A renovation to an existing warehouse created a new corporate headquarters for Brandt, a top mechanical, electrical and plumbing provider in Texas. The 112,300-sq-ft adaptive reuse project retained more than 80% of the existing walls, floors and roof. It also incorporated 18 eco-friendly and energy saving technologies, such as the use of cool roofing materials; natural daylight strategies; the use of water efficient, native and adaptive landscaping materials; rainwater harvesting; a solar water heating system; and the use of a thermal well system for air conditioning. Cork flooring, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood and other rapidly renewable building materials were the
The Brigade Headquarters building contains three secure sections that require uninterrupted operation. The sophisticated equipment utilized and sensitive data generated in these sections requires a backup emergency power generator and redundant mechanical systems in order to remain fully operational in the event of a catastrophic failure. Photo: Pablo Mason Photography Related Links: Best of 2010 Awards The construction coordination issues for redundant systems are extremely costly, and installation and control of the systems is complex. The Harper Construction Co. design-build team successfully completed these secure sections within budget and schedule, and all systems are fully functional. The requirements of the
The Cibolo Green Elementary School is one of the first “green” schools in the North East Independent School District and the greater San Antonio area. Photo: Satterfield & Pontikes Related Links: Best of 2010 Awards The energy-efficient school was built to meet LEED-silver standards, which include improved air-quality systems, the use of recycled and nontoxic building materials and energy-saving systems. The upbeat environment boasts nine different wall colors, flooring with multicolored patterns, and natural light. The general contractor, Satterfield & Pontikes, built many unusual features, including learning centers with windows into mechanical rooms. In-wall windows allow students to see elements
General contractor McCarthy implemented fast-track construction methods in an effort to complete the job in only 23 months. The 2.1-million-sq-ft project includes two towers, one 15 stories, the other seven, and a 3,500-car parking structure. Photo: John Davis, DVDesign Group Inc. Related Links: Best of 2010 Awards In order to beat the proposed schedule, it achieving phased building dry-in was critical so interior finishes could start. McCarthy planned for staged temporary dry-in as the work progressed, installing temporary protective measures for a horizontal water barrier at the third, seventh and 12th floors, as well as vertical temporary measures around the
Construction of the new 1,200-seat sanctuary and administrative offices at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Nassau Bay, Texas, required careful planning because the new construction was added onto the existing facility, which had to remain in full use during construction. Photo: John C. Lindy Related Links: Best of 2010 Awards Work was carefully sequenced throughout the fast-track project so that the worship space was never out of commission. Hurricane Ike hit in September 2008 when the structural frame of the building was being completed. The project is located 12 mi from the point where the hurricane made landfall,
PROJECT COST: $50,852,581 Photo: Harper Construction Co. Trainee Complex Upgrade - DFAC/Starship Barracks Related Links: Top Project Starts 1-25 Top Project Starts 26-55 This design-build project includes construction of two new dining facilities and the conversion of three existing barracks into classrooms in support of Fort Sill Army Post’s mission to train troops in military systems and operations. The objective was to design and build a training facility with dining halls and classrooms similar to those of a college or university. Each dining facility is a 56,000-sq-ft, single-story, stand-alone structure equipped to feed 2,600 trainee soldiers meals within 90 minutes,
PROJECT COST: $87,176,614 Photo: Michael Baker Jr., Inc. Infantry Brigade Combat Team Complex 2 - UEPH Barracks Related Links: Top Project Starts - 1 to 25 Top Project Starts - 26 to 55 This is the second of two Fort Bliss complexes (see previous project) that will support an entire Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Like Complex 1, it consists of twelve buildings, each housing 120 Unaccompanied Enlisted Personnel in El Paso. The general contractor erected a mock-up barracks to provide a first glimpse of finishes as well as reduce the number of modifications while working on the actual project. The
PROJECT COST: $65,000,000 Photo: Hunt Construction Group University of Texas of the Permian Basin Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center Related Links: Top Project Starts 1-25 Top Project Starts 26-55 This new 97,700-sq-ft performing arts center at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin will feature a 1,800-seat, two-balcony performance hall, a multi-use recital hall, performer support spaces and music academic spaces. The facility’s grand lobby rises three levels and features a grand staircase and elevators providing access to each floor. Capable of accommodating nonperformance events, the Grand Lobby will include fixed and movable concession counters, ticket will-call window and
PROJECT COST: $106,000,000 Photo: The Benham Cos. Unaccompanied Enlisted Personnel Housing, Task Orders 3 & 4 Related Links: Top Project Starts - 1 to 25 Top Project Starts - 26 to 55 As part of Fort Bliss' ongoing transition from an air defense center to a heavy armor training post, crews are building housing units for use by enlisted personnel during training. Task Orders 3 and 4 include construction of a total of 545,000 sq ft of space. Both task orders were constructed using modular-type units that could be placed at a rate of eight to 12 units per day.
PROJECT COST: $102,554,000 Photo: GSA United States District Courthouse Related Links: Top Project Starts - 1 to 25 Top Project Starts - 26 to 55 The new 217,000-sq-ft, nine-story facility - including basement, seven levels and a penthouse - will house U.S. Federal Judges' chambers and eight courtrooms, with expansion for one addition within the existing footprint. It features hardened requirements with perimeter security measures. Additional work to be incorporated into the project includes extensive relocation of existing utilities. The facility's design reflects high-end finishes inside and out. The interior features materials such as pecan paneling, copper siding and stone
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