Design Assist by Mitrex

Key design highlights include:

• Optimized panelization to ensure a uniform layout across the entire tower, enhancing visual continuity and reducing complexity.
• The iconic Mercedes-Benz logo was carefully incorporated into the façade design by replicating the proportional geometry of its hexagonal form, achieving brand alignment with architectural precision.
• Dynamic light panel integration was engineered to allow even light diffusion through BIPV panels, ensuring both performance and visual consistency across the illuminated façade surfaces.

• Create an iconic, electrified building aligned with Mercedes’ EQS electric vehicle brand.
• Required fire-rated solar solutions (CAN/ULC S135, NFPA 285) compliant with high-rise regulations. All while maintaining the Mercedes branding and image in the building design.
• Integration of LED lighting into the EQS logo on the BIPV façade to match their branding.

• Mitrex worked with the architect, Mercedes marketing team, and GC to develop a BIPV-integrated cladding envelope system incorporating LED lighting and their brand colors.
• Dynamic light panel integration was engineered to allow even light diffusion through BIPV panels.
• Provided full support: initial design, connection details, local rep for installation.
• After initial design, we arranged factory tours, performance mock-ups, and fire testing to meet project requirements. We also modified our fire test reports to comply with product modifications for the project.

Slab edge cover details were simplified to facilitate smooth installation using climbers. Mounting brackets were prefabricated on-site, and the module connection system was designed for quick and simple on-site assembly, minimizing potential detailing issues. The color and pattern of the panels were carefully selected to enhance energy generation while simplifying electrical connections.

• Goal: Incorporate on-site renewable energy using rooftop solar panels.
• Traditional solar solutions did not meet fire testing and wind load compliance under NOA regulations.
• Customer reached out to us to use our honeycomb panels, and then realized they can do a lot more than just traditional rooftop solar.
• Difficulties in supporting large-format panel modules and ensuring efficient installation.
• Exterior-only installation access posed scheduling and logistical constraints.
• Slab edge details complicated installation using climbers.

• Mitrex introduced honeycomb solar panels and later BIPV cladding as an alternative.
• Engaged in design assist to develop connections and implementation strategies, ensuring successful BIPV integration.
• Connection details were designed to meet NOA standards, while panel sizing and layout were optimized to enhance solar energy generation.
• Crown details were streamlined and the Cladify system was integrated, allowing for a one-step installation process and support for large-format panels.
• Slab edge covers were simplified, and prefabricated mounting brackets enabled easier and faster installation.

To enhance construction efficiency, a pre-panelized system was adopted:

• Balcony fins and slab covers were delivered as pre-assembled units, eliminating the need for conventional structural stud substrate backing.
• For the building’s intricate nine-color slat panel arrangement, the Cladify system reduced over 8,500 individual slats to just 944 pre-assembled panels, significantly accelerating installation and improving finish consistency.

• Owner sought to incorporate four different porcelain colors into the façade with minimal glare.
• Initial installation plan involved cutting and placing each of the 8,500 pieces individually, leading to a $5–6 million budget overrun.

• Cladify proposed a preassembled panel system to reduce installation time and material costs.
• This reduced the 8,500 individual slats to just 944 pre-assembled panels.
• Fins and preassembled panels were laminated and prefabricated in the factory.
• Client saved $4–5 million through reduced installation time and cost efficiencies.

Mitrex addressed these challenges by introducing Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology in customizable colors and textures, seamlessly blending energy generation with design. Through a collaborative design-assist process, multiple color and texture options were proposed for client selection. 

• Goal: Achieve 30% of the building’s electricity consumption from on-site renewables.
• Urban site with limited roof space and no excess land.
• Aesthetics: Traditional solar panels on the exterior facade would create a “black box” effect, negatively impacting the design.

• Mitrex introduced BIPV technology in customizable colors and textures.
• Energy goals were met while maintaining design integrity. During the design assist process we proposed multiple variations of colours and textures for the client to decide.
• Mitrex collaborated with Cladify to complete other exterior elements (e.g., aluminum flashing).
• Having a single contractor for the entire building envelope streamlined logistics and coordination.

The lightweight nature of the system enabled 23” deep triangular fins unsupported, anchored only by two 16-gauge studs. The envelope achieved its targeted effective R-value through an 8” outboard insulation layer, thermally broken brackets, and a continuous thermal control plane aligned with the IGUs, ensuring installation precision and eliminating site-based fabrication errors.

• Large limestone fins projecting 3–4 feet from the façade.
• Concerns over weight of stone on high-rise, connections, and installation logistics.
• Meeting the targeted R-value.
• Tight project timeline.
• Avoid excessive structural weight.

• Preassembled lightweight panel systems reduced weight concerns and sped up installation.
• Custom modules integrated an internal chassis and flat-plane mounting clips, eliminating the need for bulky boxed-out structural framing.
• The lightweight nature of the system enabled 23” deep triangular fins unsupported
• The envelope achieved its targeted effective R-value through an 8” outboard insulation layer, thermally broken brackets, and a continuous thermal control plane aligned with the IGUs.
• Client saved $3–4 million on wall assemblies no longer needed due to the new system.

The primary challenge was to meet the architect’s strict design vision, which included a specific color match to a GFRC sample and large-format panels up to 53 x 90 inches. In parallel, the system needed to be cost-competitive, maintenance-light, and capable of meeting energy performance targets for Alberta Health Services’ sustainability strategy.

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Mitrex collaborated closely with Reimagine Architects to develop a custom color solution that balanced solar efficiency with design intent. The result was a 58 kW BIPV system producing approximately 60,000 kWh annually—the equivalent energy consumption of ten residential homes.

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• Replace a failing facade without compromising budget or sustainability targets.
  
• Match a precise GFRC reference color while maintaining solar output of at least 12 W/ft².
  
• Deliver oversized panel dimensions (up to 47 x 90 inches) to reduce joint lines and maintain a monolithic appearance.
  
• Coordinate across multiple stakeholders in a retrofit environment, including structural, electrical, and installation teams.

• Custom color-matched BIPV panels developed through extensive sampling and optimization—yielding 25% more solar output than the initial color request.
  
• Large-format panels engineered to integrate into a standard rainscreen system, reducing structural changes and enabling efficient installation.
  
• Full design assist services provided, including energy modeling, ROI analysis, and mock-ups.
  
• Collaborated with Pronghorn Controls for streamlined retrofit implementation with minimal disruption to hospital operations.

Cladify collaborated closely with Mitrex to optimize panel size, finish, color, and solar power equipment integration. All decisions balanced aesthetic requirements with photovoltaic performance goals, enabling the solar-active façade to meet energy benchmarks without compromising architectural intent.

• Target of 20% on-site renewables.
• Architect required specific colors, patterns, and panel layouts.

• A system size of 632 kW, producing about 420,000 kWh per year, meeting the 20% renewable energy generation requirement for the building.
• Worked with the team for over a year to finalize color and panel layouts.
• Engineered solar-integrated roofing and cladding to meet energy goals.
• Ensured alignment with EllisDon’s construction schedule and budget.