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A.) Architectural Excellence: The 108’ x 50’ & 24’ x 34’ “L” shaped laboratory features 10’ tall interior ceiling height, exterior lap siding, 18” mansard accentuating the roof line of the modular, perimeter chassis for permanent foundation, HVAC split system with hepa filters at every supply register, custom fume hoods, specialty UV lighted rooms, acid resistant cabinetry, deck to deck interior wall system for sound dampening, 27 skylights for natural lighting, Orion chemical piping for acid disposal, sprinkler system, Stanley automatic door entry system, eye wash and emergency shower station, multiple offices, break room, multiple restrooms, and tape, texture, and painted interior finish.
B.) Technical Innovation: This modular was designed as a state of the art laboratory. The building features a 10’ tall interior ceiling height with sprinkler system, 27 skylights, and air handlers in the attic space. The building’s shipping height was the maximum height the manufacturer was able to build in the manufacturing plant, 16’6”. After the building was welded to the split faced block wall foundation, a portion of the HVAC split system was installed on the EPDM roof, and the remaining units were installed at ground level. All ramping and steps were constructed of poured concrete.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: The building features 27 skylights that can be used for natural lighting, all interior walls are deck to deck for sound dampening, and all laboratory areas were finished with green board under the tape, texture, and paint. The building was craned into location and is installed on a split faced block wall foundation.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 78 days to complete
Calpine Energy Center – Wolfskill
A.) Architectural Excellence: This 36’ x 60’ non-combustible structure was designed to be a combination Control Room, Administrative Office, Lab, and Break Room for a Peaker power plant in Northern California. The main concerns with the design of this building were fire control, power supply back-up systems, and flexibility with electrical demands. This structure is located within the power plant itself and needed to “blend” with all of the other metal structures both within this facility and within the industrial neighborhood. The design criteria extended to the roof as well, which had to be non-combustible for this site but look similar to the other roofs in the area. We placed this building on a reinforced concrete stem wall with a 24” deep basement. There is also a lightning protection system on the 3:12 pitch roof of the structure, fire rated plywood floor decking on the interior, and removable floor panels in the Control Room.
B.) Technical Innovation: We faced many challenges with this building including special fire rating and protections as required by the architect, the building inspectors, and general power plant construction specifications. Our building has a pre-action fire sprinkler system, fire/smoke dampers and flow regulators in the ductwork, fire dampers in the hard-lid ceilings, smoke detectors built into the HVAC systems, fire alarms, strobes, 90-minute rated interior doors, emergency back-up lighting, special UPS back-up power supply; and all of this is tied into a large integrated fire alarm panel with instant notification to the fire department and others. Two hour fire walls had to be installed at site above the ceilings, across the mod-lines, and under the structure to carry the fire protection to the ground, in addition to the existing two-hour fire walls that separate the Control Room, Communication Room, Lab and Electrical Rooms from the other portions of the building.
C.) Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency: The building was constructed with 2x6 steel exterior walls with R19 insulation, 1” of gypsum board on the inside and ½” layer of gypsum board on the outside with a moisture barrier and 26 gauge steel exterior thus making the building very energy efficient. The roof has R30 insulation and a non-combustible TPO roofing system. All of the interior walls have a minimum of 1” of gypsum board on each side and R13 insulation in between. All exterior windows are dual glaze and the 18 gauge doors have automatic closures.
Pacific Mobile Structures California Regional Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: The design of this 4,980 square foot building was created to accommodate both our current and future growth needs here in California. The building is composed of (6) 14’x60’ modular floors with 9’ ceilings, tape/texture/paint interior walls, crown molding, epoxy rock flooring in the Operations area, (carpet, porcelain tile, and an upgraded sheet vinyl in other areas), 1 1/8” plywood flooring secured properly to eliminate those annoying floor squeaks, granite countertops, built in office furniture and casework, split system HVAC, 4:12 pitch roof trusses and composite shingle roof, 6:12 pitch large portico, stacked stone and columns across the front of the building, concrete fiber board lap siding, deep eaves to provide a better look and protection at the connection between the building and the roof, and the entire structure is installed on a concrete stem wall foundation. This building incorporates the best of both the manufactured and site built construction processes.
