing Math & Computer Building with the Davis Centre. It was developed with a set of guiding design principles which consider and respect Indigenous perspectives and includes innovation, outreach, collaboration, sustainability, connectivity and green space.
The new structure features classroom space; research labs; a cutting-edge, eco-friendly server room called the Green Room; large, open atriums with large stairwells; student study halls; multiple lounge areas; new office space; and meeting rooms. The existing outdoor courtyard will also be maintained.
Logistically, the new building presents unique challenges as it is being constructed over top of and envelopes some parts of the existing Davis Centre building. In addition, portions of the building remain active during various phases of construction. The project scope also involved selective demolition in the connected buildings, including a partial removal of the existing student walkway bridge connecting the Davis Centre to Math 3 building.
The building will also include sustainable features such as the reuse of the existing Davis Centre office wing; Natural Ventilation Chimney Exhaust Louvre; Passive Cooling Design; Waterless Plumbing Fixtures; Heat Recovery Chiller; Energy Recovery Ventilator; Metering; Co2 Sensors; and PV Panels.
“Gillam will continue working with our project partners towards successful completion, which is slated for summer 2027,” the contractor said in a statement.
