As you approach the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Ceramitex® Sintered Ceramic Facade System by Elemex provides a beautiful white surface that effortlessly amalgamates with the intricate angles of the building elevations and roof while doubling as a 250-foot long projection screen. The system was integral in the ability to include a lighting package within the walls and for the non-typical panels and mitered corners.

In 2015, NORR was tasked with an ambitious schedule to complete renovations for the Canada Science and Technology Museum in time for Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations in 2017. The project required: envelope upgrades, new mechanical and electrical systems, seismic upgrades, new entrance facilities and overall aesthetic enhancements to the Museum. Not only did NORR revitalize this well-known Ottawa institution, it has achieved the appearance of a national museum.

The 80,000 sq. ft. exhibition space and over 2,900 artifacts needed an impressive exterior to represent the world-class experience contained within. Collaboration between the designers at NORR and the technical team at Elemex was essential to ensure that the facade would achieve expectations. The plan for the 250-foot projection screen, integrated lighting system and non-typical panels required a team effort and the use of new technology to create a structure to house historic and current science and technology. The architect chose Ceramitex because of the various properties of the panels. They are resistant to temperature changes (expansion and contraction) which makes it ideal for Canadian weather. This clean, simple and durable material is graffiti, UV and scratch resistant which are tremendously important features for a national museum.