B.) Technical Innovation: While we were preparing the entire 14 acre site for our new office complex, the office was being built at the Factory. The integration of the roof truss design with the clear span construction of the building was challenging since this stretched the limits of the span design capability of the trusses; but the finished product was a much simpler foundation system with most of the weight transferred to the perimeter stem wall. The modular building itself is supported with piers within the stem wall with maximum effective spacing and on the stem wall itself. The perimeter weld plates created a perfect seismic restraint system that was a simple to finish. Since the air handlers were installed in the attic space and all electrical, plumbing, interior walls, doors, and upgraded sub floor was handled at the Factory; the installation of the building, cross-overs, and final hook-up to the condenser units was very straight-forward and saved us both time and money.
C.) Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency: Insulation was upgraded in the walls, floors, and ceilings for added energy efficiency. Our insistence upon dual pane windows and 7 day/24 hour programmable thermostats paid off in reduced energy costs. Dual ballast daylight T-8 fluorescent bulbs were provided in all areas with special directional can lighting in focus areas. Due to the building being constructed to State specifications, the local jurisdiction focused their inspection efforts on the site improvements which sped up the entire process. We breezed through the red-tag inspections with CMJ on the building due to the exceptional construction provided by our Factory; cooperation between Factory, Project Manager, and Engineering firms involved; and the hard work and dedication of all of the sub-contract crews involved with this project.
County of Monterey, Youth Detention Center
A.) Architectural Excellence:) The Youth Detention Center classroom building provided for Monterey County had very specific architectural needs. As opposed to being designed to provide as much visual interest as possible, this building was designed along utilitarian lines to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and staff. The student-accessible area is divided into four spacious classrooms along two hallways creating a central axis for the building. The control room for the building, housing a guard booth equipped with numerous safety devices and alarm controls, sits at the intersection of the axial corridors. The lines of sight from the booth are such that the entire student space can be monitored by one guard if necessary. The classrooms themselves are equipped with large interior windows on the hallways for the safety of the occupants; guards monitor the students at all times. Each classroom is provided with a door to the exterior in addition to a door to the interior hallway, in case of emergency. Despite the utilitarian nature of the building, a great deal of thought and planning went into its exterior four-color paint scheme in order to make it as attractive a development as possible in the otherwise fairly gloomy detention center grounds. Its burgundy trim, greenish-grey paint scheme and blue-green window glazing add a much-needed cheerful note to the facility.
B.) Technical Innovation: Most of the technical difficulties with this building revolved around making it inmate-proof. Although the facility is not, a jail, it is only one step below. The juvenile offenders who reside at the Detention Center are mostly incarcerated for violent offenses. Building a tamper proof building was of paramount importance. Not only did various fixtures need to resist being meddled with, but the customer required upgrades on all wearable surfaces. The carpets and sheet vinyl are super-duty to stand up to as much abuse as possible. The building and its various parts received extra coats of paint. All cover plates are stainless steel. Many of the walls in the boys’ area are of steel stud construction.
C.) Cost Effectiveness: The customer was able to obtain a fairly large classroom building cost-effectively by careful analysis of where upgrades were truly required. As previously mentioned, there were many upgrades that were required to meet the needs of the residents of the Monterey County Youth Detention Center. In order to stay within the County budget we spent considerable time analyzing the needs of the staff versus the needs of the students to determine whether various upgrades would be needed throughout the building or only in certain sections. One section of the building is accessible only to staff, housing offices, a break room, and counselor’s quarters. The upgrades and security measures were not strictly required in this area of the building. We were also able to partner with our customer, the County of Monterey, to have various permitting fees waived and to have a nearby secure staging area provided at no cost.
