Valero Port Arthur Refinery
Additional Info
Award Winner : Nortex Modular Space
Architectural Excellence : The layout for the building required that three different types of areas function independently of each other. These areas included security, outpatient medical, and fitness center. The original project was designed as a conventionally-constructed facility with a larger overall square footage. Because the cost of the conventional construction was determined to be well beyond the available budget for the facility, alternate types of construction were considered. The company’s project team determined that a permanent modular design met the company’s functional requirements and; with thorough front-end design development, a modular facility was provided that consisted of a comparable mix of interior and exterior architectural features and aesthetics. The end result was a facility that is very pleasing to the end-users of the facility; while the project cost came in well under budget and at a fraction of the cost that had been anticipated for a conventionally-constructed facility.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : As described above, the modular design included many ‘Green’ features and; in fact, implemented many of the principles associated with LEED certification programs(although no formal level of certification was actually sought). From the very beginning of the project (in the cost proposal stage), Nortex had its in-house LEED AP involved in the selection of building specifications & equipment that would be proposed for the building. In the final analysis, the ‘Green’ building features added very little to the cost of the overall project, while offering a high degree of energy efficiency while minimizing the environmental impact of the project. Additionally, the building cost less than half of what had been projected for the cost of the conventionally-constructed building project.
Design Firm Name : Nortex Modular Space
Occupied Date : 9/27/2010
Production Start Date : 5/13/2010
Project Location City : Port Arthur
Project Location State Name : TX
Technical Innovation : As with most building construction projects, the customer had a vision of how they wanted the end product to look. Their vision included a ground level front entry to be accessed from the main parking area. Also the modular design/build facility was to look like a nearby conventionally built facility. By designing a permanent concrete foundation system that included a curb-skirt-wall and proper grading and backfilling, the ground level entry was accomplished. With a well planned mix of multi-color stucco, and various trim profiles, the exterior was able to have the same appearance as the conventionally constructed facility. While the project did not specifically address LEED certification, it included many Green features, including energy-efficient electrical and mechanical components, low-flow plumbing fixtures, skylights, and an energy-efficient structural envelope. Special design features were implemented for protection from a corrosive environment and possible hurricanes.
Total Square Feet : 6272