Valmark Industries

What was the Overall Complexity of the project?

The Valmark Industries building is not a typical manufacturing facility. We were designing a building on an irregularly shaped lot that required specialized corners and offsets for the property. Moreover, the planning department in the City of Livermore was using our building to set the standard for the area and we wanted to make sure our building was set apart from others. We were also presented with the challenge of hiding from view a large nitrogen tank adjacent to the building.

What were the special architectural treatments?

Darker color tones not typically seen on manufacturing facilities were used at Valmark. Off sets in walls that stair-stepped back were designed to accommodate the facility on the irregularly shaped lot as well as to provide us with the unique exterior design. 12" half-round EIFS feature strip bands completely surrounded the building. Vertical 12" half-round bands were also used to highlight the entryway. Additionally, continuing bands of glass were used throughout the exterior of the building.

What were the outstanding features?

Curved walls were used in several locations throughout the building to give a smooth transition. Custom 8-foot radius corner walls were formed as part of the Tilt-Up panel with half of each radius cast in each corner of the panel. The steel forms were used three to four times each.

What additional features or comments should be made?

Valmark Industries uses several million-dollar printing machines to print labels, posters, etc. Most of the facility is for printing and production, requiring substantial ventilation and air conditioning. The Tilt-Up walls were extended to form a parapet to screen equipment from view, and 3 radius panels were added to screen the large nitrogen tank.