The HIDI Group supplied mechanical and plumbing design for the transformation from the 111,235 ft² Bata Library into the Bata Research and Innovation Cluster. The scope of the project included updates to the building’s current HVAC systems including indoor air handling units upgrade, terminal units and chilled water and hot water piping. Upgrades also included plumbing, fire protection, noise control and vibration isolation systems and the library’s building automation and control system.

Designed by one of Canada’s renowned architects, Ron Thom the Bata Library has been iconic landmark on the Trent University Campus since it opened in 1969. The new Bata Research and Innovation Cluster consist of multiple centres dedicated to research and innovation, interactive student spaces.  The new hub combines the university’s commitment to importance of the library’s architecture with its needs to evolve and incorporate digital infrastructure and sustainable design.

Challenges

The replacement of the air handling units posed a challenge to our team due to lack of access to the current mechanical room. The solution for this problem was to revamp the air handling units by replacing the heating and cooling coils, control and isolation valves, fan motors and MCC. Part of the main exhaust duct was removed and access hatch steel grate was removed to provide access to the mechanical room to deliver the new equipment.