Dale Commons Sales Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: The 12’ x 32’ Deluxe Sales Office is ideal for this upscale assisted living community development. The French grid windows and 15 light door create a welcome and attractive entrance. A fashionable mail-box, lighted address and flower boxes under the windows all add to the inviting appearance that is important for this site. The large windows and 15 light door create a bright and open interior. The 11’ x 11’4” fore is practical and comfortable display and reception needs. A handicap accessible restroom not only meets ADA standards but also allows for the needs of all potential residents. The 11’ x 10’4” office provides privacy for meetings and sales transactions. An interior decorator helped to complete the desired effect with the addition of appealing décor.
B.) Technical Innovation: The building is designed for the needs of a professional sales office where limited site space is available. While maintaining a smaller overall box size the building accommodates for the needs of reception, a Handicap accessible restroom, and a private office. The efficient use of space was imperative for this customer.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: Dual Pane, bronze tint windows are beneficial for energy efficiency as well as an E-max water heater for the restroom. The interior walls are finished with a white textured Vinyl Luan. It is similar to tape and texture yet is durable for these temporary offices.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 1
Encore Trucking Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: We needed to design this building to accommodate the president of the company and yet ensure that the structure “fit” within the surrounding area. We wanted the building to stand-out a little and decided upon a custom mansard. The mansard provided some protection from weather and added a little flair to the basic 24’ x 60’ mobile building. The building is installed in an excavated pit to keep the threshold near ground level. We created the basic design to look permanent but still maintained the ability to easily relocate. The interior of the building is an attractive tape and texture with an upgraded carpet and pad.
B.) Technical Innovation: The building has extra side wall reinforcement for the after market mansard install. We worked closely with our engineer to make sure that there were not any unnecessary hold-ups at the site. When we delivered this building the rainy weather posed a challenge as the excavated area filled with water. Extra foundation and continuous pumping of the pit were required to keep everything lined up properly inside and assure that the building would not settle.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: All of the windows are dual pane and the HVAC systems have heat pumps and ducted return. We did not install windows on the fence side of the building thus avoiding the need to install protected openings on the fire wall side of the building. This side is also the warmest during the summer due to the exposure from the setting sun. The fire wall and extra insulation on this side was a great savings in energy costs.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 39 days
E.) Additional Information: This was a very difficult site to access. The ramp to the pit was very steep in order to damage as little of the existing asphalt as possible. We were only 5’ from the property line, 20’ from an existing full use two story office building, and a large maintenance/shop building was directly behind the new office space. With the limited access, the open pit, and very inclement weather we had to provide unusual scaffolding in order to install the custom mansard and not impede traffic from the various locations at the site.
Eskaton Retirement Community
A.) Architectural Excellence: The 48’ x 66’ Office is ideal for showcasing floor plans for this upscale retirement community development. The 15 light door creates a welcome and attractive entrance. The building has tape and texture interior walls and ceilings with a crown moulding to finish out the rooms. Ceiling fans, incandescent lighting, recessed outdoor patio areas, full non-functional bathrooms, and kitchens create an exact replica of the retirement community apartments. An interior decorator helped to complete the desired effect with the addition of appealing décor.
B.) Technical Innovation: This building was designed to house model apartment homes for a retirement community. It has two different apartment designs within the modular. The efficient use of space was imperative for this customer.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: . We were able to place the office in front of the future construction site and allow the owner to pre-sell the homes prior to breaking ground on the permanent structure. It was more cost effective for the owner to duplicate the homes within our modular building rather than modify the permanent structure. When the owner is done with the modular all of the new interior fixtures are going to be utilized in the sold apartment homes.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 30 days to construct.
