McMaster University -
Institute For Applied Radiation Science -
Building Addition And Renovation

The renovation and new addition for this high level radiation research facility was constructed in two phases and comprised the following components:

• Addition to the existing Nuclear Research Building - two storeys plus basement totalling 18,000 square feet housing new offices, reception and entrance lobby and reworked bridge linking to the Nuclear Reactor Building.
• Architectural features include a high-tech aluminum composite panel exterior on the addition blending with existing limestone façade and utilizing reclaimed stone from the demolished side of the building for the exterior of the second floor addition to the existing building and all new second floor glazing for a seamless look.
• Penthouse mechanical room above the building addition houses the new mechanical equipment serving the new building and the laboratories in the renovated existing building. Office systems include variable air volume cooling and steam to hot water heating system for radiant ceiling panels. A new security system for the new facility and linking with the existing reactor was implemented as well as data/voice infrastructure.
• Renovations to the second floor of the building included demolition of all existing laboratories including the equipment, fixtures, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and plumbing and electrical infrastructure. A portion of the second floor was completely new over an existing roof and included a penthouse linking the new and existing mechanical rooms.
• Unique features are an Animal Holding and Procedure Lab area with new dumbwaiter access, Hot Cell laboratory, and laboratories for Neutron Activation Analysis, Radio Chemistry, Radio Biology, Medical Physics, Industrial Research and associated support labs.
• New systems include dual high plume fan manifolded fume exhaust for 25 variable volume fume hoods and hot cells, new variable volume make-up air handler, DDC controls for the building environmental conditions and Laboratory room pressurization, radio isotope waste handling drain system and holding/monitoring tank, process cooling loop, reverse osmosis water system and air/gas/water services to lab benches and fume hoods.