When we last checked in with U of T Scarborough's new Environmental Science and Chemistry building, groundbreaking had just occurred. In the last 12 months, significant progress has been made. The building, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and constructed by EllisDon, has its concrete structure completed, and exterior cladding is now being added.

Environmental Science and Chemistry building looking southeast, image by Forum contributor NT-2010

The exterior cladding of the project is proving to be quite striking, especially the west-facing sides where modulated vertical sunshades are creating a 'liquid' facade on an otherwise square building.

Environmental Science and Chemistry building looking north, image by Forum contributor NT-2010

The 110,000 square foot building is located just north of Ellesmere Road at Military Trail beside one of UTSC's other new buildings, the UTSC Instructional Centre. The $65.1 million dollar building is targeting LEED gold certification, using environmentally friendly features to tap the earth’s latent heat with geothermal boreholes and "earth tubes", and fritted glazing to minimize solar heat gain.

The east facade of the building, image by Forum contributor wopchop

The eastern half of the building fronting onto Military Trail is also progressing well, with exterior cladding beginning to appear. The bright orange fins that will accentuate the windows on the east facade are now installed, and the brick surrounding the windows will soon follow. When complete in July 2015, the building will provide sustainable and flexible research and study spaces for both students and faculty.

Render of the building, image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt architects

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