French American School
A.) Architectural Excellence: This new two-story school addition was added to the first-story of French American’s existing school in Seattle, Washington. Weinstein Architects A/U was contracted to design the new addition, and worked with Tornberg Consulting, to handle engineering required for remodeling, adding an elevator and stairwells, and all required internal building supports. The new structure featured a low-slope rubber membrane roof with mansard, painted metal exterior window awnings, painted smooth hardi-board siding, 1”x2” wood slats added for ascetic purposes, and roof-mounted electric heat-pumps. The interior of the building was designed with 8’ T-grid ceilings, painted sheetrock and tack-board interior walls, 1/8” block tile flooring with 26 nylon carpeting, and painted wood interior doors and window trims.
B.) Technical Innovation: Due to the fact the school was in session until mid-June, there was only 10 weeks to install the entire new second story addition, as well as do all of the required retrofitting of the first story. For this reason, a substantial portion of the foundation work, mansard removal, elevator pit, and interior work was done ahead of time (over the holidays, spring break, and on weekends), to meet the tight time-line. This limited the interference with the students and staff, while achieving the items necessary, prior to installation. Modular construction was the only option that gave the owner the ability to expand their school over 15,000 square feet with no disruption in classes.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: The design concept allowed the owner the ability to stage the expansion over two phases. Since there was limited space on site, they were not able to have a phase II that consisted of an additional structure adjacent to phase I. The solution was to pre-engineer the phase I single story building to be able to accept a second story in the future. The result was a build-out that met their financial requirements as well as their space constraints. The energy efficient features of the building included 10 SEER roof mounted heat pumps zoned for maximum heating and cooling efficiency; a Honeywell T800 electronic programmable t-stat interlocked to prevent simultaneous heating and cooling per zone, economizers to modulate outside air from a minimum to 100% per WESD; greenheck exhaust fans with time clock controls, dual glazed windows with low “E” glass (U factor .050 NFRC).
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: Production time in-plant was 45 days. Time to deliver the modules and complete installation was 58 days. Occupancy was completed on 8/28 per the terms of the contract in time for the opening of school
Obanion Construction Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: This mobile building is one of our in stock fleet buildings and is state approved. The layout is an open floor plan with three windows and one door. The roof is a 30 gauge metal standing seam. A Wisconsin birch wood panel interior and vinyl commercial tile flooring are ideal for construction use. Featured is a plan table at 36” above the finished floor. The exterior is a duratemp siding, and we have installed security bars over the all of the windows. We have one window that is our second means of egress and we have designed a security bar that is able quick release. Most challenging was the foundation system designed for this steep slope.
B.) Technical innovation: While setting this building we had a unique problem in that the slope dropped 4’ over the 20’ length of the building. We designed the foundation system to include 10 seismic restraints, a pony wall behind the skirting, and a custom wood constructed step that went up and over the site walk.
C.) Cost Effectiveness: We were able to place the office in front of the construction site on Lombard Street in San Francisco and save the customer from having to pay for top office rental costs in this city. The roads were slim, the traffic heavy, and the steep slope created a strategic challenge for installation and providing access to the building. It was ideal to have the mobile office just a step away from the job site, as the building located directly behind it in the photo developed a natural spring under the foundation. The construction company will perform more efficiently with close access to the provided office.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 1
Marriott Vacation Club Sales Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: This was a very challenging project in that we had 115# snow loads, extremely limited access to the site (the front of our building was literally 13’ off of busy Highway 50 in Lake Tahoe where the traffic could not be stopped), and a beautification zone with established structures with which we had to blend. The customer needed an open sales floor, but with the required transfer of the roof loads to the ground we had to install numerous posts that we creatively decorated to look like pillars. We also had many custom features installed in the building, such as, wall washers, cedar siding on the front desk to match the exterior, and custom cabinetry. After delivery to the site, the city wanted the structure to have an A-3 Occupancy rating instead of the planned B-2 rating; this was approximately 1 week before the sales team were to arrive at the site! We handled the changes in the field, and made some minor design changes to keep the project successfully on schedule.
