Collman & Karsky does much of its work in coastal Florida, designing mission-critical facilities that are hurricane-hardened, meaning theyāre resistant to high winds, flooding, and the impact of large airborne missile debrisāflying chunks of wood and metal, even whole pieces of rooftop HVAC equipment. For one recent project, a renovation of the Sarasota Emergency Data Center, Collman & Karsky used Wellbiltās Sure-Board Wall Panel, a modular, panelized wall system, to create a bunker able to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.
Karsky says the product was very clean and easy to install and required no cutting of floor slabs. āWe were on an extremely tight time frame, and because it was modular, the walls could be set up quickly, allowing the other trades to come in and start working.ā The modular system also cost āa little bit lessā compared to concrete block or poured-in-place concrete, he says.
Hasan S. Arouri, PE, principal and senior structural project engineer for TLC Engineering for Architecture in Orlando, also attests to the benefits of the Wellbilt system: āThe panels are tested and certified as hurricane-resistant, impact-resistant, and blast-resistant products, adequate and cost-effective to provide additional protection and strength for buildings located in high-velocity hurricane zones.ā
TLC used them to harden the walls of the Florida Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee. Arouri says the technology provided a lightweight solution that strengthened the existing walls, enhancing their capacity to resist lateral hurricane wind pressures and providing blast-wall protection without the need for a lot of additional footings. The panels also allowed the buildingās historic faƧade to be preserved.
Related Stories
Architects | May 3, 2016
Study finds engineering, architecture among the best entry-level jobs
The results balanced immediate opportunity, job growth potential, and job hazards. Ā
Architects | Apr 25, 2016
Notable architects design mini-golf holes for London Design Festival
Visionaries like Paul Smith, Mark Wallinger, and the late Zaha Hadid all helped in designing the course, which will be integrated into Londonās Trafalgar Square.
University Buildings | Apr 25, 2016
New University of Calgary research center features reconfigurable 'spine'
The heart of the Taylor Institute can be anything from a teaching lab to a 400-seat theater. Ā
Architects | Apr 22, 2016
What leads to success in the density-driven workplace?
CallisonRTKLās Kirill Pivovarov explores how densification can lead to increased productivity and innovation in the workplace.
Government Buildings | Apr 22, 2016
Public-private partnership used to fund Long Beach Civic Center Project
Arup served as a lead advisor and oversawĀ financial, commercial, real estate, design, engineering, and cost consulting.
High-rise Construction | Apr 20, 2016
OMA reveals designs for its first Tokyo skyscraper
The goal is for the Toranomon Hills Station Tower to transform its neighborhood and serve as aĀ hub for international business.
Architects | Apr 20, 2016
Bill Hellmuth named HOKās new CEO
Hellmuth has been HOK's President since 2005. The firm will be led by a design principal for the first time since 1990.
Libraries | Apr 18, 2016
Best in Library Design: AIA names seven projects 2016 Library Building Awards winners
SnĆøhettaās Ryerson University student center and the Billings (Mont.) Public Library by Will Bruder+Partners highlight the seven winning projects.
Architects | Apr 14, 2016
You can watch over 50 architectural documentaries on YouTube for free
The Arts & Culture Bureau YouTube channel offers architectural documentaries about structures and works that span thousands of years and dozens of locations
Senior Living Design | Apr 14, 2016
Creating a home for eldercare using the āGreen Houseā design concept
VOA Associatesā Douglas King offers design considerations in implementing the Green House concept in eldercare for continuing care retirement communities.
