Chalk River Laboratories is undergoing a transformation with the upcoming opening of the Science Collaboration Centre later this September. This six-story, 9,500-square-meter building is part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the campus. Thanks to a substantial $1.2 billion investment over ten years from AECL and the Government of Canada, several new “enabling” buildings are in the works.
myFM news was pleased to talk with President and CEO of AECL, Fred Dermarkar, who offered a wealth of information about the green concrete alternative incorporated into the architecture at the new SCC.
The Science Collaboration Centre is a remarkable addition, constructed primarily using timber sourced from within Canada. Once completed, it will house modern office spaces, meeting rooms for around 450 employees, and serve as the new location for CNL’s staff library, auditorium, and data center.
myFM also got an exclusive sit down with Joe McBrearty, President and CEO of CNL, who offered some insight on how this will be creating more jobs close to home.
In total, CNL is constructing three non-nuclear buildings, and they are utilizing approximately 3,750 cubic meters of mass timber as the main structural material. To put this into perspective, it’s equivalent to removing 800 gas-powered cars from the road or saving the energy consumption of 400 homes in a year. Moreover, these new buildings are designed to promote well-being and encourage positive social interactions among occupants by incorporating natural elements, ample light, and thoughtfully chosen materials.
(Written by Luke Notman)