2008 MBI Award of Distinction
Honorable Mention: Modular Building Design
Category: Permanent Office, over 10,000 sq. ft.
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Total Size: 28000 sq. ft.
Building Use: Office Administration
Days to Complete: 306
Architectural Excellence
The building floor plan was designed to accommodate a large engineering and administration staff with interior cubicles in four separate areas. The management office space was provided around the outer perimeter of all four sides of the building with a large conference room on each floor. A main entrance with a lobby and elevator is supplemented with stairways in the center of the building and at both ends for efficient access to both floors. To provide a maintenance free exterior the building is finished with a 4’ high brick perimeter with EIFS on the walls, standing seam metal roof, and commercial glazed windows. Gabled canopies with matching standing seam metal roofs are provided at all doors with a glass heated vestibule entry at the main entrance. The roof has an integrated penthouse for aesthetics and to accommodate the elevator equipment shaft.
Technical Innovation
The building structure was comprised of (28) 14’x70’ steel framed modules with six columns and steel trusses with open webbing for installation of duct work, sprinkler system, electrical systems, and communication lines. The structural integrity of the building was provided by welding the modules at the columns and to foundation plates in the foundation. To protect the building occupants and communication systems an electric grounding loop was provided around the building as well as lighting rods on the standing seam metal roof system. To accommodate the communication network required by the Naval and Government staff a BIN/BIAS communication room was provided on each floor with a separate supplemental air-conditioning system. All communication lines were provided in exposed wire trays below the suspended ceiling to meet security guidelines of the facility that do not allow exposed phone and data lines.
Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency
The climate in Idaho required upgraded climate control with 2”x6” exterior wall studs with R-19 insulation supplemented by walls covered with foam insulation for the EIFS system. The attic was provided with R-30 insulation with the roof covered with foam insulation underneath the standing seam metal roof to achieve approximately R-40. A commercial heating and air-conditioning controls system was installed with on site balancing to provide an efficient and comfortable climate in all areas of the building. The brick and EIFS exterior with commercial grade aluminum framed windows will provide years of maintenance free use for the owner.