Safe connections in Vancouver's Olympic Village housing
The redevelopment of the former heavy industrial lands on the south shore of False Creek in Vancouver, Canada, found a new purpose and a sense of urgency when the city hosted the world during the 2010 Olympic Games. There were many projects in Vancouver that not only served an immediate need for the events of 2010, but formed part of the legacy that will continue to shape the future of the city. Such was the case with the seven-storey and 14-storey condominium buildings located at 151 and 181 Athletes Way which were part of the Olympic Village.
The city's Greenest City Action Team released its long-term action plan to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world: "Vancouver 2020: A Bright Green Future". The intended LEED® Platinum status of these buildings will in some small way contribute to this outcome. This commitment to building green meant that products, systems, construction methods and contractors contributed to achieving that goal. In Vancouver, Viega Profipress (US standard) has become a staple product for drinking water and hydronic heating installations in high-rise construction.
Mechanical contractor convinced of Viega press technology
With over 20 years of history as one of the leading mechanical contractors in the Metro Vancouver area, Sentrax Mechanical was well qualified to deliver on the commitment. Ernest Fink, owner of Sentrax Mechanical, was familiar with Profipress but had not used it.
"I was comfortable with Viega and the LEED rating of this job was a major factor in choosing to use Profipress for the first time," said Fink. "I liked the fact that by eliminating soldering, there would be no acetylene b-tanks, flux or solder consumed. Along with the potential labour savings, Profipress contributes to the green aspect of the job."
Profipress was used on all copper piping as part of the drinking water systems, as well as the hydronic heating system. All connections on the risers and distribution mains and the in-suite copper connections were made with the Viega system. "This way," Fink said, "we could really find out how to be even more efficient using Profipress and determine the true extent of the potential savings that we have made."
