May 3, 2010

WALTER FEDY PARTNERSHIP

As seen both during construction and in interior details.

Grand Valley Construction Association salutes contributors to Conestoga College masonry centre

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The group of companies that contributed labour, materials and financial support for construction of a masonry training centre at Conestoga College has been saluted by the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA).

“This was truly a team effort,” the association said. “This design-build project was a direct result of our industry working together in unique and collaborative ways to achieve a goal.”

The project netted The Walter Fedy Partnership as well as close to 30 participating builders and trades an inaugural leadership award in the association’s 2010 Building Excellence Awards.

“This project has become a dynamic part of our local construction industry, providing much-needed education and training for a vital sector of our construction industry,” the association said.

A partnership between Conestoga and the Ontario Masonry Contractors’ Association, the 10,000-square-foot facility officially opened last May. The total cost was estimated at close to $3 million.

The design of the Conestoga College masonry training centre showcases innovative masonry techniques and materials.

Conestoga currently offers a number of training programs at the centre, including fundamental instruction in masonry and construction techniques as well as a full apprenticeship program in brick and stone masonry.

As the scope and activities grow to meet the industry’s need for skilled tradespeople, instruction will be provided in all three of the major masonry areas: industrial, commercial, institutional, residential and heritage.

“More than just being a technical trade, masonry is an art,” the Walter Fedy Partnership said in its submission to the awards program.

“And more than just being a teaching space, the masonry training centre was envisaged as a teaching tool and a showcase for the masonry profession.”

The Walter Fedy Partnership acted as construction manager as well as prime consultant on the project, providing architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and civil consulting services.

Among various masonry products, the one-storey, barrier-free building combines palettes of brick, architectural block and glass block, “making use of simple forms and natural lighting to produce dramatic effects” throughout the facility.

The structure was left exposed at various locations, enabling the facility itself to be used as a learning tool.

In line with Conestoga’s belief that training should simulate typical industry work, the facility provides students with a “real-world” experience.

The 4,000-square-foot south wing provides exhibition and administration areas, while the 6,000-square-foot north wing includes a training shop, mixing stations, outdoor work areas and student lounge.

The workshop “stays true” to real-world construction conditions, accommodating multiple levels of scaffolding. An outdoor classroom, complete with swing stage, allows students to construct in all weather conditions.

The Waterloo facility complements existing training centres in Mississauga and Ottawa.

“A key contributor to Conestoga’s centre of excellence in construction trades, the centre provides students with an interactive learning environment, preparing them for a long-term career in the masonry trade,” said Tim Schill, Conestoga’s manager of plant operations and construction.

The main part of the facility has been named the Gerhard (Dick) Kappeler Training Hall, in recognition of the efforts of retired master mason Dick Kappeler who volunteered his services as a project manager.

Kappeler, founder of Kappeler Masonry Corp., passed down old-world masonry techniques to a crew of apprentices, who then incorporated them into the facility. The award was presented at a recent event in Kitchener

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