General Administrative Office
Additional Info
Award Winner : Tecno Fast S.A.
Architectural Excellence : This 56 module office complex is the permanent administration facility for the Spence Mine in Calama, Chile. It was designed for the hot, Atacama desert, the driest desert in the world with temperatures ranging from 108F to 23F.
The permanent facility consists of four rings connected by outdoor walkways. These covered verandas serve as dual purpose: used as egress corridors, and to shade the building from the hot desert sun. With primarily exterior walkways, interior corridors are almost non existent, which ensures the maximize number of offices are lit by natural light.
Including a 50 sq.ft. centre core consisting of green space and plants, the design is comprised of 56 modules arranged into four rings. A unique ring for each department, the complex accommodates 115 employees. A second level straddles half of the second and third ring, providing a working environment for general managers. The complex also includes a polyclinic covered Ambulance and Fire department.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Due to the harsh climate, the project was required to withstand extreme temperatures. This provided an opportunity to build modular.
Building in our manufacturing facility, allowed us to reduce costs and build in the most efficient way. With numerous mines in the area, local workers are scarce. This combined with site labor rates being four times higher than plant labor rates, meant obtaining adequate on site workers would have been almost impossible and extremely costly. Also, obtaining material on site would have been challenging as resources are not always available or cost efficient. Building in our own controlled environment allowed the safety of workers to be better monitored and ensured production would not be compromised due to extreme climates.
Windows throughout the complex were designed with a metal exterior grid, giving an architectural feature while reducing heat. Special attention was paid to roof and wall insulation, using weather-strips for maximum dust filtration.
Design Firm Name : Tecno Fast ATCO S.A.
Occupied Date : 11/30/2005
Production Start Date : 6/2/2005
Project Location City : Calama, Region II
Technical Innovation : Manufactured in Santiago, Chile, the modules were shipped by truck 1000 miles through the harsh desert to the Spence Mine.
To accommodate the requested 12’ ceiling in the conference room, this unit was built as a panelized product in our manufacturing facility and once on site the curved ceiling was installed.
The main lobby of the complex and the second level roof were also constructed on site. Built with wood, the pre-engineered truss adds a distinct look. By creating steel beam floors in two units, it was possible to support the 25 foot span of the second level.
A special air conditioned room was designed in the second ring to accommodate the server technology required for the mine. Elevated 1.5’ from the concrete floor, a metal grate created a secondary floor. The gap in between the two floors allows room for cables and wiring. A generator was also included to ensure equipment is safe in the event of a power failure. A special security system and smoke detectors were also used.
Total Square Feet : 40810
Category : Permanent: Office: over 10,000 sq. ft.