Problem

State of Minnesota zoning requirements called for the exterior facade of the new business center to contain 65% Class A materials or materials that are non-combustible and are a minimum of one hour rated. What’s more, the city called for the building to fit into the existing neighborhood and look more like an office building than an industrial one.

Solution

The project used 221 total precast panels to help meet the design and zoning requirements as well as for their durability and cost effectiveness. The project team used exposed aggregate precast panels with horizontal and vertical articulation to accentuate the brick color, and precast panels clad with aluminum composite metal panels around the three primary building entrances. The 12-inch sandwich panels have an R-Value up to 28.2 which not only exceeded the required minimums per the code, but also provided a highly energy efficient building.

Results

The project team erected the insulated precast wall panels over ten working days, which not only allowed for a compressed construction schedule, but also provided a dry and heated environment for the team to finish the interior during the Minnesota winter. And by using precast wall panels and cast-in brick panels, the project saved as much as 30% compared to traditional exterior wall system construction methods.

What’s more, though it is classified as an industrial building, the city wanted it to look more like an office building. The brick exterior finish, and vertical and horizontal articulation, achieve this and make the building feel much smaller than it actually is.