Esperanza Guard House

Additional Info

Award Winner : ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.

Architectural Excellence : A large mining client required a state-of-the-art guard and access control building to ensure a practical and secure method of managing the flow of employees and visitors. ATCO’s challenge: to provide a facility that included form and function, so personnel had a complete vision of the surrounding areas and functional space to execute routine screening.

These needs inspired ATCO’s architectural approach of using glass and gluelam beams to create a rustic, contrasting look that complements the desert backdrop. The facility was designed with a large covered drive-thru for buses using high-quality gluelam beams. They are joined by saddles and exposed bolts, and held by corner posts along with two V-shaped columns to uniquely frame the building in this desert setting.

The facility consists of 4 modules and includes a documentation control and x-ray machine, alcohol testing area, safety induction room, kitchenette offices, a waiting room and a bathroom.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : ATCO’s architectural design has offered energy efficient benefits in lighting and air-conditioning. Fluorescent lights are rarely required because of the natural daylight the design allows into the facility. Because the windows are glazed with a special film to reflect heat, some air-conditioning cost can also be recognized.

The facility’s roof partition is made up of SIPs, which provides efficient insulation and the added benefit of sound insulation.

Design Firm Name : Tecno Fast ATCO S.A.

Occupied Date : 9/30/2009

Production Start Date : 6/24/2009

Project Location City : Calama

Technical Innovation : The Esperanza Guard House is located in the driest desert in the world. While visibility at all times from inside the facility to the outside area is imperative for security reasons, so is keeping the glare and heat from the sun minimal.

ATCO used 1 1/2 inch thick thermal panel tinted glass with a special film to minimize these concerns while still meeting the client’s security needs.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) were used as partitions rather than conventional stud partitions. The insulated panels are made from expanded foam with both sides covered by a 26ga anodized aluminum sheet that is held together with bottom and top aluminum tracks.

The covered walkway, bus canopy and parts of the roof are covered with slated PVC material to keep the building shaded and the temperature down.

The vehicle entrance and exit areas are equipped with two x-ray machines. Other security features include an electronic key reader for authorization.

Total Square Feet : 1776

Category : Permanent: Institutional or Assembly: under 5,000 sq. ft.