2008 MBI Award of Distinction
Honorable Mention: Modular Building Design
Category: Permanent Special Application, any square footage
Location: Yucaipa, CA
Total Size: 546 sq. ft.
Building Use: Public restroom facility in park
Production Started: 05/07/07
Date of Occupancy: 08/15/07
Architectural Excellence
The building was placed in a regional park as part of an new recreation area. The split face block exterior was selected to blend in with the surrounding hills. The interior walls are exposed masonry block sealed with several coats of paint. The seamless concrete floor is sealed to reduce odors and sloped to floor drains to facilitate washdown. The integrated overhangs add architectural interest and serve to protect occupants from the weather when entering/exiting the facility. Interior walls & partitions are also constructed of reinforced concrete block.
Technical Innovation
Exterior walls are constructed of extremely durable split face concrete block sealed for low maintenance. The building was 98% complete prior to leaving the factory and required only utility connections and sealing of the modlines on site.
Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency
The reinforced concrete slab is integrated into the building and allows for placement directly on grade without site foundation systems dramatically reducing installation time. Utility connections enter the building via access area in slab. In addition to faster installation the building is designed to save operations cost. All plumbing and electrical equipment is housed within a secure plumbing chase dramatically reducing vandalism potential. Durable stainless steel fixtures are wall mounted for easier washdown and cleaning. Metered faucets reduce water consumption and the integrated hand dryers eliminate the need for paper towels. The passive ventilation design eliminates the need for mechanical ventilation which requires maintenance and is venerable to vandalism. Relocation is achieved by disconnecting the utilities, unbolting the modules then craning onto a transport truck.