The new Limberlost place at GBC’s Waterfront campus looks to set the standard for what’s possible.
In summer 2024, the George Brown College (GBC) Waterfront campus will see the opening of the Limberlost building.
While the creation of new structures takes place every day in a city like Toronto, what makes this unique is that this will be the first institutional building made of mass timber and produce net zero carbon emissions.
“There are many reasons to celebrate the addition of this new building. It will be the first mass-timber and net-zero carbon emissions institutional building in Ontario. Students will learn in and from, this unique wood-based structure that includes solar chimney systems, deep-water cooling from Lake Ontario, and rooftop photovoltaics,” said Saron Fanel, a representative for GBC. “Limberlost is contributing to the understanding of mass timber buildings, for the construction industry and for building codes that are being adapted for these new structures. We consider it a living lab, where students can learn about sustainable new ways of building, and it will continue to be a hub for research once it is built.”
Fanel says this building will be truly made in Canada with all mass timber components sourced nationally.
The future 10-storey structure will house a mix of space dedicated to learning, research, and community. This includes the GBC school of Architectural Studies, school of Computer Technology, and a childcare centre to serve the waterfront neighbourhood. There will also be space dedicated to supporting those of indigenous descent, as well as a two-level fitness centre – which is set to include a climbing wall. The top two floors of the building will house the Brookfield Sustainability Institute, a hub dedicated to tackling the emerging problems from accelerating climate change.
As the building comes together, people like Nerys Rau, project director for Limberlost Place says this building is well ahead of its time and sets standards for Toronto as the city looks to have buildings meet green standards.
“It’s definitely ahead of the standards of the City of Toronto at the moment. This building will meet the tier for Toronto green standard, which other buildings will be mandated to meet in 2030. So, we’ll be four or five years ahead of that standard. And it’s always good for the city to be able to point to projects that have been able to complete it successfully. To show that they’re really bringing in standards which are doable. I think it’s also helping to drive improvements to the building code, to actually understanding the building code. As we look at tall wood buildings we’re working with the planning committee at the city of Toronto, working with experts in the fire department and so on. So, it’s really helping the city themselves understand permitting and understand these types of buildings… I would like to think that our types of projects drive those decisions in the city themselves and drive the decisions made by other projects,” said Rau.
For more information on the building visit www.georgebrown.ca/about/administration/master-campus-plan/limberlost-place.
