Murano Sales Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Modular Structures Corp. of North America

Architectural Excellence : Murano is an ambitious community of luxurious, single-family homes set in Palm Springs, California. In order to attract buyers, the Murano Sales Center needed to express the Desert Modern architecture and upscale amenities of the development before new home construction began. The unit's exterior uses a stucco façade that combines earth tones and silver accents to provide the appearance of a stylish, permanent structure. Extended awnings at the entrance suggest architectural sophistication while offering visitors welcome shade from the desert sun. The structure's interior makes presentation a top priority with recessed can lighting, track lighting, and distinctive light fixtures above every information wall panel and exhibit table. Ceiling soffits above exhibits add architectural interest while reinforcing separate display areas.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The Murano Sales Center was constructed with cost and energy-saving materials inside and out. The trailer's white rubber EPDM roofing insulates to retain interior temperatures as it reflects outside heat from the intense Palm Springs sun. Interior walls use 5/8" sheet rock and insulation and insulated windows used primarily in permanent structures. The sales center's upgraded HVAC system works in tandem with interior insulators to reduce the potentially high costs of cooling a unit in 115 degree desert heat. Engineering the trailer's exterior to accommodate the stucco façade enabled construction directly onto the unit, saving time and materials.

Design Firm Name : Riha Design Group

Occupied Date : 5/24/2006

Production Start Date : 2/20/2006

Project Location City : Palm Springs

Project Location State Name : CA

Technical Innovation : To make the Murano Sales Center look like more than just a trailer, a number of innovative techniques were put to use. One usually telltale sign of a temporary structure is the height of the trailer's base above the ground. However, the Murano Sales Center placed structural supports underground so that the trailer base rests at ground level, reinforcing the appearance of a permanent building. The structure was engineered to support and attach the sales center's impressive stucco interior, another technical innovation that benefits the building's aesthetic effect.

Total Square Feet : 2464

Category : Relocatable: Retail or Hospitality: over 2,000 sq. ft.