< PreviousThe results of these studies are complex, however. Various factors play a part in determining the effects that the built environment can have on a piece of land. From underlying soil type and the buildings foundation modes to natural topography and location, many cities could be finding themselves in precarious situations. The US Geological Survey and the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island has recently conducted a study on the effects of building in New York City. In the first piece of research that specifically looks into the contribution of the built environment on subsidence, researchers noted that NYC is sinking at a rate of 1-4 millimeters per year. While this is in line with regional rates, it discovered that some areas fell far outside these acceptable levels. In fact, researchers calculated the mass of all buildings in the city and discovered that, depending on the soil type of a particu- lar area, some buildings have the potential to sink over 600 millimeters. The findings of this paper, titled: The Weight of New York City: Possible Contributions to Subsidence From Anthropogenic Sources, suggest that the risk of large-scale buildings on flood risk is actually quite a significant one. Researchers also stated that, due to the escalation in storm intensity over recent years coupled with the rise of sea levels, coastal cities such as New York City are at risk. "As coastal cities grow globally, the combination of construction densification and sea level rise imply increasing inundation hazard. The point of the paper is to raise awareness that every additional high-rise building constructed at coastal, river, or lakefront settings could contribute to future flood risk, and that mitigation strategies may need to be included." These views are echoed by a recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which found that the rate and focus of “climate sensitive planning” is far slower and effective than it needs to be. "Many cities and settlements have developed adaptation plans, but few have been imple- mented so that urban adaptation gaps exist in all world regions. Exposure to climate-driven impacts… in combination with rapid urbanization and lack of climate sensitive planning, is affecting marginalized urban populations and key infra- structure." When we look at the situation globally, the stark nature of these challenges come sharply into focus. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia has the unwanted accolade of being the fastest sinking city in the world. Astonishingly, the city is dropping by around 30 centimeters per year. With much of the city sitting below a rapidly rising sea level, flooding is common, and it is estimated that in much of the city will be uninhabitable by the end of the decade. | 10 JULY 2023So, what can be done to mitigate against these challenging conditions? Given that the current proposal from the Indone- sian government is to relocate the capital to an under-con- struction city 800 miles north of Jakarta, it seems viable solu- tions need to be found quickly. According to the IPCC report, the most necessary changes that need to take place revolve around carbon emissions. While these widely accepted yet challenging targets are the best way of solving the crisis, alternatives are necessary. Pervious pavements and under- ground tunnel systems to absorb stormwater need to be developed in cities while grey infrastructure and retrofitting should be prioritized. The report suggested the widespread introduction of elevated houses which stood on stilts, but it was something else that truly grabbed the headlines. Amphibious architecture is the process of designing build- ings that work with water, rather than against it. Rather than adopting traditional building methods, amphibious structures are not fixed and, as the tide rises around them, so to do the buildings themselves in a way that is comparable to a boat. For Elizabeth English, Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo and organizer of the International Conference on Amphibious Architecture, Design and Engineering that took place in Ontario recently, it is a case of acceptance. “With amphibious construction, water becomes your friend. The water gets to do what the water wants to do. It’s not a con- frontation with Mother Nature—it’s an acceptance of Mother Nature.” While starting her career studying the effects of wind and hurricanes, English pivoted to the effects of water on the built environment having seen the effect of Hurricane Katrina. “Katrina was much more a water event than a wind event. I started looking at the implications of all the flood damage and the social disruption that it caused, and I became very, very angry about the cultural insensitivity of the solutions that were being proposed.” These insensitivities consisted of recommendations to permanently elevate homes which, for English, would have destroyed any remaining element of community to an already devastated region. Taking her lead from the Netherlands, a country that has historically had to think creatively about flood mitigation, English discovered amphibious homes. While she felt that it had potential, it was not a suitable solution for the low-in- come communities that were most likely to be negatively impacted. English founded the Buoyant Foundation Project, a community initiative that designed, tested, and retrofitted amphibious foundations in New Orleans. By using a system that attached a steel frame to the underside of the house along with foam buoyancy blocks, the house would rise and hover above the tide when surrounded by water. For English, the project was an enormous success. The foundation had a system that, while not necessarily perfect, was simple, effec- tive, and cheap. Incredibly, things did not stop there either. To date, the Buoyant Foundation Project have designed amphib- ious housing for low-income areas such as Nicaragua and Jamaica while designs have recently been used to build a bespoke residential home on the Thames River in London. In the context of rising sea levels and increasingly disas- trous weather events, the need to protect against flooding has never been more necessary. As cities such as Jakarta and New York City sink underwater, feats of engineering are needed now more than ever. Sadly however, the greatest