Manufacturing and Industrial Buildings

Maintenance was one of the primary concerns for the owner. Because the building is located at a 6,000--foot elevation, high UV exposure, excessive snow loads and cold winters presented unique challenges. The goal was to provide an aesthetically pleasing industrial building that blended well with the natural landscape of the Tahoe region, yet could withstand the harsh climate. Form liners created a textured façade, and then the tilt--up panels received an acid--stained terra--cotta finish. The covered walkway used rusted, corrugated Corten roofing, a stained concrete path and heavy untreated timbers that supported the overhang. Bronze windows helped further complete the rustic appearance. Soft wood--like tones accentuated by the light, shade and shadow play on the fluted surface of the concrete. Located in an existing business park of tilt--up structures, this one stands out with its unique and fresh design.

Cool Creation

Dependable Heating and Air sought a new facility in Dixon, California, that would meet its expanding space requirements and accommodate its projections for future growth. Unfamiliar with tilt--up, the company selected the method for the construction of its 49,500--square--foot facility because of tilt--up’s reputation for durability, lower maintenance requirements and cost effectiveness.

“What stands out in this project is the use of the tilt--up itself as the primary architectural element,” Baty says. “The construction team did not try to mask the tilt--up, but rather used it to increase the visual appeal of the building.”

To assist Dependable Heating and Air in educating its customers, the interior of the facility features a mock residence with a backyard to show customers how the air conditioning system will look in their home and yard area. A commissioned artist painted a sky scene and trees to enhance the backyard feel of the space. The red and white color scheme on the building’s exterior draws upon the company’s corporate identity and logo. The architectural treatment is a gentle curve sweeping along the front elevation of the building. Decorative “V” panels at the center of the façade and protruding wing wall extensions at the concrete panels break down the building’s scale in an energetic and playful manner. This project clearly embraces the natural beauty of tilt--up.

Building a Brand

More than ever before, building owners desire structures that enhance their corporate image and signify their permanence in an area. Manufacturing and industrial facilities are being viewed as more than simply a place to make products, but also as a branding tool. The design flexibility of tilt--up allows owners to create facilities that stand out among others, which increases awareness of their brands in the marketplace. Contractors continue to find innovative methods for adapting projects to the tilt--up method and have proven that the medium can improve the architectural appeal of manufacturing and industrial buildings.

This article is the third in a year--long series on the applicability of the growing site--cast tilt--up method for a variety of end--use markets. For more information about this series or tilt--up construction, please visit the Tilt-up Concrete Association’s site at www.tilt-up.org.

And The Winners Are…

These four projects took top honors in the manufacturing/industrial category at the 2004 Tilt--up Concrete Association Achievement Awards.

1. Morinda/Tahitian Noni Manufacturing Plant: 141,085--square--foot manufacturing/industrial facility in American Fork, Utah. Submitted by Dunn Associates of Salt Lake City, Utah.

2. Vistakon Research and Development Lab: 154,662--square--foot manufacturing/industrial facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Submitted by Tilt--Con Corporation of Altamonte Springs, Florida.

3. Brown Industrial Building: 13,345--square--foot manufacturing/industrial facility in Truckee, California. Submitted by Faulkner Architects of Truckee, California.

4. Dependable Heating and Air: 49,500--square--foot manufacturing/industrial facility in Dixon, California. Submitted by Panattoni Construction of Sacramento, California.