Dover River Wildfire Base
Additional Info
Award Winner : Northgate Industries Ltd.
Architectural Excellence : Each of the two sleeper complexes consist of two 12'x68' modules joined by a 6'x68' corridor making them each a 30'x68' building containing 24 2-person bedrooms. The sleepers are joined at their centers by a 24'x40' male/female washhouse forming an "H-shaped" complex. The washhouse is accessible from outside and inside with separate entrances. The recreation complex consists of two wide open 12'x50' modules. The 24'x50' area is furnished with couches, chairs, table tennis and TV. The kitchen consists of two modules; one containing a complete commercial kitchen and the other a boot room and dining area for 40 people. A garage and cooks quarters are permanent structures built by the client. Altogether these buildings are placed in a square pattern to create a courtyard in the centre with sidewalks providing access to all buildings. This differs from the usual pattern at these types of sites which usually have all building parallel to each other. The compound is esthetically pleasing.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The Northgate plant uses an assembly line format for constructing modules. All materials used are pre-cut and assembled into the modules at each station in the line. This yields a minimum of waste of materials such as strapping, joists flooring, studs, etc.
Transportation is provided by Northgate's lease fleet of trucks operated by experienced drivers. The modules are of the "frameless" type, therefore, expertise in hauling and placing is mandatory. The piles, engineer approved, are placed so that the air suspension trailers can back in between them and lower the modules onto the screwpiles. This avoids the use of cranes.
The use of screwpiles also allows easy loading for relocation if needed.
For the user the installation of high R-factor insulation, high efficiency furnaces and water tanks and "lo-flo" toilets are cost saving measures.
Occupied Date : 3/30/2016
Production Start Date : 11/5/2015
Project Location City : Wood Buffalo District
Project Location State Name : Alberta
Technical Innovation : Thanks to their Purchasing Division's expertise, Northgate strives to find the most compatible and suitable materials for the construction of their products. Construction takes place entirely in the plant using pre-formed materials wherever possible. Millwork, plumbing, HVAC and electrical installations are all performed and inspected by journeyman trades people so that all industry standards are met or exceeded. Special features include gable metal roofs, stainless steel shelving and counters in the kitchen and exteriors built to adhere to the environment in which it is placed. All buildings are placed on screwpiles for ease of unloading, installation and stability. The vestibules that join the washhouse to the sleepers were designed by Northgate' Drafting and Design Department. They allow minimum heat loss and are leakproof. Ceilings and floors contain R-40 insulation with walls containing R-20. Temperatures fluctuate between -58 and 100 degrees F.
Total Square Feet : 7752