level of need comes from those communities who can ill afford it. For English and her colleagues at the Buoyant Foundation Project, the goal is not on solving the world’s problems, it is about providing equity. The Buoyant Foundation Project focuses on retrofitting as a less expensive and more sustain- able way to increase the resilience of existing communities located in flood-prone regions. Retrofitting existing buildings produces less demolition waste and requires fewer new materials compared to building entirely new buildings.” Editorial credit: CYSUN / Shutterstock.com | 11 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY FIONA SHERIDAN I n the world of construction, many things combine to achieve success. Dedication and competitiveness are undoubt- edly important, but there is another crucial element that is sometimes overlooked. Process is the key aspect of any business, something complex and unique that goes beyond merely designing and assembling structures. It becomes a remarkable fusion of artistry and engineering, where the boundaries of creativity and precision intersect. Each phase of a construction project, whether it is a new design build, an expansion of existing infrastructure, or a transformative renovation, demands a blend of exceptional expertise, com- mitment, and seamless collaboration from the entire team. | 12 JULY 2023| 13 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONGive us a call: 905-602-6096 Joe Botelho ‒ C: 416-896-8894 | E: joe@targetdrywall.ca 1670 Sismet Rd Mississauga, ON L4W 1R4 Established in 2005, Target Drywall & Acoustics is a renowned and leading provider of drywall and acoustics solutions for industrial, commercial and large-scale residential projects across Ontario. With a team of highly-skilled contractors, we have forged a renowned reputation for delivering high-quality work at competitive rates, on time and within the client’s budget. Target Drywall & Acoustics is a member of ISCA (Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario) Proud supporter ofAffiliated with The complexity of a construction project escalates signifi- cantly when the task involves new design builds, meticulous restorations or expansion of treasured landmarks and pro- tected heritage sites. These endeavors require more than simple adherence to client specifications. They necessitate a cautious preservation of the inherent integrity and historical value the structures embody, as well as the communities and purpose they serve. Striking a balance between restoration and innovation involves significant risk and requires a high- level of technical expertise that is out of reach for many companies. For Venture Construction Services Ltd., these are the type of projects to relish. In fact, Venture is renowned for thriving in such challenging environments with the com- pany viewing each phase of these demanding projects as an opportunity to craft architectural landmarks that inspire. Founded in 1995, Venture has been offering exceptional commercial construction management, general construction management, pre-construction and design build services in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada for almost three decades. Over this time, Venture has remained committed to delivering the highest quality, with an unwavering attention to detail. With a meticulous approach that ensures every | 14 JULY 2023WASTE MANAGEMENT 416-762-5555 sensogroup.ca O ff B ins Mini-Bins | Hook Bins | Roll - | C ontract B in s • Standard Bins Roll-Off Bins 4, 6, 10, 20 cu. yd • 14, 20, 40 cu. yd • Front End Bins Flat Top - 2 & 3 cu. yd Slant Top - 4,6,8 cu. yd W a st e B in S iz e s Don’t forget to remove the waste properly. S T . CLAIR AV E . W . EGLIN T ON A V E. W . A llianc e Ave. 427 401 project is completed on time and meets the highest quality standards, its efficient, transparent operations distinguish it from its competitors. While being a leading member of the industry for decades, the company has recently gone through a period of change. In 2022, Venture Construction Services was acquired by Tiziano Mastrangelo. Mastrangelo, with his robust background in con- struction and engineering, breathed new life into the company. Discussing his decision to acquire Venture, Mastrangelo says that the move worked on a number of levels. "Growing up around construction and spending a considerable part of my career in engineering, the decision to acquire Venture just felt right. A company with a strong track record spanning over 25 years—the decision just made sense." However, the acquisition did not come without its share of hurdles. As the Pandemic wreaked havoc on the construction industry, leading to supply chain instability, labor shortages, and project delays, Mastrangelo and his dedicated team navigated challenges. Reflecting on this challenging period, Mastrangelo believes that his team demonstrated remark- able resilience in the face of adversity. "Stepping into the leadership role amidst the pandemic was tough. We were suddenly hit with supply chain disruptions. The journey has been anything but easy, but it also revealed the resilience of our team and the significance of our work. Like every other industry, we had to adapt - and we did so with perseverance.” During this tumultuous period, Venture undertook an ambi- tious general construction management task - an 18,000 sq ft expansion and renovation of The Country Day School, a prestigious educational institution. Situated on a 100-acre campus north of Toronto, the project overlooked picturesque rolling hills and protected wetlands that are part of the vast Oak Ridges Moraine, a vital watershed for the region. “Striking a balance between restoration and innovation involves significant risk and requires a high- level of technical expertise that is out of reach for many companies.” | 15 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONDelivering the project ahead of schedule, Venture Construc- tion Services furnished the Mabin School with a turn-key solution that successfully expanded the school's capacity without compromising its unique learning environment. This expansion added a modern, fully accessible space that accommodated a library, an art studio, and a state-of- the-art gymnasium, broadening the school's footprint by a significant 5,000 square feet. This expanded space