Long-term renovation projects will always produce a certain amount of issues, and the ongoing refurbishment of the Canadian Parliament Building in Ottawa is no exception. One of the most glaring problems required a creative custom solution that, for all its ingenuity, remains mostly hidden from view.
Renovating Canadian Parliament
During renovations in the main Center Block of the complex, a new home for parliament’s debating chamber was required. The West Block courtyard was converted into a legislative chamber to be used while the Center Block is out of commission.
To convert the exterior courtyard to an indoor space, architects AFGM designed a multilayer roof structure comprising a supporting steel structure, outer glazing, an access catwalk, and an inner laylight. This plan would create an impressive space that would be full of natural light.
Impressive but problematic
The proceedings of the House of Commons are televised, which means that the control of light through the roof structure is critical. Draper’s task was to provide a solution to maximize the diffuse daylight in the space, without permitting direct sunlight to strike any part of the debating chamber at any time during the day.
Given the complex geometry of the roof and the need to block direct sunlight, it wasn’t possible to use an “off the shelf” solution. As a result, Draper® worked closely with facade engineers Front, climate engineers Transsolar, and skylight contractor seele to develop a custom motorized louver system.
There were three big challenges to address
Motorized louvers rarely rotate more than 90 degrees. But this project required a drive mechanism that could rotate the louvers through 180°, allowing them to continuously track the sun throughout the day.
The louver system needed to cope with the irregular shaped skylight elements.
The system needed to allow adjustment to run on a number of different slopes.
Experience goes to work
The experienced team of Draper® engineers, drafting technicians, and project managers got to work. The final design comprises a drive bar with sections of rack mounted at each louver location. These racks engage toothed wheels mounted on the louver shafts. Consequently, as the actuator drives forward and back, the louvers are rotated. The louvers slowly rotate 180 degrees every day during daylight hours, then retract to their original position overnight. Adjusting the actuator stroke allows the amount of louver rotation to be increased or decreased as required.
Prototypes and testing
Using 3-D printers, prototypes of components were produced to check their integration with the structure.
Due to the precision required, two mock-up systems were built and reviewed by the design team and modifications made to address issues found during testing. Noise measurements resulted in the original actuator being replaced by one which achieved significantly quieter operation. The mock-up also allowed consideration of maintenance issues, including louver or actuator replacement and, in an emergency, the ability to close a bank of louvers if an actuator failed.
In addition to the prototyping and approval process, each segment of the louver system was completely built and tested in the factory before shipment to Ottawa.
In the end, the custom louver system, while critical to the successful operation of the debating chamber, is almost invisible both from the interior and the exterior because of its position in the middle of the multi-layer roof structure.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
