An infi ll multifamily project in Denver features a new framing system
The B Street LoHi building in Denver serves double duty as a multifamily gentrifi cation project that also show- cases a highly effi cient light-gauge steel framing system that takes advantage of building information modeling (BIM) technology. In more ways than one, this building rep- resents a future vision: both for a rising neighborhood in Denver and
commercial construction. Developed by Palisade Partners and designed
by Craine Architecture, both based in Denver, the new fi ve-story, 73-unit building provides many of the features that young renters desire, such as a clubhouse, Wi-Fi in the common areas, a rooftop deck with fi replace, a fi tness room, reserved park- ing for 75 vehicles as well as bike parking area. In the Lower Highlands (LoHi) area of Denver, more developers are moving to establish new properties in a dynamic urban setting. The B Street LoHi building offers just such a
residence, but one of the major stories about this building is the construction process. Prescient is a light-gauge steel framing system that utilizes a pro- priety software system that aims to deliver a more effi cient and cost-effective framing system for conventional building structures. The B Street LoHi building was the fi rst building completed using the new system.
The framing system According to Denver-based Prescient CEO John Vanker, the 60,000-square-foot building fram- ing was installed in just six weeks, which is a production rate of more than 15,000 square feet per week. Here’s how the system works. During the design process, the framing components are aligned to a 2-foot by 2-foot grid. Once schematic design begins, the software populates the design with panels, columns and trusses—the three basic components of the framing. All the elements re- side at specifi c locations on the grid and from that
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the software can develop the framing model. Vanker says, “If we can build a building virtually,
we can work out a lot of the downstream problems, waste and ineffi ciencies that occur from not having different sets of plans aligned or coordinated.” So the Prescient system allows creating a true
BIM system, which can be used by all the trades, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing. They know, prior to construction and very early in the design process, how they can fi t their systems into the framing and overall schematic design. Prescient builds the panels in a manufacturing
environment and not on-site, which offers effi cien- cy advantages in staging of materials, as well as control over quality and a safer work environment. The panels are packages and marked with la-
bels that identify specifi cally on the grid where each element fi ts. “We take the building from the virtual environment and that to the grid in the built envi- ronment,” explains Vanker. “All of our pieces and components and a specifi c address on the grid.” The labels use QR codes to help crews iden-
tify that bundle’s location in the building, and it is delivered to the location that is most effi cient for its use. Because the system transfers directly from the CAD environment to the built environment, there is no interpretation of the plans. “We are precisely building what is designed,” says Vanker.
Return on investment The advantage is in building exactly what is de- signed. The aim is to work within a 1/4-inch toler- ance level, so there is a high level of predictability. The trades don’t need to redesign mechanical, electrical or plumbing (MEP) plans because there are no surprises. “We can work out problems in the offi ce rather than the fi eld,” Vanker says. “Without BIM, the whole effort to collaborate is much more diffi cult. You are trying to work around non-integrated drawing sets.” In simplest terms, everything fi ts together neatly because it was fi gured specifi cally before construction began. The savings are obvious. Fewer errors and change orders mean greater effi ciency. Manu-
facturing off site means that the building cycle is compressed and construction can go faster. “Out install capacity is about 20,000 square feet a week,” Vanker says. In addition, unlike with wood or concrete
construction, there is no need to wait for curing or settlement. “You can start installing your MEPs on the fi rst fl oor while we’re framing the second fl oor,” Vanker adds.
The future The B Street LoHi building is trying to achieve LEED Silver certifi cation. One of the advantages of light-gauge steel framing is that the material is 100 percent recyclable, and Prescient uses coil stock that is 95 percent recycled to manufacture its framing. In addition, there are energy savings during construction because the panels are built in a manufacturing setting instead of on-site. The goal for Prescient is to provide a turnkey
system for the general contractor and building owner using certifi ed contactors as installers. The target market is multiunit projects, including rental properties, senior housing, hospitality and others. The B Street LoHi building is the fi rst step for the company down that path.
Vital Stats Project: B Street LoHi Building Location: Denver Completion Date: July 2013 Architect: Craine Architecture, Denver General contractor: Confl uence Builders, Golden, Colo. Framing system: Prescient, Denver,
www.prescientco.com
December 2013 Metal Home Digest 57
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