Collaborative Environment

by Marcy Marro | December 1, 2020 12:00 am

“Conceptually, Tradecraft Industries was designed around the idea of multiuse,” says Adam Harding, AIA, LEED AP, partner at Roth Sheppard. “By selecting multiple-use building components, systems and materials, the concept allows for cost and labor efficiencies while offering flexibility and streamlined construction.”

To maximize the multiuse components, a layering process was designed, starting at the building’s base, which is created from shipping containers to set the foundation and boundary for the building. The containers serve as storage that can be accessed from outside, as well as the second floor of the structure, the central conference room that offers views of the Rocky Mountains, and the entry portals into the building. As Harding explains, “the second level concrete floor was poured directly on top of the containers, which were used as the metal decking.”

The shipping container base is wrapped with a pre-engineered metal building from Houston-based Rigid Global Buildings[1], while continuous ribbon windows maximize the structural nature of the lightweight envelope by providing views out and daylight in.

Inside, the central boxed element that separates the entry area to the members-only bullpen and office space zone is home to all of the utility functions, including stacked toilet rooms on both levels, janitor closets, electrical and IT rooms. “By keeping all of the building systems housed in one central core, significant cost efficiencies and a streamlined supply to the rest of the building was achieved,” he says.

Multiuse and economy were key to the building’s design. The shipping containers and wrapping the building in a prefab metal building provided a solution of economy. Using off-the-shelf and economical materials for the interior was based on the principle of multiuse and creating an aesthetic that showcases the construction industry. The office spaces use plywood panel office dividers and polycarbonate translucent interior walls, which allows light to filter through the offices into the interior bullpen space. Providing an economical and maintenance-free, durable material, OSB sheets make up the demising walls in the offices.

“Unique challenges included designing for differential movement of the pre-engineered metal building and structure to work with the rigid shipping container base and concrete topping for the second floor,” explains Harding. “Separation was required between the two systems to accommodate the inherent deflection of a pre-engineered metal building.”

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/collaborative-environment/

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