B.) Technical Innovation: Technically this was a very challenging project since the factory that we were working with had not designed a multiple floor building with this type of snow load before and the customer did not want to have any changes made to the design since furniture had been ordered to fit the original design. We also had an 800-900 square foot deck, ramp, and step combination that had to be site installed after the building was blocked at the site. We decided upon a perimeter chassis building so that we could better transfer the roof and wind loads to the stem wall, and from there to the ground. All of the interior tape and texture, crown molding, base molding, carpet, linoleum, and much of the tile had to be installed at the site in order for the building to resemble a permanent structure on the inside. Due to the nature of the sales taking place inside of the building, all structural features had to be either hidden or accented in such a fashion that they added to the overall appearance.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: Due to the location of the building we upgraded all insulation in the walls, floors, and under the roof. All copper piping under the structure was encased in insulation to prevent freezing. All windows are dual pane with grid work inside. The building will become a part of our fleet after its use as a temporary (yes, temporary!) sales office and can either be used as a meeting area or a sales office again. We stayed with a simple roof design so that there would be little chance for leaks and so that we could integrate the building back into our fleet more easily.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 39 days
E.) Additional Information: I feel we must congratulate the sub-contractors for enduring some difficult site conditions and also for working so well together. Many of the sub-contractors had to work on different areas of the building and rotate their work areas so as to keep the work moving along. The carpet installer worked on one side of the building while the molding installers worked on the opposite side and then they switched so that they could complete their respective jobs. The painter came in after the carpet installer so as to allow the tape and texture work to dry and the molding to be completed. Our decking contractor worked with and assisted the set crew in completing the stem walls around the perimeter of the building. Overall, the project was successful due to the team effort between all of the different parties involved.
Northeastern Urgent Care Center
A.) Architectural Excellence: We designed this building to provide a better sound barrier and division of area between the waiting area and the remainder of the facility. We needed the waiting area to be well lit, both with natural light and fluorescent light, to help provide a more comfortable atmosphere for the patients. The walls were vinyl wrap gypsum for ease of cleaning, appearance, and speed of installation. We decided upon a lap siding that would better blend with the surrounding environment and not look so much like a “trailer”.
B.) Technical Innovation: This building, while built at the factory, was finished with extensive cabinetry in the field. This allowed for more customization of cabinet styles and placement. A 60# Snow Load was required for this building and cantilever support posts (all had to be buried in the walls) so that the building would appear more open. Since the hallway lay in the middle of the mod-line all of these posts had to be cantilevered out as well.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: All exterior windows were dual pane and all copper pipes under the building were run through the joists so that they would be protected within the floor insulation. Although this required some extra engineering, it was definitely worth it since there have not been any problems with the pipes freezing. We upgraded the walls to 2”x6” studs so that we could install a higher insulation value in the walls as well as under the floors and in the ceiling to keep the energy costs down. This building was designed, roof load and wall placement, so that it could be relocated when the center moved up to the new location further up the mountain. Cabinetry installed over the mod-lines can easily be transported separately from the structure. Extra axels under the sections with heavy cabinetry and similar items within the building will ensure a smooth and safe future relocate.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 88 days
E.) Additional Information: Due to the timeline of this project and the extent of the site work, we had to deliver this building after the winter season had already started. The installation was challenging since the late afternoon and evenings were consistently dropping to 15-20 degrees. Since the electricity was not available at the site until just before occupancy, we had to bring in space heaters to heat the floors up enough for the glue and finishes to cure properly. The site is located in a fairly remote area of the state. The transportation and steep slope were challenging to work with. A concrete barrier wall needed to be installed behind the building and against the mountain to prevent damage from erosion and falling debris.
Port of Oakland Office
A.) Architectural Excellence: The site was prepared so that one-side of the building was 3’ above-grade, and the other-side was at grade. This eliminated the need for additional ramping, plus made the building blend with the environment. We created the basic design to look permanent but still maintained the ability to be relocated.
