Savanna Eckenrode

High performance precast concrete envelopes and structural systems are used for all types of mixed-use projects and provide the aesthetic and structural versatility needed to make them successful. Mixed-use structures are unique because they are designed to combine multiple facilities into one structure. This means that the collective needs in those facilities need to be met in one building which often includes: ● Blending multiple facilities such as offices, residences, retail, parking, entertainment, etc into one cohesive design. ● Following building code requirements which can include sustainability goals, local/state guidelines, and LEED requirements. ● Creating a building that meets the client’s aesthetic goals which might include blending into the surroundings or creating an attention grabbing design that stands out. Precast meets the needs that come with designing mixed-use structures and provides additional benefits to building owners as well. When combining multiple facilities into one structure, some design requirements might be conflicting. This includes such things as having an unconditioned space for a parking garage that sits below a residential unit with consideration for potential noise pollution. Precast is able to take these design requirements and integrate them into one facility that meets the needs of one space without sacrificing the requirements of another. Precast is designed to meet building code requirements without sacrificing aesthetics. Precast is inherently fire resistant and also provides energy efficiency without having to modify much of its base design. If a project has unique requirements such as local or historical guidelines, precast is flexible enough to be designed to satisfy those needs. Precast is also able to meet the aesthetic needs that mixed-use structures can have. Whether a building needs to blend in or stand out, the architectural variety of precast means it can satisfy these goals. Formliners can be used to create unique shapes while stains, paints, and aggregates can be added for additional effect. Precast can be manufactured to match the look of existing materials that may either be hard to obtain or no longer in production. Additional benefits precast provides to mixed-use projects includes accelerated schedules, ability to be erected in tight urban environments, and consistent quality control. Because precast is produced offsite, any issues are solved before the precast components make it to the jobsite. The precast is also able to be shipped directly to the project site when needed, rather than being cast on the site, meaning precast components take up less space for tight project sites and can be delivered and erected in less time. The AMC Oakbrook Center Theater 12 needed to align with an existing retail building while supporting a three-level parking structure with a movie theater on the fourth floor. Precast was used to create the total precast structural framing system of the parking levels, as well as for the architectural precast panels which saved significant cost. The resort-type residential units of the Treysta on the Water complex required a solution that could provide durability and fire resistance for their parking levels. Precast was chosen because it inherently provides fire separation between the parking levels and commercial/residential spaces and was also able to be built quickly to meet the project’s schedule. From creating open floor plates for retail and office space, to the aesthetic versatility to make a parking structures blend in with the surrounding environment, to providing passive fire protection precast is the right choice for mixed-use structures.