Longmont Humane Society Allen Center

This project was a modernization and upgrade of a concrete dome structure originally built in the post-WWII era. The owners wanted to keep the dome and add elements that would mimic the original style while creating an attractive new look. Tilt-up was the best choice for the large curved, triangular roof sections we jokingly nicknamed "the flying Dorito chips." Utilizing tilt-up allowed the rest of the project to be built simultaneously with the panels, shortening the overall schedule considerably. The casting bed was created by building a wood framework over a dirt mound and sheeting with double layers of form plywood.

The use of tilt-up for this project extends the limits of tilt-up far beyond the "concrete box" mentality. Although it only uses four panels, the tilt-up portion of the building has become its defining feature. Too often, we forget that tilt-up can be fun. With this job, we had a lot of fun.