Dartmouth, N.S.

While some engineering projects begin with a vacant lot and a completely new architectural concept, others begin with an existing building that requires additions or renovations to meet its intended use. These projects require innovative and practical solutions that enable the owner to maximize their current investment, and introduce complimentary spaces such as offices, storage areas, auditoriums, and in this special client's case... a firing range and holding cells.

The Dartmouth Police Force, having outgrown their existing space, acquired an industrial warehouse that was to be the base of their new facility. The building was completely gutted, leaving only the steel frame and exterior concrete block walls.

New interior walls were constructed from concrete block. The original single storey building was converted to a two-storey structure over nearly one half of the building area. To achieve this, BMR designed a two-way cast-in-place concrete floor slab supported on concrete columns and footings. A large, open atrium with a sloped glass roof was constructed near the centre of the building where an inviting new entrance was introduced. The entire building was re-clad using architectural precast concrete on the front three sides and steel cladding on the back. The existing structure was reinforced to support the additional loads from the new precast concrete cladding, which was installed over the existing exterior walls. Roof reinforcement was also required to meet current standards and to support new radio antennae support towers and mechanical equipment.

This project was so successful that it earned BMR an Award of Excellence from the American Concrete Institute in the renovation category. The entire project from start of design to completion of construction was carried out in eleven months; six weeks ahead of schedule and 15% under the budgeted cost. BMR credits this achievement to teamwork and effective working relationships with all parties, from the owner to the trade contractors on site.

BMR has been involved in numerous other fast track and design-build projects with similar results.