Bee Sweet Citrus, a prominent citrus fruit grower, needed a new facility to expand its operations in Northern California. For Bee Sweet Citrus, control of temperature and humidity is paramount to product quality and longevity. Additionally, the construction schedule, envelope performance, and operational costs were major design considerations for the project team. Overall, the 212,000 square-foot facility posed a unique challenge with a requirement of three distinct climate zones.
Gerald A Mele & Associates, the firm designing the project, considered a traditional low slope roof assembly, and partnered with general contractor Beckenhauer Construction, Inc., who specializes in food processing construction, and PanelClad, a premier vertically integrated design-build steel contractor, to develop the right system to handle varying climate requirements in the facility.
Discover how the Fowler, California project for Bee Sweet Citrus mandarin line achieved remarkable results with advanced insulation and structural efficiency. The Bee Sweet Citrus facility faced a significant challenge in managing the varying climate requirements essential for different operational areas. The facility’s needs were diverse: refrigerated spaces required specific R-values for efficient temperature controls, ambient areas needed insulation suited for shipping and non-perishable storage, and air-conditioned spaces required different standards for office and processing environments. To address these varied needs, PanelClad proposed OneDek® Insulated Roof Deck for the project; and after understanding the benefits, the project team agreed.
PanelClad implemented a solution utilizing the high performing structural characteristics of insulated metal panels (IMP). "OneDek® paired with a membrane on top is an ideal solution which leverages IMP technology and capability into low slope roof applications," said PanelClad president Jared Bradford. “If performance, efficiency, and speed are driving factors on a project, I always think OneDek®.” One of the advantages was the assembly’s ability to support a full roof solar array. The consistency and durability of the Insulated Metal Panels provided a stable and reliable foundation for mounting solar panels. This capability allowed for the integration of renewable energy solutions without compromising the structural integrity of the facility.
In addressing the complex climate control needs for the facility in Fowler, California, one of the key factors influencing the choice was the R-value per inch of thickness offered by OneDek®. Traditionally, low slope roof assemblies would have required multiple layers of ISO board panels to meet the required R-values. The higher R-value per inch of OneDek® Insulated Roof Deck allowed us to achieve insulation with a thinner panel, simplifying the overall assembly.
Humidity control is crucial for the facility’s operations, especially given the diverse climate requirements. OneDek® Insulated Roof Deck technology streamlines and reduces the number of steps and components compared to traditional methods, which minimizes potential opportunities for vapor drive. This reduction not only improves the system’s effectiveness in managing humidity, but also enhances overall energy efficiency and performance.
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