Plasterboard Category

Memorial University of Newfoundland Core Science Facility

CanadaCompany Name: Interior Specialties

Project description

The Memorial University- CORE Science Facility in St. John’s, NFLD is a 42,000-square-meter facility providing a modern and collaborative research ,laboratory, and teaching spaces for the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
The building contains shell space that will be used for university-industry collaborations. It was recently announced that the Ocean Frontier Institute — a $100-million research partnership with the University of Prince Edward Island and Halifax’s Dalhousie University – will soon establish their headquarters in a portion of this space.
The facility will enable Memorial to compete globally as a top destination for students and researchers.
The project is targeting LEED Silver. This was a Gold Seal Certified project.

Main information

Sustainability certification goal

Building size

40 000 m²

Building purpose / type

University

Building owner name

Memorial
University

Architect name

John Hearn Architect
Fougere Menchenton
HOK

Contractor

Company name: Interior Specialties

Main Representative: Tim Clarke, Derek Clarke

Number of collaborators: 60

Specialties: Interior Specialties specialize in Institutional and Commercial Interior Wall and Acoustic Ceiling construction, hygienic construction (health care) and exterior wall

Founded in: 1990

Biography: Stephen Clarke and Craig Duff founded Interior Specialties in 1990. Ownership was transitioned to Tim and Derek Clarke in 2020. A second generation, family owned enterprise, Interior Specialties is focused on Residential and Commercial Interior Finishes and Exterior Wall in Residential and Commercial Construction. Employing 60 Professional Trades People, the business has grown and is now an interprovincial company with operations throughout Atlantic Canada.

Innovation Partner: MARCO Builders of Atlantic Canada

Contractors: Tim Clarke & Derek Clarke

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Key Challenges

Project was completed during the peak of the pandemic.
Supply constraints were a factor that delayed the opening of the project. Every material installed was delayed due to Pandemic related supply chain disruptions.
Dealt with water penetration due to glazing delays. This led to the installation of GlasRoc Sheathing on Interior Partitions and above ceiling line due to the product having built in moisture resistance.
Loading was difficult during the pandemic. Pandemic restrictions created an uncertain environment where loading would be shut down with no notice due to COVID Protocols related to exposure. Loading was mitigated by practicing social distancing in loading areas. Trades were respectful and limited contact with delivery persons.
The shape and undulations of the walls of main conference room were inspired by the uneven shape of an iceberg. The meeting room wall was a structural wall and required 14 Gauge Steel for the wall. Interior Specialties created Engineered Drawings with the assistance of Newfoundland Civil Engineer Gerard Meaney of Carrick Engineering.

Key Achievements

Completed during peak of pandemic and required an incredible amount of coordination for material to be shipped to the Eastern most city in North America.
It was recently announced that the Ocean Frontier Institute — a $100-million research partnership with the University of Prince Edward Island and Halifax’s Dalhousie University – will soon establish their headquarters in a portion of this space. The facility will enable Memorial to compete globally as a top destination for students and researchers.
The project was 4 times larger than any project that Interior Specialties has completed
The project was the largest commercial interior project in the History of Newfoundland
The contractor was responsible for building a wall to look like the outside of an iceberg without shop drawings, completely relying on craft and skill.
Scaffold had to be swung from the higher level of the building on floors 3 and 4 to construct the floating classroom. This was executed 30 meters above the main floor atrium