Rio Southwest

Additional Info

Award Winner : Accelerated Construction Technologies

Architectural Excellence : Design build for on-line college to offer classroom instruction, computer labs, testing center, and administrative support. Adjacent to residential neighborhoods and major thoroughfare with retail and a school across the street.

Vision was to create a building that draws the outside features in. 22’ soaring front monoliths with dry stacked stone accents frame the entry for architectural focus. Features include: clerestory windows in the 16’ high lobby, carpet pattern & interior paint & fixtures that match the earth tones of the stacked stone. Blue tone steel columns draw the color from the stacked stone bases. The interior columns mimic the columns at each entrance. Clerestory windows create light and shadowing throughout the lobby. Floor plan is based on a flat bottom “V” for maximum street exposure.

“Building front design” configuration moves parking to the rear for the most street front visibility. The design is being looked at as a prototype.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Exterior walls are steel with 6” wall studs with 1” foam gaining R-value. The exterior uses 1” insulation board for a net R-value of 25 for the wall system. Roof systems employ R30+ batt insulation & rigid reflective foam insulation for increased R-value & sound control. Electrical designs are 3 phase power for minimum energy use. The package includes 1” SOLEX dual glazing, tinted windows. Close tolerances minimize air infiltration into buildings. High SEER package mechanical units reduce energy costs. Clerestory windows are used for diffused lighting in the desert to reduce utility usage. Window canopies and entrance overhangs reduce direct desert sun.

General contractor for infrastructure & site improvements, including utility & permit coordination, and architect of record while collaborating with owner/architect on design.

Selected by owner for 2nd project due to accelerated process. On site only 4 months.

Design Firm Name : Orcutt Winslow

Occupied Date : 1/15/2008

Production Start Date : 7/25/2007

Project Location City : Avondale

Project Location State Name : AZ

Technical Innovation : This permanent high public use educational building features steel superstructure and framing, slab-on-grade foundation, EIFS, decorative stacked stone & changes in rooflines and ceiling heights. The steel construction provides added strength & durability for many years of commercial high public use. Clerestory windows & window canopies diffuse direct light (and heat) in the desert. Telescoping system creates large open lobby to 16’ while maintaining ease of shipping. Screen wall (matches the canopies) with metal deck face hides roof mounted units. Rooms have additional sound containment, high tech audio / visual & presentation equipment, energy management system monitoring from the District Office 30 miles away.

Total Square Feet : 12170

Category : Permanent: Education: over 10,000 sq. ft.