Toronto, Canada
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Overview
The Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex at U of T Scarborough features North America's largest building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) installation, engineered and manufactured by Mitrex. The university required at least 20% of the building's energy to come from on-site renewables, and contractor EllisDon brought in Mitrex to help meet that target alongside architects Diamond Schmitt and MVRDV.
Mitrex translated the architects' multi-colour mosaic design into a manufacturable solar facade, producing six module types that meet CAN/ULC S134 and NFPA 285 fire standards. The completed system totals 632 kW (513 kW on the facade, 119 kW on the roof) and generates roughly 420,000 kWh of clean electricity annually, all at a cost comparable to the high-end metal cladding it replaced.
The project's key takeaway: buildings don't have to choose between architectural ambition and sustainability. What made both possible was the manufacturer adapting to the architects' vision rather than forcing the design around a fixed product.
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Project Solutions
Solar Facade
Our Solar Facades are designed to effortlessly substitute your building's existing facade, transforming it into a dynamic solar energy-harvesting surface. At the heart of each panel lies a sturdy aluminum honeycomb core, coupled with a layer of high-performance solar cells, making every piece an efficient source of renewable energy.
Overtop the energy generating layer is the customizable exterior– a versatile canvas that can recreate any pattern or color. This adaptability allows the fusion of aesthetically pleasing architectural solar facades with the functional benefits of BIPV technology. It’s a harmonious blend of form and function, bringing to life facades that not only captivate the eye but also contribute positively to the environment.
Project Systems
CladiShield offers more than mere cladding panels; it provides a fully integrated rainscreen wall solution. This system encompasses a top-tier air and moisture barrier, continuous insulation, versatile sub-framing systems, and, of course, our superior multi-faced cladding.
Each component of our system is crafted to function seamlessly together, delivering not just ease of installation, but also enduring performance and visual unity. CladiShield simplifies the process for architects and contractors, eliminating uncertainties and ensuring a cohesive, efficient building experience.
Projects
Each of our projects is a story of innovation and sustainable architecture.
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