While many projects begin with an analysis of site conditions and programmatic goals, the $6-million, 68,000-square-foot Brandywine 6 office building’s beginnings were a bit different.
Nearly eight years ago, The Henderson Group engaged a firm to design a built-to-spec office building in Chadds Ford, PA. The building’s footprint and site plan were approved by the township; however, due to external forces, the project went on hold.
In 2016, The Henderson Group engaged Universal Concrete Products to finish the project with one major constraint: the building’s footprint and site plan could not change. To make things more interesting, the approval was due to expire in July 2016, so the project needed to move quickly.
The design team worked closely with the precaster to perfect panel design and fabrication. The office building features 98 panels, 68 of which were designed to be identical for economical reuse across the façade. While panel repetition maximized project economy, the interplay of light with the panel undulations provides a dynamic façade.
The project’s budget was directly tied to a predetermined leasing agreement and wouldn’t have been possible unless the core and shell cost was under $83 per square foot. Due to the project’s budget, the most sensible construction method included steel framing and a precast concrete exterior.
Download the case study to see how precast concrete enabled an affordable and aesthetically unique design:
Through the innovative use of precast concrete and close collaboration with the construction team, the final result is a picturesque, budget-friendly office building despite tight limitations with both money and time.
Use these reference tools from the PCI Mid-Atlantic Chapter to learn more about architectural precast cladding and building enclosure systems.
Checklist: Architectural Cladding & Building Enclosure Checklist
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Blog: Thin Brick & Architectural Terra Cotta in Precast Concrete Panels Enhance Building Facades
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Designers Notebooks: PCI Architectural Precast Concrete Certification Category Selection Guidelines
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FAQs: Precast Insulated Wall Panels
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Webinars: Explore our eLearning Center for on demand courses
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The Chadds Ford office building stands as a unique and impressive representation of architectural precast concrete’s capabilities to flex according to various aesthetic and functionality requirements while accelerating construction timelines.
Download the full case study to see more photos of Brandywine 6 and get a detailed breakdown of how PCI-Certified Precast Producer Universal Concrete Products helped bring this office building to life.
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