OTC Industrial Campus

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Orem Tech Center is a standout example of modern tilt-up concrete construction, designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-performance commercial space in Utah Valley. Comprising a seven-building development totaling over 800,000 square feet, the project combines functionality, durability, and aesthetic innovation—earning regional recognition for excellence in design and execution.

The program called for the construction of seven tilt-up flex industrial buildings with shared infrastructure, targeting tech companies and innovative startups, as well as retail, training facilities, warehouse storage, light manufacture, etc. The design needed to support a variety of tenants with requirements for high ceilings, natural lighting, efficient mechanical systems, and adaptable interior configurations. With speed-to-market a priority, tilt-up construction was chosen for its speed, cost-efficiency, and scalability.

Key architectural features include expansive glass storefronts integrated with load-bearing tilt-up panels, creating an appealing facade while maintaining structural integrity. Concrete panels were cast on site with a painted and form-liner finish, enhancing visual interest. Varying panel heights and subtle color shifts in the concrete surface create a dynamic rhythm, breaking the massing and elevating the aesthetic beyond the typical industrial norm. Functionally, the buildings feature 34-foot clear heights, open spans up to 60 feet, and generous loading docks—supporting a variety of light manufacturing, warehouse, or office uses. The roof systems were engineered to support solar panel installations, aligning with long-term sustainability goals.

The project team leveraged BIM (Building Information Modeling) during both the design and construction phases, enabling tight coordination between trades and reducing conflicts in the field. The tilt-up methodology reduced construction time by 25% compared to conventional systems, with panels erected in just days after curing. Sustainable features include high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, and natural lighting, and roof mounted solar, etc. Locally sourced materials were used, supporting the developer’s environmental responsibility objectives.

This project exemplifies the potential of tilt-up construction to deliver projects that are not only fast and functional but also visually compelling and environmentally responsible. Through a blend of design innovation, construction efficiency, and thoughtful programming, it stands as a model for modern tech-enabled commercial development.

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

The roof system was designed for bay spacings of 52' x 54' with a 60' speed bay. The tallest wall panels are 39'-8" and are only 8" thick. The height to thickness ratio is approximately 60. Traditionally wall panels have been designed for height to thickness ratios of 48 or 50. Because of the length of the building, interior Buckling Restrained Braces were use to help resist lateral loads due to seismic forces. The BRB's are used in conjunction with the exterior tilt-up walls which act as shear walls, as well as bearing wall, while providing the architectural finishes and building envelope.