Luzenac America, Inc.

Additional Info

Award Winner : Vanguard Modular Building Systems, LLC

Architectural Excellence : Luzenac America required a new office for their Houston Operations location. After working for years in less than perfect conditions in an old metal building, this customer desired a new, comfortable office for their employees. The solution was a design/build 3,840 square feet administrative office space incorporating a large conference room. A 12’ x 24’ canopied deck was designed and installed to allow the employees a dedicated space where they could enjoy rest and relaxation. Employees are encouraged to stay physically fit by walking or jogging around the track behind the new office; therefore, two ADA restrooms with showers were incorporated into the design and installed. The break room with kitchen cabinets, double sink, and refrigerator was installed to allow for employee comfort. The building also incorporated textured painted walls, 9’ ceilings, and a fully ducted HVAC system consisting of four roof top units with high efficiency SEER ratings.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Luzenac America’s belief is that running a successful business and sustaining the quality of life and the environment go hand in hand. Therefore, the design and construction of the building was held to strict compliance to the most recent building codes. The exterior wall framing used 2x6 studs allowing for R-19 insulation to be installed. A white EPDM roof material was used to reflect the sun’s rays, and high efficiency roof top HVAC system was designed. Low E, double insulated exterior windows completed the energy package.

Occupied Date : 3/28/2011

Production Start Date : 12/20/2010

Project Location City : Houston

Project Location State Name : TX

Technical Innovation : In addition to satisfying the customer’s desire to improve the employee moral, the customer also desired incorporating construction materials and practices into his facility in order to develop a long lasting asset. The initial design incorporated raising the existing pad elevation approximately three (3) feet to allow for proper site drainage around the facility. In addition, a metal galvanized bottom board was installed underneath the floor joists, which were installed 12” on center. The structure design included 130 mph wind load which exceeds the local building codes.

Total Square Feet : 3840