facili- tates collaboration, idea sharing, and group problem-solving activities, reinforcing the Mabin’s commitment to fostering an enriching learning environment for its students. Reflecting on the successful project, Mastrangelo stated, "Our team at Venture Construction Services is proud to have delivered a critical expansion to the Mabin School ahead of schedule.” Under the strong and visionary leadership of Tiziano Mas- trangelo, Venture Construction Services is charting a path towards ambitious growth. As the company retains its dedi- cation to school renovations and expansions while meeting the diverse needs of existing clients, it is also seeking to expand its portfolio. Mastrangelo's aspiration for Venture involves deeper engagement in projects like custom home builds, midsize residential projects, and warehouse builds. This aligns with the company's commitment to tasks The school's grounds house the historic 1883 Eversley Schoolhouse, a protected heritage site that stands as a symbol of the institution's rich history and commitment to education. The schoolhouse's presence added a complex and challenging layer to the construction management task at hand, requiring intricate planning and execution. Work had to be meticulously managed around the historic building, demanding extreme precision and a keen eye for detail due to the restricted and delicate nature of the site. For Mastrangelo, the project showcased Venture's commitment to meticulous project management and skillful execution. "Building around this historical gem required the utmost care and precision," he explained, "Our goal was to ensure the schoolhouse remained untouched while we breathed new life into the surrounding structures." The renovation included revitalizing existing spaces and the construction of a new entrance, an atrium, a dedicated area for outdoor education, new admin- istrative offices, an infirmary, and purpose-built classrooms. This rejuvenation has allowed The Country Day School to provide a versatile venue for students, classes, parents, and alumni to gather and celebrate its rich history. In 2021, Venture also spearheaded a comprehensive renova- tion and expansion of The Mabin School. Founded in 1980, The Mabin School is an esteemed educational institution in Greater Toronto, highly respected for its carefully designed curriculum and notable contributions to the local community. As Mastrangelo explains, this project involved a high level of creativity and a skillful eye to marry the traditional with the modern. "Our team at Venture was tasked with the delicate balance of maintaining The Mabin School's unique educa- tional atmosphere while introducing modern, practical ele- ments. We were acutely aware that the space we were creat- ing would directly impact the students' learning experience." | 16 JULY 2023demanding precision and attention to detail. Mastrangelo, infused with a sense of optimism, believes that this ambi- tious path contains opportunities for growth, rather than challenges. He eloquently expresses this philosophy, saying, "The complexities we foresee in our future projects are chal- lenges we eagerly anticipate. They present a platform for us to exemplify the values we stand for - integrity and honesty - in everything we do." Venture Construction Services, a bea- con of resilience and excellence, promises a bright future in the evolving construction landscape. With its commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and its ability to thrive amid challenging scenarios, the company is well-positioned to navigate the dynamics of the construction industry. | 17 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY AOIFE CHANEY W ellDone Inc. is an Ontario-based general contractor specializing in high rise building envelope restoration. This includes the replacement or repairing of windows, glass, caulking, balconies, concrete, brick masonry, cladding, or as company owner Alexan- der puts it, “basically anything that needs to be done on the exterior of existing high-rise buildings.” Alexander started his career on the frontline of the construction industry as a window installer. This proved to be a deeply formative time and he gained a wealth of industry experience and identified opportunities for growth and development. By adding to his personal skill-set, he was equipped to create a successful business. “I hired two people who were new to the industry, and we were successful in winning small projects, providing window installation services for window manufacturers,” he tells me from the company’s HQ in Toronto. “I trained the employ- ees and, by having a high level of skill on staff, and we started growing. Eventually we were hiring and teaching more and more people and we reached a point where we had three or four window installation crews.” Today WellDone Inc. is sixty employees strong with seven project managers, two of which are the original employees that Alexander first hired and trained twelve years ago. While skill and hard work are important facets of a successful business, strategic decision-mak- ing at just the right moment can be pivotal. At the request of a client the company branched out from window installation into the many different specialties it now offers to the market. “A client was happy with our work and asked if we could also do balcony railings installation. We started doing that and after some time they said they had some balcony concrete they needed to repair, and asked if we could do that too.” As Alexander puts it, much of the work his company currently completes stems from those initial requests. “The decision to develop new skills, incorporate new services, and move into new areas has proven to be an integral part of why we have reached the position we are now in.” It’s that traditional way of doing business that stands the test of time – do an exceptional job, build a long-term relationship based on trust, and the rest is history. Since the beginning and guided always by a commitment to a job well done, WellDone Inc. has been on a consistent path of steady growth, much of which came during the turbulent year that was 2020. This in itself is a testament to the company’s ability to deliver the highest quality of service, even in the most testing of industry conditions. | 19 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >