Pacific Corporate Centre

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Pacific Corporate Centre (PCC) project, developed by Cedar Coast Capital Corporation and constructed by Orion Construction, is a landmark development located at the northeast corner of the Campbell Heights Business Park, straddling the Surrey-Langley border in British Columbia. This expansive, state-of-the-art warehouse facility embodies innovative construction techniques and sustainable practices, making it a standout project in the industrial real estate sector.

One of the most striking features of the PCC is its architectural sound barrier wall. Spanning 319 meters in length and standing 3.5 meters high, this wall serves as a crucial element in integrating the industrial site with the adjacent residential areas. Not only does it provide an effective noise reduction solution, but it also enhances the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal through thoughtfully designed landscape buffers along 196 Street, ensuring the project harmonizes with its surroundings.

A key aspect of PCC's construction was the use of tilt-up concrete methodology, chosen for its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. The project involved 276 panels—137 for Building A and 139 for Building B—covering a total surface area of 111,457 square feet. The largest panels measured an impressive 788 square feet, with the heaviest panel weighing 101,200 pounds. This approach not only streamlined the construction process but also contributed to the structural integrity and durability of the buildings.

The PCC is LEED-certified, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability. The construction utilized sustainable materials specifically chosen to meet LEED standards, and the facility is equipped with energy-efficient systems that contribute to its reduced environmental footprint. Among these features are electric vehicle chargers, promoting the use of green transportation, and ample parking spaces that accommodate the needs of tenants and visitors alike. Covering over 400,000 square feet, the PCC consists of two major buildings. Building A, now occupied by Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) as its Western Distribution Centre, is tailored for high-volume distribution, enhancing MEC's logistics capabilities and operational efficiency. Building B, tenanted by IEM, further underscores the project's appeal to reputable and diverse businesses.

A standout aspect of the PCC's development was the concurrent construction of the Tenant Improvement (TI) and Base Building (BB) phases. This innovative approach allowed for the prepackaging of office solutions during TI construction, which streamlined the outfitting process and reduced overall construction time. This strategy not only sped up the project's delivery but also optimized resource utilization and minimized redundancies, leading to significant cost efficiencies. In terms of materials and construction techniques, the project utilized a sandwich panel system, which offers superior insulation and durability and contributes to the building's overall energy efficiency. This system, along with other LEED-specified equipment, ensures sustainable energy use throughout the facility.

The PCC also prioritized safety and social responsibility, achieving zero serious injuries or lost hours due to accidents during construction. This commitment to worker safety and well-being is a testament to the project's dedication to maintaining high standards in all aspects of its development.

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

The Pacific Corporate Centre (PCC) project overcame several significant obstacles. Key challenges included sourcing sustainable materials for LEED certification, managing the impact of COVID-19 on material availability, and coordinating with Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) to meet their strict occupancy timeline without disrupting their production schedule.

Firstly, sourcing sustainable materials for LEED certification was a primary objective that required meticulous planning and execution. Despite the complexities involved, the team successfully procured environmentally friendly materials, ensuring the project met its sustainability goals. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge to the procurement process. The global supply chain disruptions made sourcing sustainable and general construction materials difficult. The project team had to adapt quickly by identifying alternative suppliers and implementing flexible procurement strategies to mitigate delays. These efforts were crucial in keeping the project on schedule and within budget. Additionally, working with MEC to meet their occupancy timeline was critical. The project team coordinated closely with MEC to ensure that their new Western Distribution Centre would be ready for occupancy without any delays that could impact their operations. This required precise scheduling and efficient workflow management to align construction activities with MEC's operational requirements.

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

One of the most significant challenges was the sheer scale and weight of the panels used in the tilt-up concrete construction methodology. The project involved a total of 276 panels, with Building A utilizing 137 panels and Building B using 139 panels. The largest panels measured an impressive 788 square feet, and the heaviest panel weighed 101,200 pounds. These dimensions required meticulous planning and precision during the casting, lifting, and installation processes to ensure structural integrity and safety.

The design also included various panel types, such as the largest spandrel panel, which measured 24 feet and 1 ¼ inches in width, and the tallest panel standing at 46 feet and 1 inch. These diverse panel specifications necessitated customized engineering solutions to handle the different loads and stresses each panel type would experience. The project incorporated sustainable design elements, including panels made from materials that contributed to the LEED certification. This required careful selection and sourcing of materials to meet environmental standards while maintaining the project's structural requirements.

Another unique feature was the integration of advanced insulation techniques using a sandwich panel system. This system not only provided superior thermal performance, enhancing the building's energy efficiency but also contributed to the structure's overall durability and longevity. The PCC project also addressed site-specific challenges, such as constructing a 319-meter-long, 3.5-meter-high architectural sound barrier wall. This wall was designed to integrate seamlessly with the tilt-up panels, requiring precise alignment and installation techniques to ensure both functional and aesthetic cohesion.

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

The Pacific Corporate Centre (PCC) project has the potential to positively impact both the community and the environment. Strategically located at the Campbell Heights Business Park, the PCC enhances the local economy by attracting reputable tenants such as Mountain Equipment Company (MEC). This influx of businesses generates employment opportunities and stimulates economic growth in the Surrey-Langley region. The project's LEED certification underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability. By utilizing sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems, the PCC reduces its carbon footprint and promotes eco-friendly practices. Features such as electric vehicle chargers encourage green transportation, contributing to long-term environmental benefits.

The construction of a 319-meter-long, 3.5-meter-high architectural sound barrier wall exemplifies PCC's dedication to community integration. This wall mitigates noise pollution, preserving the quality of life for nearby residential areas. Additionally, the thoughtfully designed landscape buffers along 196 Street enhance the visual appeal and foster a harmonious relationship between the industrial site and its surroundings. Social responsibility is a core tenet of the PCC project, as evidenced by its exemplary safety record with zero serious injuries or lost hours during construction. This focus on worker safety ensures a positive impact on the well-being of construction personnel.