Design and Construction

McMaster’s Facility Services Design & Construction team handles all new construction projects on campus, including new construction and major renovations.  

The department is also responsible for: 

  • The University Capital Plan, which guides growth for the university’s building and infrastructure assets
  • The Deferred Maintenance Program, a priority system for maintenance requests 
  • University infrastructure projects 

Our team works closely with the Planning & Resources Committee of the Board of Governors, who oversee financial affairs and keep the board of governors informed, helping to ensure the highest standards of quality and functionality in our projects while delivering on time and on budget. 

 

Information Box Group

New Accessible Design Standards Learn more

MacFADS, or the McMaster Facility Accessibility Design Standard, is a comprehensive technical manual that sets new accessibility standards for building and renovating on campus.

New Campus Design Advisory Committee Learn more

Facility Services’ will is bringing together experts to advise on guide the design of buildings and outdoor spaces across all McMaster University campuses.

Sustainable Building Policy Learn more

Since 2005, McMaster has had a Sustainable Building policy, requiring all newly constructed buildings to meet a minimum of level Silver certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED], a globally recognized environmental building rating system.

Ongoing Projects

McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery (MCCD) Learn More

Currently under construction is our McLean Centre for Collaborative Discovery (MCCD), adjacent to the existing DeGroote School of Business (DSB).  

This ‘smart building’ is designed with special attention to user needs, putting accessibility at the forefront of its design. The building is planned to feature 10 single user gender neutral and wheelchair accessible washrooms per floor, automated curtains designed to maintain optimal lighting levels, and an indoor bridge connecting to the DeGroote School of Business.

Lincoln Alexander Hall (LAH) Learn More

McMaster is currently in the midst of constructing our newest residence building, Lincoln Alexander Hall (LAH), which will provide 1,366 beds across 10 floors, with communal spaces on each, and 43 underground parking spaces.

The sustainably designed building will also be LEED Gold certified, offer easy access to public transit including future LRT and will offer 325 long term bike storage spaces.

Recent Projects

Learning and Discovery Greenhouse

McMaster recently completed construction of the new Learning and Discovery Greenhouse, part of a larger project to revitalize the Life Sciences Building it connects to.

This beautiful, white-frame greenhouse with more than 11,000 square feet of space, tempered irrigation watering, customizable lighting, separate climate-controlled research cells, and a geothermal heat pump system providing carbon-free heating, is suitable for more than 200 species of plants.

Pulse Fitness Centre Learn More

In 2022, we completed renovations on the Pulse Fitness Centre, creating one Canada’s largest university fitness centres with more than 20,000 square feet of active space.

4,000 square feet of the building belong to a dedicated cardio section which overlooks the 7,000 square foot weights level. The building also features a women’s only section, fitness studios for group classes, a cycling studio and a state-of-the-art three-storey climbing wall.

The Hub Learn More

In 2023, the McMaster Students Union (MSU) opened The Hub, a non-programmed, dedicated social space for students.  

This four-storey building features plenty of recreational space, with cushioned bleachers, foosball and ping pong tables, collaboration suites and meeting spaces, a community kitchen, student market, multi-faith prayer room with an ablution room, and a beautiful loft with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking campus. The design was based on feedback from multiple student surveys on how to best enhance life on campus.

10 Bay Learn More

10 Bay, McMaster’s first grad residence, offers studio, single-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments in the heart of downtown Hamilton, steps away from public transit and minutes from the Hamilton Go centre. With great walkability and LEED Gold certification, this building is idyllic for eco-conscious residents. 

The building features a second-floor parking garage, storage room for 200 bicycles, games room, gym and fitness studio, lounge and meeting spaces, a rooftop patio with built-in calisthenics equipment and running track, and lots of windows to provide vibrant natural light.