Modular Building Institute awarded Walden Structures in CA the Permanent Structure under 5,000 sq ft award this year. Here are pictures of the winning design and a video showing the factory.
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Main Category: |
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Category: |
Permanent: Education: under 5,000 sq. ft. |
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Company: |
Pacific Mobile Structures, Inc. |
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Affiliate:  |
Walden Structures, Inc. |
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Location: |
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Building Use: |
Pre-school |
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Average Size of Modules: |
12′ x 40′ x 15′ |
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Total Square Feet: |
3960 sq. ft. |
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Days to complete: |
198 |
Award Criteria
Architectural Excellence
This 3,960 sq. ft. preschool building includes four separate
classrooms, a library, an art room, a food prep/laundry room, a teacher’s
lounge, a director’s office, a main lobby and a “free flowing” interior that
promotes easy access the other areas of the building. Each classroom has direct
entry into the courtyard play area located directly behind the building.
Floor-to-ceiling windows were used to create a seamless visual interplay
between the indoors and out while allowing a visual connection to the children.
The interior has painted drywall walls, VCT flooring, carpet flooring, child
and adult restrooms, and a monitored fire alarm system. Multiple adjustments
were made to the size and configuration of the building layout to accommodate
site constraints. A leveling parapet gave increased height to the front/main
entrance floor along with overhangs for cosmetic appeal. Exterior siding
combines “Hardi” panel smooth/flat siding with “Hardi” panel lap siding.
Technical Innovation & Sustainability
Due to the limited space available and visual concerns, the
mechanical system was restricted for a typical split system HVAC. A high
efficiency electric heat pump was used for each zone of the building. The
ducted horizontal HVAC unit allowed for the building to comply with visibly
concerns and sound issues yet provide an energy efficient way to meet the
heating/cooling requirements. The roof utilized parapets on two separate
building areas with differing roof slops, which allowed for proper drainage but
also provided a very unique exterior cosmetic appearance.
Cost Effectiveness
The building required a roof mount mechanical system, but
without the size, appearance, and volume of a typical system. A high-efficiency
heat pump split system was provided. The heat pump eliminates the need to run
natural gas and allows for the electrical compressor to provide the energy
efficiency required. The method of installation was also an important cost
savings to the client. Due to restricted site conditions (existing
buildings/power lines), a crane installation would have been cost prohibitive.
End-to-side modular floors and a combined concrete stem-wall/concrete block
foundations was designed to allow for a standard truck delivery and
installation, thus expediting time and reducing costs.
