Quebec Branch Office Expansion

Additional Info

Award Winner : ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.

Architectural Excellence : Our existing branch office was augmented with two modular units tucked between the original workshop and office. The wall and roof structures to the modified units were reinforced for higher snow withstanding capacity. Each end of the roof was built on-site to ensure it was well-integrated with the existing complex. The brick facade was also installed on-site for aesthetic continuity. The units were installed on a permanent concrete foundation with three steel beams and concrete pilasters in the 60' bearing axis.

The complex consists of four offices, open work area, service room, and a meeting/lunch room. A 3’ section between two adjacent offices, along the workshop wall, wrapped around the front, was completed with floor-to-ceiling glass partitions to let in natural light. A 4' x 4' skylight above the open work area further brightens up the space. Windows in the original office were kept and finished with melamine trim that match the workstations for a more open and unified look.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The thermos windows of the modified units were reinstalled, and the central HVAC system main duct was cleaned prior to being modified for cost efficiency. Programmable exterior lights further save energy and cost. The renovation of existing fleet units provided a project cost savings of about $30,000.

Design Firm Name : Geiger Huot, Architects

Engineering Firm Name : BCA Consultants

Installer Firm Name : Les Contructions Fra-ber

Occupied Date : 6/17/2014

Owner Firm Name : ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.

Production Start Date : 4/28/2014

Project Location City : La Prairie

Project Location State Name : QC

Technical Innovation : The air around the skylight above the open work area is circulated with a small 4-inch fresh air diffuser to avoid surface condensation between seasons. Insulation keeps noise from travelling between workstations and the lunchroom. The thickness of original 2" x 4" exterior walls were increased to 2" x 6", allowing for better heat insulation from R12 to R20. The third original window from the existing office was converted into shelves that fit into the common wall between the original office complex and the expansion. The wall between the workshop and the office, as well as the door into the workshop, is 1-hour fire resistant rated.

Total Square Feet : 1440