Courtyard Cafe

Additional Info

Award Winner : Vanguard Modular Building Systems, LLC

Architectural Excellence : The college town of Chapel Hill, NC needed an additional retail café to provide meals for hospital employees and patient visitors to the hospital. The existing café was deteriorating and had no commercial kitchen, thus limiting what could be provided to its customers. Without an option for freshly cooked meals on site, people were walking ¾ mile through congested campus streets for them. The Courtyard Café is comprised of 4 modules and totals 3752 sq.ft. It includes inside seating for 80 with ADA compliant bathrooms, sprinkler system, commercial kitchen space, a serving line, freezer room, refrigerated areas for prepared salads & drinks, coffee bar, and cash office. The exterior features multiple entry points with Trex railing & decking, a metal roof covered entrance, and a side lift station for deliveries. The exterior also includes a site installed metal roof, hardie panel siding trimmed to match the hospital colors, and outdoor seating areas to view the beautiful campus surrounding.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Modular construction allowed the 3752 square foot café to be completed in a fraction of the time it would have taken for traditional site built construction. Vanguard Modular Building Systems managed all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry work, thereby permitting the client to quickly open its doors and start generating revenue sooner. As a result, the client received significant cost and time savings. ENERGY STAR appliances were installed at the Courtyard Café to lower energy consumption and operational costs. Additionally, the café is equipped with four flat screen televisions for menu highlights, campus news, and world events. Wireless connectivity throughout allows customers to stay in touch outside the campus.

Design Firm Name : MHAworks, PA

Occupied Date : 3/30/2012

Production Start Date : 12/19/2011

Project Location City : Chapel Hill

Project Location State Name : NC

Technical Innovation : The client, a major university hospital, supplied the seating and equipment to furnish the kitchen/cafeteria. Vanguard Modular Building Systems handled all else such as the foundation, HVAC installed in attic, sprinkler system, special carpet squares in dining area, painted sheetrock walls, and epoxy flooring throughout the kitchen area. The dropped t-grid ceiling was installed for easy access to data systems, phones, and cable, so, should a problem arise, workers can easily access it. The café features a stainless steel serving line and checkout area for customers, multiple areas for condiments, water fountains, and a wireless camera system for security. The café property includes an outdoor seating area as an option for customers to enjoy their meal. This unique campus property provides customers convenient access to quality food but with the ability to stay close to their work or loved ones. Vending machines, ice machines, and an ATM were also installed for customers’ convenience.

Total Square Feet : 3752