1050 Swabia Court

Summarize the project's program, features, and achievements:
Situated in the North Carolina technology hotbed of Research Triangle Park, 1050 Swabia Court is a 2-story production and manufacturing facility located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Built to meet the needs of its Client's expanding operations, the building offers an additional 78,394 sq ft of space for the development and production of animal health devices and technology. To make this building stand out from others in the business park, the architect incorporated unique finishes and ornamentation. Thin bricks were embedded in the facade, with two different colors and a mix of running bond, soldier course, and continuous vertical joint detailing to create visual interest. Recessed portions were also used at all sides to add depth and shadowing. These recesses created the desired effects but came with some difficulties during construction. With opening and recess widths of 22', panel reinforcement required defining 3 layers within the panel's varying thickness. Coordinating and conveying these details from the Engineer to the Field was an important and major task. Vertically oriented fluted formliner was also cast into the Tilt-Up panels, also recessed 2-4" in some areas, and required specific detailing at exterior lighting as well as the horizontal sunshade projections around the perimeter. Lifting these panels into place was another feat in itself. Due to the adjacent facility, 300' of the perimeter was inaccessible for the 330-ton crawler crane. Pairing that with FAA-restricted boom length, the site is less than 3 miles from a major airport, the crane needed to be positioned on the slab for much of the erection. Strongbacks were also required on many panels due to the wide opening and recessed panel thickness. Despite some construction challenges, 1050 Swabia Court is a remarkable addition to the business park. The finished production and manufacturing facility provides ample space for new developments and productions in animal health and technology. Meticulous attention to detail and unique finishes make the building stand out from its surroundings and create a functional and visually pleasing space for its client's expanding operations.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project? Limited Crane access, FAA-Restrictions, Meticulous brick detailing

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project. ? Wide openings, 4" recesses, Complex panel reinforcing

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment? Reinvigorate and raise the architectural bar within the business park