uOttawa Faculty of Health Sciences

Situated on the Rideau River in Ottawa, the University of Ottawa’s new Faculty of Health Sciences building is a beacon of sustainable engineering and inclusive design. This LEED® Platinum-certified facility transcends traditional construction and provides a vibrant space for academic achievement, environmental responsibility, and community connection.

Location

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Client

The Ottawa Hospital

Project status

Complete

2024 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards

Award of Excellence

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The 23,500 m² Lees Campus facility stands as an example of innovative engineering

Structural harmony: Timber, steel, and concrete were seamlessly integrated using advanced analysis tools to achieve structural resilience.

Sustainable design: Using parametric tools, the engineering team optimized the building orientation for natural light, while using biophilic elements to bring nature indoors.

Energy efficiency: Low-flow plumbing and drought-resistant plantings contributed to a 42% reduction in water use.

Construction excellence: Rigorous planning enabled the project to be completed in less than 24 months, which is a testament to efficient design execution and stakeholder collaboration.

Transforming a brownfield site: Overcoming challenges to build a health sciences hub

The transformation a 6.6-hectare industrial brownfield site into a health sciences hub posed complex challenges. The contaminated soil of the old rail yard along with budget limitations, demanded creative solutions. WSP’s engineering team addressed these hurdles by using bored concrete caissons and steel pipe piles, which minimized excavation and soil disturbance. This approach not only controlled costs but also created a safe, sustainable foundation for building the structure.

Remediation techniques addressed the challenge of surface contamination while protecting deeper soil layers. By elevating the building’s first floor, the project avoided significant environmental disruption, a solution that met both budgetary constraints and long-term ecological goals.

By using life-cycle analyses to choose materials, we selected the best materials, cutting the building’s embodied carbon footprint by 10%. Advanced energy modelling guided our decisions to include a 55 kW rooftop solar panel array and energy-efficient systems that reduced energy use by 57.2% and greenhouse gas emissions by 57.8%.

Completed in just 24 months, adhering to the university's strict fall 2023 deadline

Diverted over 90% of construction waste from landfills

Achieved 57.2% energy savings and 57.8% greenhouse gas reductions

Honoring Indigenous heritage through landscape design and communal spaces

Empowering communities and honoring heritage

The building serves as a bridge between academia and the community, encouraging collaboration and inclusivity. For example, spaces such as the outdoor Meeting Circle and Social Heart honour heritage, while providing state-of-the-art teaching labs. Mature trees and native plants, integrated through Indigenous landscaping, restore the area’s natural environment while acknowledging its cultural history.

The project’s impact goes beyond construction. It supported local businesses and trades while promoting regional industries through the use of sustainable materials, including FSC-certified wood. By focusing on community-centered design, WSP created a space that not only meets academic needs but also enriches Ottawa’s social fabric.

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Engineering the future of healthcare education requires not only technical expertise, but a passion for innovative solutions. At the uOttawa Faculty of Health Sciences building, we have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, integrating advanced mechanical and electrical systems that are resilient and flexible to adapt to the needs of tomorrow.

Tom LeRoy Director, Mechanical and Electrical, WSP

Tom LeRoy Director, Mechanical and Electrical, WSP

Lees Campus: Shaping the future

The Lees Campus Faculty of Health Sciences project shows that engineering can go beyond purely technical achievements and solve environmental and social challenges. It sets a new standard for academic spaces by blending advanced technologies, cultural values, and sustainable principles.

The building is more than just a physical structure; it’s a vibrant hub for innovation, cooperation, and inclusivity. It reflects our dedication to creating spaces that inspire people and leave a meaningful, lasting impression. As a landmark project, it proves that progress and preservation can coexist in harmony.

The process of bringing this project to life highlights our determination to confront challenges with creativity and innovation. By designing spaces that inspire and connect, we ensure that progress and sustainability go hand in hand.