Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

Overview

Speed of construction: the new education building needed to be open in time for the school year in August. Tilt-wall greatly sped up the construction process by integrating the exterior perimeter structure, primary bracing system, and exterior architectural finish in one operation.

Flexibility: the project was originally conceived as precast floor structure. During the design process, this was changed to a hybrid precast/cast-in-place system along with composite and non-composite steel floor construction. Tilt wall worked with them all, with only minor changes to the perimeter detailing to accommodate all the framing systems.

Hurricane protection: precast cost-effectively met the wind borne debris requirements of Dade and Broward Counties for hurricane protection. This protection was provided at no additional cost (inherent to the concrete tilt-wall system) where other construction types would have had significant additional costs.

Architectural expression: allowed the architect a clean slate for providing unique architectural elements, including multiple form liners, non-repetitive and free-form reveals, and unique window shapes and patterns for minimal additional cost.

Area industry standards: construction in the South Florida area depends heavily on concrete elements (tilt-wall). Use of the tilt wall systems offered a well occupied construction type that proved to be cost effective.

Campus continuity: additional existing facilities on the campus are tilt wall. Tilt wall fit the campus facility palette.

Features

Panel repetitions used with differing orientations. Form liners to provide enhanced articulation and expression.

Recognition

Community impact has been great. Multiple project/trade awards have been issued for ideal recognition. Facility has been recognized in the religious community for the extent of programs offered through this building.

Additional information

We were able to achieve a unique multi-story educational building in a hurricane region with a very fast and cost-effective structure. The low cost of the building structure allowed the architect more leeway with interior and exterior finishes, creating an impressive and fun educational facility for children.