Tiree partnered with Queen’s University to provide end-to-end project management services for the new residence, ensuring it was delivered on schedule, on budget, and in line with academic priorities.

Project objectives included:

• Delivering a new student residence aligned with Queen’s University’s long-term strategic vision and Capital Master Plan
• Providing a safe, functional, and sustainable living environment that supports students’ social and academic needs
• Integrating specialized IT and AV systems to support a modern teaching, learning, and research environment
• Preserving and incorporating university-owned heritage homes into a modernized residence complex
• Upgrading mechanical and electrical systems to meet current safety standards and align with LEED sustainability requirements
• Reinforcing structural and seismic supports to extend the lifespan of the heritage homes

Construction began in 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the Tiree team to navigate supply chain disruptions, material and labour shortages, and price escalations—all while maintaining schedule and budget commitments. Postponing the project was not an option, as students were expected to arrive that September.

The project management team responded quickly by identifying solutions to expedite the procurement of long-lead materials and finishes, store materials in on-site shipping containers, and arrange off-site, temperature-controlled storage for specialized items. To minimize labour shortages due to illness, the team also implemented strict masking, sanitization, screening, and shift scheduling protocols.

Despite these challenges, the project was delivered on time and under budget. The team successfully incorporated inclusive features like accessible suites, multiple elevators, and amenities for service animals, in alignment with Queen’s accessibility mandate.

In support of the university’s net-zero emissions goal and to meet the globally recognized LEED Gold Standard, the project used recycled materials and incorporated high-efficiency windows and boilers, low-flow bathroom fixtures, energy-efficient lighting, and indoor and outdoor bicycle storage to support alternative transportation.

The design also improved envelope performance and featured drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce potable water use. These improvements resulted in a 47% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and diverted 75% of construction materials from landfills.

Tiree kept the project on track amid disruptions with strategic communications, proactive risk management, and rigorous monitoring.

Our approach to creating accessible, sustainable, and community-oriented student housing included:

• Acting as the owner’s representative and advocate by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, facilities teams, and municipal partners
• Coordinating design change reviews with internal subject matter experts to align with Queen’s design standards
• Overseeing construction activities such as daily site visits, contractor coordination, issue resolution, and reporting
• Liaising with the City of Kingston to ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and heritage preservation requirements
• Mitigating risk to minimize disruptions to project timelines, surrounding neighbourhoods, and campus operations
• Advancing accessibility, sustainability, and quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle
• Managing and securing all required regulatory approvals, permits, inspections, and certifications
• Overseeing financial processes, including invoice review, progress billings, and compliance with payment legislation
• Leading weekly project meetings, bi-weekly contractor status updates, and monthly Steering Committee sessions
• Hosting LEED-related meetings with Queen’s sustainability team
• Reviewing and recommending approvals for all project-related change orders
• Conducting post-occupancy evaluations to capture lessons learned and inform future developments on campus