Assignment:
Schaus Vorhies Contracting (SVC) was hired by the owner to design and build the structure. I was hired by SVC and assigned the following tasks:
• Review the Uniform Building Code and prepare a report to determine the allowable floor area, type of construction and egress requirements.
• Reconfigure the rooms, and organize the floor plans.
• Design the building elevations.
• Prepare construction details of various building elements.
Special Challenges:
• The building construction was on a fast track.
• Design decisions had to be made quickly and correctly to avoid unnecessary delays and costs.
Additional information:
• The contractor determined:
• the location of the building on the site
• the basic layout of the two 20,400 square foot floor plans
• the floor to floor height and building height
• the structural framing system—steel columns and beams combined with wood framing
• The original design of one-hour rated construction was changed to non-rated with the installation of a fire-sprinkler system.
• The building stands on a sloping site such that the second floor exits directly to grade at the west elevation.
• Construction cost of the building was approximately $70 per square foot. |