B.) Technical Innovation: The building has some special blocking for chain link fencing that was site installed for lockable storage use. We provided pull boxes for all future telephone, data, and security wiring and devises.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: All of the exterior windows have insulated glass, and covered by an exterior stand-alone canopy that was installed to reduce sun exposure. The HVAC systems have heat pumps and ducted return for better air flow. We did include a class “A” roof covering which provided better light reflectiveness. All interior lights have energy saving electronic ballasts with energy saving T-8 lamps.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: 62 days
E.) Additional Information: This was a very difficult site to access, since it is located at an International Airport. Since this installation was done a few months after the 9/11 attacks, we had to obtain special security clearance and badging. The delivery also needed to be coordinated before 6:00 AM, so we would not block traffic to the terminals.
Bureau of Reclamation / Folsom Dam:
A.) Architectural Excellence: This 2160 square foot modular office building was built with (3) standard 12x60 building sections, and is being used for a sheriff’s training & locker room. The interior layout was designed for the training room to be next to main entrance lobby, plus have separate entrances to the restrooms & locker room area. The break room was positioned so it can double as a large work space outside the private offices. We also added some closets for additional storage capability.
B.) Technical Innovation: The exterior stucco finish and steel entry porch was incorporated to take away the typical modular building look. Lionakis Architecture designed the entry porch and proposed the lightweight stone for each column base, so it would blend with the decorative rock landscaping. An “Eisenwall” quick curing cement was used to help expedite the stucco install process. The standard 3-coat stucco process usually takes 30 days, but we were able to complete within 3 days. We also used a synthetic stucco finish, which had more color choices and resists fading better than standard Portland cement. This synthetic finish will also retain its color when wet.
C.) Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency: We used “TMP” aluminum ramping material for less maintenance requirements than the more common galvanized steel. Then we extended the stucco finish around the base for a nicer appearance. We partnered with RMA Land Mgmt., which provided all the site improvements. This includes the decorative rock landscaping and cyclone fencing to blend with other nearby buildings
St. Joseph Catholic Church
A.) Architectural Excellence: This new classroom addition was built onto St. Joseph’s existing church, located in a residential neighborhood in Snoqualmie, WA. Broderick Architects was contracted to design the exterior of the new facility, to insure it blended into the existing church. When completed, the new building provided a “seamless” look between the existing building and the new addition. The new structure featured a site-built 5/12 pitch metal roof, large bay windows in all classrooms, board and batt painted wood siding, and attic mounted gas furnaces. The interior of the building was designed with 9’ T-grid ceilings, utilized painted sheetrock interior walls, 1/8” block tile flooring, and featured stained wood interior doors and window trims.
B.) Technical Innovation: Due to the fact the project was in a residential neighborhood, it was very important to the church to restrict the amount of on-site noise, and limit the construction activity and trucks going in and out of the site. The decision was made to utilize modular construction, which would produce the project in approximately ½ the time, and to eliminate much of the typical noise and potential delays. One additional benefit to the church, was the fact the new addition could be completed prior to “cutting-through” into the existing church. This limited most of the churches’ safety concerns, and held down much of the typical construction debris and dust if the entire project was built and completed on-site.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: This project was originally over budget and was unable to be completed using typical site-built methods. After receiving estimates on building the addition using modular construction, they were able to proceed with the project. Although it was a very complicated project, involving building the entire roof on-site, the project was completed on schedule. Energy efficiency was achieved by using insulation values of R19, R21 and R30, using dual glazed windows, gas furnaces with programmable thermostats and automatic shut-offs for the office lights.
D.) Calendar Days to Complete: Production time in-plant was 28 days. Time to deliver the modules and complete installation was 77 days.
