Caldwell
Office Warehouses
Type
Site Study & Third Party Cost Estimate
Location
Caldwell, Texas
Year
2024
Team
Motif Architects
Non-Ferrous Extrusions
Features
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13 Individual Buildings
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Pre-finished office spaces for lease
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Industrial CNC Buildings
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Presale Marketing
Project Overview and Initial Steps
This project began with the acquisition of land by a client who operates a local aluminum extrusion facility. The undeveloped land necessitated coordination with a civil engineer and the city to establish a new road, address, 9-1-1 services, and site utilities. We initiated the project with a comprehensive site study, which then evolved into a schematic design package.
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Addressing Market Uncertainty
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Given the uncertainties in the market, we decided to pause the project temporarily. We collaborated with a third-party estimator to obtain accurate cost data. This strategic move ensured that we had a clear understanding of the financial implications before proceeding further.
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Revising the Project Scope
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After receiving the construction estimate, both the bank and the client opted to revise the project scope.
Instead of developing a mixed business park, the focus shifted to a more simplified industrial extension of the existing aluminum extrusion business. This adjustment allowed for a more streamlined and cost-effective approach.
Design Concept
This P.E.M.B. project will provide much-needed flexible office space for the Caldwell community, supporting small local businesses and the surrounding industrial park.
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The first phase includes
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Three Office Warehouse buildings (9,800 sqft each)
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A larger Warehouse building (28,000 sqft)
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Site infrastructure for Phase II and Phase III.
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Office spaces features
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Modern Design: Sleek, contemporary architecture that enhances productivity and comfort.
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Sustainable Elements: Energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact, including rain water harvesting
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Customizable Layouts: Flexible floor plans that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each business.
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Ample Parking: Convenient and spacious parking areas for employees and visitors and large truck drive aisle for loading/unloading
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Overall, the architectural design of this office warehouse project combines functionality with modern aesthetics, creating a versatile and attractive space for various businesses. The thoughtful integration of these features ensures that the building meets both operational needs and visual appeal, making it a standout example of contemporary industrial architecture.
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Design Features
Facade Design
The building boasts a sleek and contemporary design, characterized by the use of vertical metal panels. This choice of material not only gives the building a modern and industrial aesthetic but also ensures durability and low maintenance. The dark color scheme adds to the building's sophisticated appearance, making it stand out.
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Functional Access
Each unit within the warehouse is equipped with large, glass paneled garage doors. These doors are essential for the warehouse operations, providing easy access for loading and unloading goods. The size of the doors accommodates a variety of vehicle types, enhancing the building's functionality and by using paneled doors (vs roller) - the building becomes easier to maintain, by having the ability to replace damage panels vs the entire coiling door.
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Glass Entrances
The glass entrance doors with accompanying windows offer a welcoming entryway for clients and customers. This feature enhances the natural light within the units, creating a pleasant working environment and improving the visibility of the businesses housed within.
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Signage and Branding
Prominent signage above each unit helps identify the businesses, contributing to a professional and organized look. This is crucial for branding and ensures that each business is easily recognizable to visitors and clients.
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Landscaping
The thoughtful inclusion of landscaping, with well-maintained shrubs and flowers, adds a touch of greenery to the property. This not only improves the visual appeal but also creates a more inviting and pleasant environment.
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Parking and Accessibility
The spacious and well-organized parking area includes designated spaces for vehicles and even a bicycle rack, promoting eco-friendly transportation options. This ensures that the facility is accessible and convenient for employees, clients, and visitors alike.
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Energy Efficiency
The design likely incorporates energy-efficient features, such as insulated panels and possibly solar shading devices, to reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability. These features not only help in lowering operational costs but also contribute to the building's eco-friendly credentials.
Remote Collaboration
At Motif Architects, remote collaboration is a standout feature that distinguishes us from traditional architectural firms. By utilizing video conferencing, we seamlessly collaborate with clients across Texas and out-of-state, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to exceptional design. This method not only streamlines the process of receiving design feedback but also significantly reduces the burden and costs associated with travel. Clients can engage with our team from the comfort of their own space, making the entire experience more convenient and efficient.
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Additionally, our ability to share screens during these video conferences is a game-changer. It allows us to navigate 3D models in real-time, providing immediate visualization of design concepts. This interactive approach helps clients better understand the intricacies of their projects and fosters more informed decision-making. By embracing remote collaboration, Motif Architects ensures that our clients receive a high level of engagement and clarity, regardless of their location.
The Importance of Cost Estimates
The use of third-party construction estimates proved to be crucial in navigating market uncertainties. These estimates provide a comprehensive line item breakdown, detailing where funding is allocated. This granularity helps identify cost drivers and areas for potential savings, enabling informed value engineering decisions. Value engineering involves evaluating different design, materials, and construction methods to find cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or functionality.
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Moreover, third-party estimates serve as a valuable back check on contractor bidding. They offer an independent assessment of the project's costs, ensuring that contractor bids are fair and competitive. This double-checking mechanism helps prevent overpricing and ensures that the project remains within budget. Ultimately, accurate cost data from third-party estimates is essential for making informed decisions and ensuring the project's profitability in both the short and long term.
Early pricing packages are crucial for cost-sensitive projects.
They help assess feasibility, prevent unnecessary costs, secure bank funding and potential contractors before clients commit to significant engineering expenses.
To best prepare for cost-sensitive projects, we highly recommend conducting a site study and developing a preliminary cost package. This involves gathering essential information from our clients and creating a comprehensive package that a third-party estimator can use for detailed take-offs. By doing so, clients can avoid unnecessary engineering fees if redesigns or cancellations are required. This proactive approach helps in making informed decisions early in the project lifecycle, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
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Additionally, creating such a package enhances scope clarification for engineering proposals and facilitates preliminary reviews with city officials and fire marshals'. This detailed preparation can also attract investors and contractors, as it provides a clear and accurate representation of the project's feasibility. Moreover, it is instrumental in soliciting bank funding, as financial institutions can better understand the project's scope and budget requirements. By adopting this thorough planning method, we support our clients in achieving successful project outcomes with minimized financial risks.
