Goldsmith said all of the hotel’s finishes and case goods needed to be completely changed. Other changes included modifying bathrooms to from tubs to showers (80 per cent of suites will now have showers instead of tubs following a preference by travellers). As well, the public spaces required a complete make-over. Goldsmith says the team is trying to use and adapt as many of the original materials as possible without start- ing from scratch and that all of the trades have stepped up to get the work done. An elevated climate-controlled pedway will connect the hotel to the airport, a feature which shows the hotel’s proximity and reveals another potential problem. “We are within 250 ft. of a gate so sound is an impor- tant consideration,” Goldsmith said. “The hotel is laid out so public spaces are closer to the airport and act as a buffer between the guest suites, which are located on the far side and we used customized double-paned glass, which will help minimize the airport noise.” Though the project is not seeking LEED certification, Goldsmith says energy efficiency and elements like using mostly-local materials and high efficient mechani- cal systems including a heat wheel recovery system would count high towards LEED consideration. The hotel is the first Canadian building constructed with the “Girder Slab” system, selected for its speedy installation and because the system solved a key issue. “The hotel is under tight height restrictions because of its proximity to the airport,” Goldsmith said. “Using tra- ditional construction we would have only been able to build to seven storeys but with this system were able to get in eight.” Goldsmith says the integrated steel beam system, which uses hollow core planks, also allowed each floor to be constructed in 10 to 13 days without shoring and heating and hoarding in the winter, compared with the weeks that would be required for a conventional con- crete pour. “This system is a bit more expensive but when tasked with construction through the winter, it quickly becomes an affordable option.” Goldsmith describes the hotel as very modern looking and “kind of a work of art in itself.” The hotel is sched- uled for a soft opening late in the summer of 2013. Congratulations to Platinum Investments Ltd. on the Renaissance Hotel project. We are proud to be part of your success. Complete Electrical Services & Design Since 1975 200, 11803-154 Street Edmonton, AB.  T5V 1G6 780-452-6740 Fax: 780-452-6743 The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Spring 2013 – 21