About
A background of David Hine Engineering Inc.
This established company's insight into the application of the National and Provincial Building and Fire Codes has allowed the development of creative and innovative methods of compliance. Working as part of the design team, not just as a library of Code requirements, the creation of these solutions maintains the architectural intent of a design and can provide cost-effective alternatives.
Fire and Building Code Compliance Appeals
Building Code Appeals: The new performance-based Codes has reduced the need to appeal to the Province to convince the Municipality of compliance. However, the need still exists and DHE can develop the technical documentation for submission and presentation at the Building Code Commission.
Fire Code Appeals: Orders to Comply with the Fire Code require appeals to ensure the rights of the aggrieved parties are maintained. DHE works with the legal team to achieve the best outcome for compliance.
Alternative Solutions: When strict compliance is not possible or prohibitively expensive, DHE develops alternatives to satisfy both compliance goals and that of the designer/owner.
Building Types
The consultants at DHE have worked on all types of buildings and occupancies. The occupancies range from Assembly buildings such as the Aviva Centre in Toronto to industrial distilleries. Building types range from single-family dwellings to multi-storey shopping centres.
Compliance Lectures
Customized speaking engagements related to compliance with the Building Codes and Fire Codes can be created to suite a client’s needs.
Clients include:
Ryerson University (Ontario Building Code), Continuing Education
Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association, Annual Training & Educational Symposium: Alternative Solutions
Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association, Regional Presentation: Understanding the OFC.
Turner Fleischer Architects: Various Building Code topics.
Product Development
New construction products and those being imported into Canada are not necessarily automatically permitted to be used in construction in Canada. These products must pass specific Canadian standards.
There is a growing trend that new products redefine the methods of construction, often in conflict with traditional methods recognized by the Canadian Building Codes. David Hine Engineering Inc. can provide technical assistance on the product use and testing to Canadian Standards. Where a product has evolved faster than the Codes can react, DHE can facilitate approvals at the Building Materials Evaluation Commission (BMEC) or with the Canadian Construction Material Centre (CCMC).
In the Media
David Hine Engineering Inc. has played a role in many projects that have received architectural awards of excellence and notable breakthroughs in the application of the Ontario Building Code.
