University of Guelph Muck Research Station

Institutional

University of Guelph Muck Research Station

Project Type

Institutional

Location

1125 Woodchoppers Ln, Kettleby, ON, L0G 1J0, Canada

Status

Overview

Unique Challenges

Key Features / Outcomes

Overview

Horizon Legacy undertook the renovation of the University of Guelph's Muck Research

Station, enhancing its greenhouses and research facility. This project supports the university’s renowned plant biology department.

Unique Challenges

The renovation of the University of Guelph's Muck Research Station presented unique challenges, including the need to upgrade aging infrastructure while maintaining the integrity of ongoing research projects. Additionally, the remote location in Kettleby required careful logistical planning to ensure timely delivery of materials and coordination with university schedules. Further complicating the project was the fact that it was in a remote location on environmentally sensitive lands that involved experiments with growing vegetables in a swamp.

Key Features

Research Support: Upgraded facilities advancing research in crop protection and management, benefiting commercial agriculture.
Modernization: Renovations include state-of-the-art enhancements to greenhouses and outbuildings, meeting the latest standards for agricultural research.
Academic Contribution: Supporting Canada’s largest and most diverse plant biology department, underscoring Horizon Legacy’s commitment to fostering scientific research and innovation.

Client

University of Guelph, Department of Plant Agriculture

Our Impact

Horizon Legacy is revolutionizing the construction industry with the first and largest neighborhood in Canada built using onsite robotics.

Cost Efficiency

Our approach delivers an average cost of under $300K per unit (costs exclude land, servicing, softcosts) showcasing that robots can be integrated affordably while meeting and exceeding the Ontario Building Code.

With 26 rental units, including 30% affordable, we surpass industry standards.

Our project achieves a 20% reduction in energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions, and our all-electric buildings ensure zero greenhouse gas energy consumption.

By creating wall assemblies with R-30 thermal performance and consolidating three trades into one, we effectively address the labor shortage, demonstrating the transformative potential of robotics in construction.

Horizon has generated over 14 million kilowatthour (KWH) of clean energy

We have created over 7 million square feet of Toronto’s major developments

“Horizon has built and financed major buildings for ourselves as the long-term owners, wherein, we have then had to live with the operational ramifications of design, construction and financial decisions made at the development stage for the over 20 years life of a building. This is a perspective very distinct from that of the traditional contractor or lender.”