Tidewater Community College
Additional Info
Award Winner : Wilmot Modular Structures, Inc.
Architectural Excellence : Project consists of (2) 18-unit complexes connected by decks & ramps & used as temporary classrooms and offices. The building’s configuration and fire lane placement was instrumental in allowing the school to maximize number of students and still meet Life Safety and setback requirements. The exterior finish complements the same earthtones and red brick look on surrounding buildings. A faux-brick panel system closes in the crawl space and creates the look of a masonry foundation wall as seen on nearby buildings. Interior colors were based on studies which indicate how colors and designs affect students’ behaviors including how they move through hallways. A striped pattern of black tile runs the length of each hallway because it creates a better traffic flow for students going in both directions. The main entrance conjoins both buildings and has fire-retardent lumber on all framing, deckboards, pickets, handrails and canopy roofs finished with 25 Yr, 120 mph rated, asphalt shingles.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The building met the IBC 2009 energy requirements. It was placed and designed so the ingress and egress would meet Life Safety Requirements. As a result, the school saved $200,000 by not having to install a fire suppression system. The building was designed to allow solar panels to be installed for the harvesting of solar power. It provides an energy savings and the school is utilizing the equipment for the vocational education of students. The mechanical system was designed using multiple roof top units with humidity controls and programmable thermostats which allowed for localized comfort control and reduction of energy consumption when buildings are not occupied. The largest cost savings was meeting the school’s deadline. 500 students were able to start classes on time and generate tuitions. Modular construction was chosen so the factory construction could coincide with the site development. The project was able to complete in 29 days from the date the permit was issued.
Occupied Date : 8/18/2011
Production Start Date : 5/9/2011
Project Location City : Chesapeake
Project Location State Name : VA
Technical Innovation : After the buildings were set, a custom 3PH wire system was brought to the building in the form of separate panels, disconnects and wiring so students could utilize these features in their classroom curriculum. Custom floor junction boxes were installed in the factory in order to save time on site. The boxes allowed for independently contained power and low voltage wiring which maximized the usable space in an open classroom setting with multiple workstations. Another technical feature added to the building was the use of motorized vent fans in the crawl space to provide humidity control and airflow. They are hardwired to building and operate on a humidistat. The RTU’s were sized to handle high heat loads from computer and 3PH electrical labs. The factory cut out and prepared roof penetrations for installation of RTU’s on site.
Total Square Feet : 29520