Sharmon

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Sharmon Project began as two Spec Buildings, initially constructed without tenants. About four months into construction, the owner secured leases for the spaces. The project started on-site in June 2022 with a nine-month timeline, but work was put on hold in December of the same year due to required tenant improvements. During the hold period, the project underwent significant design changes to accommodate the tenants' needs, involving collaboration with the Architect, Structural Engineer, and Civil Engineer. The project resumed construction in March 2023 and was completed in May 2024.

Key architectural features included:

• Accent Wing Walls: Designed to extend diagonally from the building.
• Tower Panels: Two large storefront panels that extend over the top of the buildings and weld to the top of their Parapet Walls at the Roof.
• Out of Plane Panel designed to shield the PEMB Gutter above Entry
• Panel Overlaps and Thickened Edges provide massing, depth and intrigue to the observer
• While these Features were premiums, the added expense was minor in the grand scheme of the overall project because we were able to use common materials (Concrete, Steel, Paint) to achieve the look architecturally.
• Both the wing walls and the tower panels were challenging due to their monolithic construction, poured as single, continuous pieces. This required innovative engineering solutions to meet the architect's complex design specifications, which aimed to create a visually striking structure at the storefront entrance rather than a pair of simple box buildings.

Achievements:

• Design and Construction Collaboration: Successfully managed extensive design revisions in collaboration with various stakeholders during the project hold.
• Innovative Structural Solutions: Overcame significant engineering challenges to implement complex architectural storefront features.
• Tenant Accommodation: Modified original spec buildings in the middle of construction to meet specific tenant requirements, enhancing the project's functionality and appeal.

Overall, the Sharmon project exemplified effective adaptation to tenant needs and complex architectural design, demonstrating strong coordination between design and construction teams.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The Sharmon Project faced and overcame significant obstacles related to scheduling and program specifications. Four months into construction, the project was put on hold, causing a four-month delay, and requiring extensive rescheduling. Remobilizing subcontractors was challenging due to their ongoing commitments. During the hold period, extensive design changes to meet tenant requirements necessitated multiple rounds of documentation and approvals, leading to revised subcontractor agreements and scope of work modifications.

Several developers had attempted to develop the site, which faced challenges including a fault line bisecting the site, shallow stormwater flowlines, and lack of water/sewer services. Construction revealed that a local AHJ's contractor had blocked our stormwater flow, causing backups. We notified the AHJ, who rectified the issue.

Instead of one large building over the fault line, the team built two structures on either side. The pond is 50% gravity and 50% pumped by a lift station. We permitted and drilled a water well in a difficult-to-permit groundwater district, added a fire tank and pump, and installed separate septic systems for each building.

Meeting Building 1's tenant's increased power requirements was critical. The existing 800-amp service was insufficient, necessitating an additional 2000 amps. Our energy partners installed a new terminal pole, and we excavated an 8-foot deep, 5-foot-wide trench in existing paving to lay the necessary electrical duct bank for the upgraded pad mounted service.

Through effective communication, coordination, and problem-solving, the team successfully navigated these obstacles, advancing the Sharmon Project to meet its objectives.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

The entry panel designs were particularly challenging to both design and installation. These included five spandrel panels per building, one of which was an out-of-plane panel. These spandrel panels converged at the entry and were supported by a diagonal feature panel or “wing wall," necessitating precise engineering to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

The design also incorporated hidden panel-to-panel connections to provide necessary structural strength while maintaining a clean and seamless exterior look. Additionally, the lobby stair towers were designed as monolithic panels that also functioned as a building envelope break. This innovative tower panel design meant that the lobby stairs and landing would be incapsulated within the interior build out area, while below the landing would be outside of the building's envelope, exposed to the south end wall landscaped areas.

Further complexity was introduced with the PEMB frame near the office area, which used a thickened panel leg for support. This design choice helped regain some floor space in the build-out. The out-of-plane spandrel also served a practical purpose by concealing the gutter system around the entry features, contributing to both the functionality and the streamlined appearance of the building.

Because these were Side-Load Spec Bldgs, the Dock Walls were designed to bear at 5' below FF to allow for both At-Grade or Dock-High Truck Access. Bldg 2 ended up being Dock High while Bldg 1 was a combination of Dock-High and At-Grade Doors.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment?

Environmentally, the project is designed with energy efficiency in mind. All light fixtures used are LED, ensuring reduced energy consumption compared to traditional lighting. Additionally, the high bay lighting in the shop/warehouse, all office lighting, and office restroom sinks are equipped with motion sensors, further conserving energy and water use. The team also included Wallite panels for natural lighting of the warehouses, enhancing energy efficiency. This focus on energy efficiency not only reduces the building's carbon footprint but also promotes sustainable practices.

From a community perspective, the project's location is strategically placed to benefit the surrounding area. By providing employment opportunities, the project will contribute to the local economy, potentially increasing job availability and fostering economic growth.