For 34 years, The Buildings Show has been one of the most anticipated building events of the year, the place where industry insiders connect over expert led-seminars, informative panels and thought-provoking roundtables. And this year, the show will feature a special guest – Collecdev’s Vice-President of Development, Fernando Valenzuela.

On November 30th, Fernando, in collaboration with Nerva and MCW Consultants, will present The Importance and Benefits of Airtight Building Envelopes, a forward-thinking approach to construction that we’ve already incorporated into Collecdev communities, with great benefit to homeowners and to the environment.

The Benefits of an Airtight Envelope

For most of us, “airtightness” is not a term that comes up often when discussing the merits of a building, but for industry experts, air infiltration (i.e. the unintentional introduction of outside air into a building, typically through gaps in the building envelope and through the use of doors for entry and exit) is actually a huge factor in energy efficiency, accounting for up to 30% or more of a building’s heating and cooling costs, and leading to problems with moisture, noise, dust, pollutants, insects, and rodents. Leaky buildings have a negative impact on sustainability, comfort and wellbeing. Improving the construction of the building envelope, not only leads to healthier communities and a smaller environmental footprint, but is also essential for meeting the mandatory energy targets outlined in TEDI (Thermal Energy Demand Intensity), the standard set by the City of Toronto.

Those are just some of the concerns that come under Fernando’s purview in his role as VP, Development and the presentation will address these issues, as well as methods to achieve airtightness, and an overview of Canada’s first airtight multi-residential building, a pilot project by Collecdev in Wilson Heights with the goal of achieving a ground-breaking 60%+ reduction in total air leakage.

Innovative Collaborations

Leading the charge in airtight construction – and a co-presenter of the November 30th session – is Nerva Energy, an energy consulting firm that shares Collecdev’s vision to leverage advanced building technologies to create high-performance communities that promote a healthier planet. The presentation isn’t the first time Collecdev will collaborate with the award-winning firm – we were also the first major developer in Canada to roll out Nerva’s Suite Seal technology in a multi-unit residential building as part of our Tippett community in Wilson Heights, a first in the country.

Suite Seal not only significantly lowers energy consumption for a building, resulting in operational savings, environmental benefits, and optimized HVAC function, but also improves air quality and reduces the spread of airborne disease. The advanced technology delivers a tighter building envelope thanks to an acrylic sealant called Aero Barrier that can seal gaps as big as ½” in diameter, and as small as a hair follicle, resulting in big benefits like:

• A 98% reduction in air leakage
• Lower utility bills (up to 30%)
• Better indoor air quality
• Reduced transfer of odours
• Better performance for HVAC systems
• Improved soundproofing
• Protection against insects and pests

The panel will be rounded out by MCW Consulting, a group of industry-leading engineering companies providing expertise in engineering consulting, energy management and engineering-inspired development services, all with the goal of leveraging both new and proven technologies to provide today’s buildings with mechanical and electrical solutions that make them not only enjoyable to inhabit, but that deliver tangible social and economic benefits to the people who interact with these spaces every day.

“I am immensely proud to be a part of the team leading this session, along with Nerva and MCW,” says Fernando. “Both companies share the Collecdev vision of building long-lasting, future-forward, balanced and complete urban communities that minimize our impact on the planet and, through these discussions, we have the chance to share the forward-thinking technologies that will directly impact the future of the built environment, creating value not only for our homeowners, but for the industry, the community and the planet.”

With over 20 years of global experience developing large multi-residential and commercial/retail properties, and a passion for building communities that leave a fainter footprint on the environment, Fernando is uniquely equipped for the role of Vice President of Development at Collecdev. Backed by a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, a master’s degree in finance, Project Manager certification by the Project Management Institute, and a LEED® Green Associate credential through the Green Building Certification Institute, he is proof that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive, but together, can lay the foundation for future-proofed communities that benefit everyone.

The Importance and Benefits of Airtight Building Envelopes will be held Wednesday, November 30th, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM as part of The Buildings Show. Visit the TBS site for more detail.

More condos may soon overlook Yorkdale Shopping Centre as a highrise developer is partnering with a landowner on a new proposal for three residential buildings directly across the street from Canada’s most-profitable mall.

Recently, Collecdev submitted a development application to the City of Toronto to build two 29-storey towers and a nine-storey mid-rise at 3400 Dufferin St. and 8 Jane Osler Blvd., opposite Yorkdale mall to the east and just south of Highway 401 in an area that has become a hotbed of development activity.

