Located at the center of the university campus, the 1965 Modern Languages Building, has been selected for a transformative exterior recladding and redesign. Responding to present challenges such as poor thermal efficiency and outdated design, our project proposes an innovative enclosure redesign that significantly enhances energy performance, aesthetic appeal, and user experience. This renewal carefully balances the building ’s historic character with modern architectural design. The building's original triangular window design is carried through to the new design. The design approach brings a modern and practical facelift that also significantly improves thermal performance using modern insulating technologies

1965 original

The existing Modern Languages Building reflects a mid-century enclosure strategy composed of masonry backing, discontinuous insulation, and aging window assemblies. Infrared analysis revealed thermal bridging, air leakage at frames, and limited control layers, resulting in reduced thermal resistance and occupant comfort compared to contemporary building envelopes

proposed redesign

The recladding proposal reinterprets the building’s triangular window rhythm through a high-performance enclosure system emphasizing continuous insulation, improved glazing, and refined facade depth. The redesign targets reduced heat loss, enhanced daylight quality, and a modernized architectural identity while addressing the envelope deficiencies identified through thermal analysis.

render via lumion

Architectural visualization produced in Lumion to communicate the proposed enclosure redesign within a realistic site context. The render highlights facade depth, glazing proportions, and material clarity while illustrating how the updated design enhances daylight, user experience, and overall building presence within the landscape.

Project team logo

LANCR represents the collaborative identity of the project team, combining the first initials of each member into a unified graphic mark. The logo reflects a multidisciplinary design approach, symbolizing the integration of architectural design, building science, and construction thinking throughout the project development process.

Close-up exterior view exploring the geometry of the reclad facade and the reinterpretation of the building’s original triangular window rhythm. The study emphasizes vertical articulation, shadow depth, and the relationship between structural framing and enclosure design.

Detail visualization examining glazing placement and facade thickness at the corner condition. This view demonstrates how the redesign improves enclosure continuity while maintaining visual lightness and enhancing occupant views to the exterior landscape.

Interior visualization illustrating how increased glazing and improved thermal performance support brighter, more comfortable work environments. The space is designed to encourage collaboration while maintaining a strong connection to the exterior through controlled daylighting.

Perspective highlighting a focused workspace integrated within the redesigned facade system. The layout prioritizes occupant comfort, visual access to natural light, and a balance between privacy and openness within the academic environment.

AE200&280 - Existing Building Analysis Lab - Group 7.pdf

labratory analysis through ae 280: Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Sciences

This laboratory analysis builds on core principles from AE 280, integrating fluid mechanics and thermal sciences to evaluate building performance through a systems-based lens. The work draws on concepts of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation alongside fundamental fluid behaviour, including statics, steady flow, and pipe network dynamics. Analytical frameworks such as the Bernoulli and momentum equations support understanding of pressure, energy, and flow behaviour, while topics like laminar versus turbulent regimes and key dimensionless parameters inform real-world applications. Together, these principles establish a technical foundation for assessing enclosure performance, environmental forces, and the interaction between fluid movement and thermal efficiency within the built environment.

Thermal perfomance analysis

Infrared imaging and simulation-based analysis were used to evaluate the building enclosure and identify areas of thermal inefficiency. The assessment revealed temperature irregularities around window frames, wall interfaces, and structural elements, indicating air leakage and weak control layers. By combining visual thermal data with digital modelling, the analysis provided a clear understanding of how heat transfer occurs across the facade and informed targeted redesign strategies.

existing conditions

A mid-century university building characterized by masonry cladding, exposed concrete base construction, and narrow vertical window assemblies that reflect outdated enclosure strategies. Discontinuous insulation, aging sealants, and thermal bridging contribute to significant heat loss and air leakage, reducing overall thermal performance and occupant comfort. These conditions highlight the limitations of older envelope systems when evaluated against modern building science standards.

redesign strategy

The proposed redesign introduces a modern enclosure approach focused on continuous insulation, improved glazing systems, and refined facade geometry. Enhanced detailing reduces thermal bridging, improves airtightness, and supports more consistent interior comfort. By reinterpreting the building’s original architectural language through contemporary materials and performance-driven design, the strategy transforms the structure into a more efficient, resilient, and visually cohesive academic environment.

key design display

The updated façade reinterpretation builds on the proportions and rhythm of the original design while introducing a more contemporary material expression. The vertical window modules maintain the established cadence and character of the building, preserving its architectural identity, while high-performance glazing and refined framing systems improve thermal performance and daylight quality. Subtle projecting frames and integrated shading elements respond to solar orientation and solid-angle exposure, reducing glare and heat gain while adding depth to the elevation. The result is a careful balance between preservation and evolution, where the familiar language of the original structure is retained but expressed through modern detailing, durability, and performance-driven design.

WINDOW DESIGN EVOLUTION

The reclad façade reinterprets the original vertical window rhythm through deeper frames and higher-performing glazing systems. Proportions and spacing remain aligned with the existing character, while refined detailing introduces a contemporary architectural language that enhances durability, daylight quality, and energy performance.

SOLAR STUDY – MORNING CONDITION

Early-day sun angles informed the depth and orientation of the projecting window surrounds. The analysis demonstrates how the façade begins to self-shade, limiting low-angle glare while maintaining visual transparency and balanced daylight penetration into interior spaces.

SOLAR STUDY – MIDDAY CONDITION

At peak solar exposure, the window geometry and integrated shading devices reduce direct solar gain across the most exposed elevations. The solid-angle analysis guided the projection depth, ensuring that shading performance is achieved without compromising the vertical expression of the façade.

WINDOW & SHADING DEVICE PLAN

The plan illustrates the relationship between the angled façade geometry and the shading extensions. Projecting frames align with structural grid lines and window modules, creating a consistent system that integrates architectural expression with environmental performance.

STRUCTURAL SHADING SUPPORT

A lightweight framing strategy supports the projecting window surrounds while maintaining a minimal visual profile. The assembly balances structural efficiency with constructability, allowing prefabricated components to integrate seamlessly with the reclad envelope.

WINDOW DETAIL DEVELOPMENT

Sectional studies refine the connection between glazing, cladding, and shading elements. Improved thermal breaks, flashing strategies, and material transitions enhance long-term durability while preserving the sharp geometric character established in the overall design language.

wall assembly

The wall assembly is designed as a layered performance system that integrates structure, air control, vapour control, and continuous thermal insulation within a coordinated envelope strategy. High-performance polyisocyanurate insulation and continuous water-resistive barriers improve overall thermal resistance while minimizing thermal bridging through the steel stud framing. The ventilated cladding cavity enhances moisture management and durability, allowing the façade to maintain long-term performance while supporting the refined architectural expression of the reclad design.

A high-performing building envelope balances insulation, continuity, and constructability to reduce energy loss and improve long-term durability. This assembly pairs an R-42.5 roof with an R-54 wall system to enhance thermal resistance, limit heat bridging, and support consistent indoor comfort across seasonal conditions. Designed with building-science principles in mind, the envelope prioritizes efficiency without compromising structural clarity or architectural intent.

Rooted in the character of the original University of Waterloo Modern Languages building, this project reimagines the façade through a performance-driven lens while maintaining the vertical rhythm and architectural language that define the existing structure. Through solar analysis, refined window geometry, and high-performing wall assemblies, the redesign balances heritage and innovation, enhancing thermal efficiency, durability, and occupant comfort. The result is a contemporary envelope strategy that respects the identity of the original campus architecture while demonstrating how thoughtful recladding can extend both the life and relevance of an established academic building.