North Boca Sentry Storage

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

North Boca Storage represents an award-winning achievement in tilt-up construction, exemplifying the seamless fusion of intricate architectural design with cutting-edge construction methodologies. Strategically situated along Boca Raton’s North Federal Highway corridor, this facility distinguishes itself as both a visually commanding and technically sophisticated exemplar of modern self-storage architecture. A cornerstone of the project’s success is its groundbreaking use of 100% on-site tilt-up construction for the entire vertical shell. This ambitious approach presented considerable challenges, driven by complex architectural demands that integrated extensive vertical and horizontal features directly within the tilt-up panels. Some panels measured over 63 feet in length and exceeded 135 tons in weight—highlighting the engineering precision and construction expertise that were essential to realizing this visionary design.

The building’s dramatic façade is defined by a bold interplay of projections, recesses, and surface treatments, which collectively generate striking shadow box effects. This dynamic façade was achieved through innovative manipulation of panel thicknesses, starting with a uniform base of 7.25 inches and expanding up to 16 inches using advanced platform formwork techniques. The resulting layered, multidimensional surfaces imbue the exterior with depth, complexity, and architectural richness.

Further refinement is found in the meticulous detailing of the panels. Select areas are recessed to the 7.25-inch base thickness and enhanced with decorative formliner appliqués, introducing tactile texture and visual character. Elsewhere, clean ¾-inch reveals articulate the façade with a more linear precision. At various floors, panel thicknesses increased to 17.25 inches to accommodate integrated architectural banding—comprised of 12-inch-high by 6-inch-deep feature bands—which, in some instances, extended total panel depth to an impressive 23.25 inches.

Perhaps most noteworthy is the sophisticated way these variations in panel thickness and banding were employed to wrap around corners and transition onto adjoining elevations. This design strategy created prominent three-dimensional corner features that enhance both the structural integrity and aesthetic rhythm of the building, providing seamless transitions that amplify the facility’s visual identity from multiple vantage points.

Beyond its architectural complexity, the project demanded exceptional coordination among architects, engineers, and construction teams. The integration of structural and aesthetic components within singular concrete panels eliminated the need for applied finishes or additional cladding, significantly streamlining construction while preserving design intent and durability. North Boca Storage stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative innovation and technical mastery. The project’s intricate tilt-up construction, precise detailing, and flawless execution have culminated in a landmark building that transcends mere utility, delivering a self-storage facility of enduring architectural significance and operational excellence.

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

The award-winning construction seamlessly integrated all architectural vertical and horizontal features into the tilt-up panels, with some of the largest panels spanning over 63 feet and weighing more than 135 tons. The building exemplifies innovative design, with its entire vertical shell constructed entirely through on-site tilt-up methods—making the formwork exceptionally complex and technically demanding.

The project’s ambitious architectural requirements highlighted the construction team’s precision, craftsmanship, and engineering expertise, culminating in a bold and visually striking landmark along Boca Raton’s North Federal Highway corridor.

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

North Boca Storage features bold architectural projections and linear recesses designed to create dramatic shadow box effects across the façade. The tilt-up panel thicknesses varied significantly, starting from a uniform base thickness of 7.25 inches and increasing up to 16 inches through the use of platform formwork, resulting in a rich composition of surfaces, layers, and projections.

Certain panel areas were recessed to the base thickness of 7.25 inches and enhanced with formliner appliqués, while others incorporated traditional _-inch reveals. In select sections, the panel thickness increased to 17.25 inches at various floor levels, accented by 12-inch-high by 6-inch-deep feature bands. These elements collectively brought the total panel thickness to 23.25 inches in some locations.

These projections and banding elements were carefully designed to wrap around building corners, seamlessly transitioning onto adjacent elevations. The result is a striking three-dimensional corner feature that reinforces the building's architectural depth and visual interest.