Talisman Centre

Calgary, Alberta
Project Type: Recreational
Project Delivery Method: Renovation
Engineering Disciplines: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Building Science

» Project Details

Built in 1983, the Talisman Centre is locally known as an iconic building on the Calgary, Alberta skyline. Owned by the City of Calgary and operated by Lindsey Park Sports Society, the Talisman Centre boasts more than just five full-sized gymnasiums for local residents.

The facility spans approximately 25,000 square feet of cardio and weight training space, has an Olympic calibre dive tank, a 200 metre running track, a steam room, and an on-site Cafe. Adding to the abundance of features, the facility is one of only two locations in the world with the ability to host international synchronized swimming competitions. To top it off, a 14,000 square foot LifeMark Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine clinic is also located on the property.

After 27 years as a multi-use sports and recreation facility, the Talisman centre is undergoing an array of upgrades. These upgrades will ensure the facility can continue to play a dynamic and fundamental role in sport and wellness activities for the resident's of the city of Calgary and surrounding areas. Williams Engineering was initially retained by the City of Calgary to complete an investigation of the existing building to determine an appropriate roof replacement strategy and advise on life-cycle upgrades. The strength of Williams’ in-house, multi-disciplinary team, with expertise in niche areas of engineering, made our firm a natural choice to complete the engineering designs and upgrades.

"The roof replacement is only half of the project," says Roger Miller, Project Manager, "Additional upgrades include the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of the building. These upgrades will alleviate issues with the building reaching scorching summer temperatures and wet, cold temperatures in the winter." The project is set to be completed in two concurrent phases. Phase 1 entails the roof replacement and mechanical and electrical upgrades. Phase two includes lighting and locker room upgrades, sound system improvements, renovations to the existing twin dive towers, and structural repairs.

Designed by Cabot Corporation and adding to the facility's unique structure and amenities, the new roof will be created using an exclusive Tensotherm™ fabric with Nanogel®. The gel's ability to transmit full spectrum light will allow natural light to flow into the facility. Nanogel has remarkable thermal properties. It insulates four times more efficient than fibreglass or foam. Popular Science Magazine quotes Dr. Peter Tsou of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory who says, "You could take a two or three bedroom house, insulate it with aerogel, and you could heat the house with a candle. But eventually it would become too hot."¹ This state of the art insulating material is even used in NASA space suits. Made 90% of air, nanogel does not burn and has been used to blanket flames. Created specifically for the Talisman project, the Tensotherm assembly is light and efficient and has the ability to mimic the appearance of the current roof system while reducing building costs.

Throughout the ongoing renovations, various building components have been shut down. This has posed interesting challenges for Williams Engineering as these elements are linked to the same network. Our firm also played an instrumental role in creating QA/QC procedures and protocols for the project. The mechanical systems for the 6' diameter fabric duct supply and return air system is unprecedented and may be the only one of its kind in the world. This equipment required additional structural support to be installed into the architectural elements of the building. Supporting the massive equipment and preventing vibrations within the steel framing was a significant feat of engineering and is one of the project's most noteworthy accomplishments to date.

Design objectives were understandably complex as this project involved the expertise from multiple fields of engineering. Williams Engineering was chosen as a consultant for our strength in communicating and integrating all engineering disciplines within the project. The expertise we bring to the structural, mechanical, electrical, and building science components of the project sets us apart from our competitors. Our firm's professionals have been both innovative and cost effective to complete the majority of the renovations in-house. The Talisman Centre's upgrades and renovations are an ambitious venture and significant community achievement Williams Engineering is proud to be part of.

Click here to view the web cam images displaying three different views of the renovation. The images are updated every 15 minutes and will be used in a time-lapse video at the completion of the project.

¹We encourage you to read more about the super insulating aerogels through Popular Sciences' website. Click here to read the full article. Information courtesy of Popular Science Magazine.