University of Windsor Essex Centre of Research (CORe)

Amico was the design-builder and site works contractor for the 3-storey, 48,859 SF above grade building, which includes one additional partial story below grade and a mechanical penthouse above. Amico also self-performed all site preparation, servicing and performed all concrete superstructure requirements.

Visible from the campus to the east and the Ambassador Bridge to the west, CORe appears as a floating beacon of creativity and innovation. Enveloped by a transparent ‘skin’ of custom fritted-glass fins, the building offers passersby a glimpse of the research happening within. Once inside, the entrance vestibule opens directly to the building’s core—a soaring triple-height atrium that initiates social interaction and fosters formal and informal collaboration. The embracing form of the opening juxtaposes with the timber-lined ceiling to exude a sense of warmth and intimacy, rendering science inviting and accessible to the rest of the campus.

The CORe facility has a very complex Laboratory System involving numerous pieces of mechanical and electrical equipment, including 56 Fume hoods installed in the main and smaller labs. Special attention had to be applied to the design and implementation of this system to ensure a fully functional and operational system that met the needs of the University as well as satisfying all applicable building codes. Amico took the lead in coordinating the efforts between our design engineers and subcontractors and the University’s Compliance engineers and Commissioning Agent, to ensure proper execution and the successful completion of the work.