Verne Reimer Architecture (VRA) provided the Architectural services for a new research centre headerhouse and greenhouse for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada facility in Morden, Manitoba. Working closely with Graham Construction and KGS Group, this design build project was delivered in a very short design and construction period. The construction delivery schedule considered the equipment relocation from existing facilities at the University of Manitoba so that equipment relocation and installation was sequenced at the appropriate times for complete fit-up.

The one storey 695m2 header house includes a phytotron room, CRC lab space, offices, soil storage, incubation room, pesticide storage and potting rooms plus fully enclosed mechanical and electrical rooms. The greenhouse component of 345m2 and the header house were designed to be doubled in area during future phases of development.

This durable building features an epoxy painted exposed structure, insulated metal sandwich panel exterior with epoxy coated walls and sealed concrete floors. The roof system is comprised of a 2 ply SBS membrane system and was accessible by caged exterior ladder to meet OHS requirements. Energy efficient commercial aluminum glazing with openers provide natural light to the offices and research laboratory areas of
the building.

Environmental controls, HVAC and plumbing systems were designed to meet stringent requirements for a laboratory environment. The building was equipped with an emergency generator, extensive DDC controls and high capacity exterior hydronic cooling units for added protection, control and monitoring of the sensitive growing environments.

Project Profile:

Client: PWGSC / WBS Construction
Total Building Area: 695m² (Header House only)
Construction Completion: June 2017
Construction Cost: $8.4M

Consultant Team:

Architectural: Verne Reimer Architecture Incorporated
Structural Engineers: KGS Group
Mechanical Engineers: KGS Group
Electrical Engineers: KGS Group
General Contractor: Graham Construction