SQM Project
Additional Info
Award Winner : ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.
Architectural Excellence : In 2007, the town of Maria Ellen in northern Chile was all but destroyed by an earthquake. The destruction included the homes of 1,100 SQM employees, and the company needed immediate housing to minimize disruption to the operation of its potash mine next to the town.
ATCO was challenged with providing a quick solution that included dynamic components to ensure workers felt like they were home. It was important that ATCO architecturally met the town’s 1920 style of adobe-type buildings and build a colorful community to contrast the beige desert landscape.
This facility is located in the Atacama Desert, the driest desert in the world and the only home to the prosopis tamarugo tree. The location of these trees was a key consideration in the way ATCO designed and constructed the facility.
Facilities included accommodations, a swimming pool, soccer, tennis court, sauna, weight room, recreation room and computer room with Internet access.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : Temperatures from day to night fluctuate drastically in this desert setting. ATCO’s design managed to optimize the insulation value to keep rooms cooler during the day and warmer at night.
Construction took less than a year and all units were manufactured in a plant to minimize site work and make the project as cost effective as possible.
Design Firm Name : Tecno Fast ATCO S.A.
Occupied Date : 5/12/2009
Production Start Date : 6/2/2008
Project Location City : Santiago
Technical Innovation : In an effort to keep the interior of the units cool, a second roof was added to the traditional membrane roof system which allowed for an insulating air space. The second roof is constructed of gluelam beams and posts, and slated PVC covering to promote ventilation, but prevent direct sunlight. All walkways also used PVC slated coverings.
For superior comfort, air conditioning was installed in all rooms. High traffic areas received porcelain ceramic flooring to promote longevity and durability.
Total Square Feet : 109319