Perth Construction Industry to Receive Innovation Boost

Algonquin College executives, Perth campus representatives, and local construction industry members and politicians unveil applied research lab, already under construction, to support local innovation. Photo: President Cheryl Jensen, with the help of a student, brings the lab one step closer to completion!

(Perth, November 30, 2015) It may look like a house, but it’s not just any house.

It’s a Residential Living Lab, an applied research facility where students, faculty, and businesses in the Perth area will come together to tackle everyday business challenges. The facility was unveiled today as part of an introduction of the project to the broader Perth community. On hand to help celebrate the launch: construction associations like the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, construction companies, and education focused groups like Ontario Centres of Excellence. (See photos from the launch)

So what kind of challenges will this lab help address? In her remarks, President Cheryl Jensen discussed an applied research project underway with EcoTay in Perth. Algonquin College students are applying the latest building science techniques to a nearly 200 year old home, making it more efficient and bringing the building envelope up to current day standards.

The lab unveiled today is, itself, an applied research project, modelling the very sustainable design principles the students are learning in class. When Perth Mayor John Fenik asked all the students involved in building the facility to raise their hands, half the room was a sea of hands!

Students in Algonquin College’s Construction Carpentry – Advanced Housing program in Perth are managing the construction site and putting together the 2,500 square foot ‘home’. GRC Architects of Ottawa designed the lab, with inspiration from the Green Architecture program graduate students.

“What a legacy for these students, who will be able to point to this building with pride long after they graduate and say “I made that”! They truly are changing the landscape of our campus,” said Chris Hahn, Dean, Perth campus. “As a polytechnic, Algonquin College is known for its applied research, and this project will allow us to step up our research efforts across all of our program areas, including the construction sector.”

“Applied research connects students and faculty with local employers to solve business challenges, and many of our clients are local businesses and startups” said Cheryl Jensen, President of Algonquin College. “Through applied research, we are growing the entrepreneurial ecosystems across the Ottawa Valley. Opening centres like this one is just one way we are living out our commitment to be a driver of innovation in our communities.”

The lab was partly funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund.

A formal opening of the Perth Residential Living Lab will take place in summer 2016.