Niels Fugal Sons Company, LLC

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The new headquarters for Niels Fugal Sons Company, a full-service, turnkey contractor for the telecom and natural gas industries, marks a major milestone in the company’s proud 100-year legacy. The 31,961-square-foot facility on a 17-acre site includes 10,000 square feet of office space, a 6,000-square-foot warehouse, a dedicated weld shop, seven heavy equipment service bays, and an outdoor wash canopy.

Originally envisioned as a pre-engineered metal building, the project evolved when the design team introduced an architectural tilt-up concrete concept. Supported by photo-realistic renderings and a detailed cost comparison, the tilt-up option offered superior long-term value with only a marginal cost increase. The benefits were clear: enhanced durability, improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance, a longer lifecycle, and a more refined, professional appearance. The decision to build with tilt-up concrete reflects Niels Fugal Sons Company’s forward-thinking mindset investing in a facility that honors their century-long tradition while positioning them for the next 100 years of growth. Tilt-up construction was the ideal solution, providing the resilience and performance needed for a hard-working utility contractor while also delivering a high-end architectural aesthetic.

The result is a high-performance facility that not only meets the demanding needs of a utility services contractor but also serves as a visual anchor in an emerging development area. The architectural expression of the tilt-up panels gives the building a strong, modern presence, reinforcing the Fugal brand and setting a high standard for future development in the region. This project is a clear example of how strategic design choices can add long-term value and impact, turning a utilitarian building into a statement of quality, performance, and pride.

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

One of the primary challenges on this project was budget management, especially amid rising inflation and escalating construction costs. While the initial plan called for a pre-engineered metal building, the design team proposed an architectural tilt-up option that offered long-term advantages. Helping the owner see the value of investing in tilt-up during a time of economic uncertainty required clear communication of its lasting value, including improved durability, lower maintenance, and better energy performance. Ultimately, the owner recognized the benefits and selected tilt-up construction for a modest increase in upfront cost.

Site conditions also posed a significant challenge. Soft soils across the 17-acre site required specialized ground improvement strategies. The team implemented rammed aggregate piers to stabilize the foundation and provide the necessary support for the large tilt-up panels and heavy equipment operations. These obstacles were overcome through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to delivering a high-performance facility that will serve the company for decades to come.

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

A key challenge in the early design phase was demonstrating that tilt-up construction could deliver not just durability, but a distinctive architectural presence worthy of a company with over 100 years of history. The owner was initially hesitant, concerned that tilt-up might appear too utilitarian and be too expensive. To address this, the design team developed an exposed architectural concrete finish that eliminated the need for paint while offering a clean, high-quality appearance. This approach highlighted the inherent value of tilt-up: longevity, low maintenance, and aesthetic integrity, this ultimately won the client’s confidence.

The success of this architectural expression required a high degree of craftsmanship and precision throughout every phase of the panel work. From the earliest tilt-up shop drawings to slab preparation, panel forming, placement, and final sandblasting, each step demanded careful coordination and execution. The result is a refined and resilient building envelope that reflects the company’s identity and sets a benchmark for quality in its growing community.