For the site, currently occupied by the Midtown Honda dealership and a single-family home, the developer envisions a total of 834 condo units across the three buildings. A couple of the structures — one of the towers as well as the mid-rise building — would feature retail space for a combined 1,365 square metres of floor area.

The project is a joint venture between Collecdev and the landowners (listed as Dufferin-401 Properties Limited in planning documents), who would share in the profits from the eventual condo sales. The two parties began discussions in March about the possibility of joining forces, said Neil Rodgers, president of Collecdev.

Collecdev’s application is part of an onrush of under-review and already-approved proposals for the area. “The Dufferin, 401 and Yorkdale area will look very, very different in the future,” Rodgers said. “That whole Dufferin corridor is emerging as a high-density urban neighbourhood.”

The developer isn’t a stranger to the neighbourhood. Collecdev has two projects under construction nearby, including Nordic Condos, a 12-storey Scandinavian-inspired condo building at 530 Wilson Rd., and the 13-storey Tretti Condos at 30 Tippett Rd.

From smaller-scale luxury developments, such as the application Dash Developments tabled last month for a 10-storey condo at 3309–3317 Dufferin St. to Oxford Property’s plans to build a humongous, 19-tower community right on Yorkdale mall’s surface parking lot, proposals of all sizes are taking shape in the neighbourhood.

Earlier this year, the Ontario Land Tribunal, the provincial body that adjudicates planning disputes, also approved a tri-tower rental complex with building heights ranging from 23 to 29 storeys at 3400 Dufferin St., the land immediately to the north of the site that Collecdev has plans for.

By now you may have heard that we’ve officially moved into our new space at 365 Bloor Street East, a 14,000 square foot state-of-the-art head office full of welcoming, neuro diverse spaces; industrial-inspired décor; and places to meet, collaborate and innovate, all designed by one of Canada’s leading interior design studios, Figure3. Just like with our communities, the ultimate testament to the space comes from the people who inhabit it, so we went straight to the source. Here’s what our team had to say.

Neil Rodgers, President

“Besides a fantastic location on Bloor Street, I’m really impressed by the design aesthetic of our new office space. The open-concept layout makes it easy to see colleagues and engage with the team, and we have a great kitchen where I make my breakfast every morning. We wanted a space that respected our key pillars and Figure3 really nailed our vision.”

Katrina Pieper, Director, Sales and Marketing

“From the large screens in the boardroom that let us put on full multi-media presentations, to the workspaces that are equipped with the latest hardware, software and technology features, the new office feels like a leap into the future. Things like convenient charging stations are a small detail, but one that signifies an environment that feels truly designed for today’s modern workplace.”

Simona Nyagolova, Sales and Marketing Coordinator

“My favourite part of the new office is the greenery, there are so many plants everywhere! Also, the fully-functioning kitchen feels like a home away from home during the day.”

Anna Sorokin, Development Manager

“The new office is such a beautiful and calming space with lots of natural light. I love all the meeting rooms, especially the innovation room, and of course, the kitchen – the spacious design allows everyone to get together to touch base in a more informal setting.”

Rooie Ash, Manager, Preconstruction

“The overall design of the new office is amazing. There are great amenities and beautiful views. In our previous office the construction team was on a separate floor and here I really like seeing the team sharing one collective space, it feels more collaborative.”

Ysobel Ardiente, Design Manager

“I love the open-concept layout, it’s very conducive for collaboration. There are places to meet in small or large groups and multiple places to work like our touchdown zones, the innovation room with soft seating, or the more formal boardroom design. There’s also lots of natural light which helps boost my mood and keep me feeling productive.”

Stephanie Bowen, Administrative Assistant

“I bet everyone’s saying this, but the kitchen is the best spot in the office. It’s a great meeting place when you need a break, plus the Nespresso machine makes an amazing coffee. Actually, the whole office is pretty spectacular – the design really brings everyone together to inspire creativity and collaboration.”

Rhea Boysie, Administrative Assistant

“I love the windows in our new office, they make the whole space feel bright and airy and they let in a lot of natural light which I’ve noticed brings more energy to the team. But my favourite room is the new kitchen, it’s where everyone gathers and it’s a great spot for impromptu meetings and spontaneous ideas.”

Our new HQ is located at 365 Bloor Street East.