Blue Ridge Independent School District
Additional Info
Award Winner : Ramtech Building Systems, Inc.
Architectural Excellence : The building is constructed utilizing a total of (30) 12’ and 14’ wide modules in a 66’ length totaling 28,200 sf. The layout of this highly efficient new two-story elementary school building provides 17 classrooms, two science labs, a lab prep areas, storage, server room, administrative office space, and a comprehensive library and media center. The facility has integrated data, communication, fire protection and alarm systems, and mechanical and lighting systems designed to accommodate the school district’s energy management system. The parapet wall construction incorporates a masonry exterior with a running bond split-faced block, highlighted by a contracting wainscot and pilasters to match the other surrounding structures. The main entrance is covered by a radiused standing seam canopy anchored by four masonry columns. Access to the second floor is via an internal main stairway, two exterior stair towers and a 2,500 pound hydraulic elevator.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Project cost savings began with the choice of the project delivery method. The Client chose to utilize a design-build approach. This opened the door to Ramtech’s design team initiating programming sessions, conducting site investigations and developing a synergy with the Client that carried forward throughout the project. Once we had a clear understanding of the Client’s needs, we were able to apply value engineering to take the most cost effective approach to the project. While the Client desired for sustainable construction, they did not wish to invest in LEED certification. This led to regional and high recycled content material selections aiding in cost savings. After design, cost savings were achieved through the concurrent construction tracks of the factory and the necessary site work. This compression of the schedule rendered approximately a 35% saving over conventional construction and put students in the classrooms an estimated 7 months in advance of conventional construction.
Occupied Date : 3/19/2012
Production Start Date : 6/10/2011
Project Location City : Blue Ridge
Project Location State Name : TX
Technical Innovation : The building utilizes Ramtech’s Accelerated Building System that places the walls and roof structure directly atop a concrete slab. This “floor-less” approach to modular construction does away with the duplicity of a structural foundation and a separate floor structure. Due to high clay contents in the soil, belled piers drilled to 28’ deep with structural grade beams and void boxes were utilized to address a 4” potential vertical rise in the soils. The Type II non-combustible structure utilizes recycled steel for both the structure and the envelope framing. The roofing material is a white TPO single-ply membrane which qualifies as an Energy Star Product. The mechanical system utilized zoned roof top packaged units with 2-stage compressors, variable frequency drives (VFD) blowers and energy recovery ventilators (ERV) rendering a 13.9 EER. Controls are via a DDC building energy management system. To complete the green initiative, low consumption plumbing fixtures were used throughout.
Total Square Feet : 28200