Quala Republica Domicana

The architect wanted to use white concrete in exterior tilt-up panels. Some exterior panel surfaces were built with white concrete and the aggregate exposed. The manufacturing area was designed using ventilation with roof thermo siphons and natural light with concrete, custom-made skylights. The entire structure was built in concrete (walls, columns, beams and roof). The windows were also built in concrete (prefabricated lattices). Tilt-up panels on the south side were designed to be removed for a future expansion. The primary load-bearing structures (columns and beams) were built with the same concept of tilt-up panels (prefabricated in-situ and hoisted).

This project demonstrates innovation with the use of white concrete, the use of concrete in all of the structure, shell and finishing elements. It features an innovative surface finish with exposed aggregate. This project provided a great source of employment to the community and has increased the value of land in the area.

The design of the project - with natural ventilation and natural light - decreased electricity use by almost 100 percent. With the tallest panel of 50 feet, 10 inches, and widest panel measuring 30 feet, 3 inches, the project's 160 panels cover a wall area of 85,878 square feet. The heaviest panel weighs 108,270 pounds.