American River Construction / Stephenson Park
A.) Architectural Excellence: The design of this 2,300+ sq.ft. building was conceived with the intent of taking advantage of the cost and time benefits of modular construction and the features readily recognizable in permanent “stick built” construction. This building is being used for childcare within a public park setting and had some specific design requirements: the building had to be set at grade, an Egyptian fascia needed to be integrated into the building but still be separate for permitting purposes, and the ceiling had to be 9’ tall in order to maintain a spacious and open appearance. During the final walk-through, the architect was so impressed as to the quality and overall appearance of the structure that he said “I just cannot believe how good this building was built. It’s better than site built.” They plan to use integrated modular and site built construction again in the future.
B.) Technical Innovation: Due to the special design features of a 9’ ceiling and 3:12 pitch composite shingle roof, all floors shipped over-height with a center floor that shipped at 17’5” tall requiring extraordinary coordination with transporters, CHP escorts, local police, and pilot cars. This building also had to be craned onto the concrete stem wall foundation at site and, due to the limited space to set the crane and “pick” the individual floors, synchronization between the transporters, set crew, and crane operators was imperative. All parties pulled together with an excellent display of teamwork so the install went off without a problem. Our customer was concerned about too much “bounce” in the floor with its prospective use so we included an 1 1/8” plywood sub-floor and closer spacing of the structural members under floor to add strength. We worked closely with the Architect prior to the building approval to make sure that all design features would integrate well in modular construction.
C.) Cost Effectiveness / Energy Efficiency: Given the restrictions with on-site work in residential communities, and in this community in particular, constructing the majority of the structure off-site allowed us to not only save money for our client but also minimize the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. All casework was site installed since much of it crossed mod-lines; this allowed the customer to make some “field changes” that would not have been available otherwise. The building has energy efficient appliances, dual pane windows, heat pump HVAC units with advanced programmable thermostats, and T-8 fluorescent lighting.
UCSF, Kirkham Childcare Center
A.) Architectural Excellence: The Kirkham Childcare Center was designed as a permanent modular building that would not show its modular roots. The Center demonstrates a number of architectural features most commonly found in site-built construction but rarely applied to modular. Though seldom used, these features are not outside the scope of modular construction. The Childcare center is two stories, created of various size modules set on a CMU foundation. The building footprint is irregular, boasting a variety of pop-outs and balconies adding visual interest to the building and utility for the occupants. The exterior of the building is attractive, clad in lap siding painted in fun, modern colors completely appropriate to its San Francisco surroundings and its use as a day care. The interior is also brightly colored: classrooms have orange countertops and purple cove base in order to provide visual appeal to young children. Balconies offer occupants a chance to enjoy fresh air and great views of the city.
B.) Technical Innovation: This building presented technical challenges due to the varied sizes of modules necessary to create the desired aesthetic by breaking up the vertical and horizontal planes to add visual interest. The floors sporting balconies and pop-outs are longer than the supporting structure beneath. It was necessary to design cantilevering for the balcony and pop-out locations. The second story of the Childcare Center building is larger than the first story; the site is very steeply cross-sloped. The second story is composed of thirteen modules while the first story is only five modules. Designing the building and foundation to work with these slope conditions was a real challenge, as was craning it into place.
C.) Cost Effectiveness: This building exhibits several technologies that will prove cost effective for the end user over time. The Kirkham Childcare Center is a Title 24 compliant building, exceeding Title 24 by ten percent or more in some areas. The building is equipped with motion sensor lighting controls throughout, daylighting controls at the perimeter, floor-to-ceiling windows throughout to provide as much daylighting as possible, heat only (the building was designed to maximize air flow to avoid the need for air conditioning through the use of fan controls and operable windows), lockable programmable thermostats, upgraded insulation in ceilings, walls and floors, a white rubber roof meeting the exacting standards of the CA Cool Roofs Council, and all faucets at wash sinks and all lavatory flush valves are controlled by motion sensors to avoid wasted water. There are numerous other small items that combine to create a building that should see a substantial savings in operating costs.