At Fluhrer Reed, we have worked on many projects deemed as “fast track” by the building’s contractors. We have designed foundations before designing the building and thought up ways to speed construction when it comes to structural design, but never have we had a project quite like this one.
In Chansha, China, workers built a 15-story hotel in a mere 6 days. That’s right…6 days. From AHN:
The Ark Hotel, constructed with optimal energy, material and time savings, was reportedly not only more efficient but cheaper to make. Industry experts said there was only 1 percent construction waste.
The sustainable hotel already had its foundation so construction workers only took 46 hours to finish the building using pre-fabricated columns and modules as well as modern construction techniques. Once the main structural components were completed, only another 90 hours were required to finish the building enclosure.
According to a video chronicling the construction, no stationary cranes were used in construction and there wasn’t a single injury among the site’s workers.
So, congratulations to our fellow engineers to the East…well done.
To see a time lapse video of the construction of the Ark Hotel, click below.
One of the projects listed in the ‘On the Boards’ section in the Portfolio area of this website is ‘The Point’. So…what’s The Point?
The Point is the brand-spankin’ new home of NC State University’s Chancellor. Fluhrer Reed’s very own Principal, Mitch Fluhrer, was lucky enough to serve as the Structural Engineer for the new residence.
This grand home is being called a “residence for the university” and there is even a blog entitled “This Red House” that follows the progress of the construction and gives insight in the process of the design of the project.
From “This Red House”: ”Designed by College of Design Dean Marvin Malecha, “The Point” is a “structure that represents NC State as well as the state of North Carolina,” he said. “We wanted it to not only be beautiful and adaptable to the ways it will be used, but also be built using sustainable practices. Our new chancellor residence should reflect our land-grant ideals. It will be approachable, yet will have the proper level of dignity,” Malecha said.”
To learn more about our work on The Point click here and to read more about the house from “This Red House” click here.
Fluhrer Reed Selected for Senior Living Facility in Rock Hill, S.C.
Fluhrer Reed announced today it has been selected as structural engineer of record for the addition and renovation of the White Oak Manor senior living facility located in Rock Hill, S.C.
The project adds approximately 17,000 square feet to the existing skilled nursing center along with renovating the existing buildings. Included in the addition/renovation are new residence rooms, therapy rooms, administrative areas and dining and laundry facilities. When completed, the construction will meet the regulations and standards of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) for Licensed Nursing Homes.
“We are seeing that as the number of seniors in the United States grows and changes, our facilities must expand and improve to meet the needs of this population. We are pleased to be a part of these changes in the market,” stated Banning Reed, principal, Fluhrer Reed.
White Oak Manor-Rock Hill is one of the 14 senior living facilities that the Spartanburg, S.C. based company, White Oak Manor, Inc., owns and maintains in North and South Carolina. Fluhrer Reed is working in conjunction with Charleston, S.C.-based CRG Engineering, Inc. on the project. CRG’s President, Christopher Constantine noted, “We are very pleased to be working again with Fluhrer Reed on the White Oak Manor project in Rock Hill, S.C. This important project entails some key structural challenges associated with the addition of a new pitched roof over an existing building, as well as a substantial addition of new living spaces for elderly care residents. As always, Fluhrer Reed’s engineers provided the highest quality structural analysis, design, and detailing services. We have come to regard Fluhrer Reed as our go-to firm for any project, small or large.” The architect for the project is Goff D’Antonio Associates of Charleston, S.C.
Saxapahaw Rivermill featured in Our State Magazine
The Saxapahaw Village was featured in the May issue of Our State Magazine as the magazine’s “Tar Heel Town”. Fluhrer Reed worked with Clearscapes, PA to provide the structural engineering for the adaptive reuse of one of the mills in the Village into high-end condominium units. Currently, the project is under construction.
To read more about the project and the revitalization of this unique village, located northwest of Raleigh, click here for a .pdf of the article from Our State.
Fluhrer Reed Designs New Facility for Triangle Land Conservancy
Fluhrer Reed has designed a new multiuse facility for Triangle Land Conservancy at its Irvin Farm Preserve, a 269-acre wildlife haven and educational hub located on Jones Ferry Road just west of Carrboro. The new 1500-square-foote building will support Triangle Land Conservancy’s Irvin Learning Farm, an enviromental education program developed in partnership with local educators. The facility is expected to become a new meeting place for both the organization and the community.
Fluhrer Reed has been selected as structural engineer of record for the new Bellagio Luxury Apartments in Fayetteville, N.C. The 256,000-square-foot complex will be built on Blanton Road adjacent to Bragg Boulevard, about a mile from the entrance to Ft. Bragg Army Base. Three, four-story buildings will house a total of 239 one, two and three bedroom apartments.
“The Bellagio will combine fine architectural details and high-end features that set it apart from any other complex in the community,” said Mitchell Fluhrer, principal, Fluhrer Reed. “We’re delighted to be involved in bringing the project to life.”
The Bellagio will be a gated community with lush landscaping and unique amenities – from a three-hole putting green and fitness center to an outdoor summer kitchen and large-screen theater. An outdoor pool with fountain will be flanked by cabanas.
Cumberland County Real estate developer Rajan Shamdasani owns the project and selected Cline Design Associates of Raleigh as architect.
“The design of the Bellagio Luxury Apartments is inspired by the town of Bellagio, located on Lake Como in Northern Italy, along with the ‘Bellagio’ resort in Las Vegas,” said architect Bob Naegele. “We even plan to use Italian Cyprus trees in the landscaping to bring a taste of Italy to eastern North Carolina.”
Naegele said the project is LEED registered and will be constructed using sustainable building strategies. Fluhrer Reed has staff accredited by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute in the engineering and design of green buildings.
Construction of the Bellagio is scheduled to begin later this year, and units will be available during the spring of 2010.
Fluhrer Reed Among Top 100 Small Businesses in Triangle
Business Leader magazine recently announced that Fluhrer Reed has been named one of the Top 100 small businesses in the Triangle for 2009. To qualify, a firm must have less than 100 full-time employees and generate more than half its revenue in N.C. Fluhrer Reed was selected for the honor based on its significant business achievement and involvement in the Triangle community.
FLUHRER REED SELECTED FOR NCSU CENTENNIAL SCIENCE CENTER PROJECT
Fluhrer Reed has been selected as structural engineer of record for the Centennial Science Center, a new $17 million, 72,000-square-foot laboratory and office building to be built on N.C. State University’s Centennial Campus.
Fluhrer Reed has been selected as structural engineer of record for two new buildings that will be built by North Raleigh Christian Academy on its 30-acre campus on Perry Creek Road. The project includes a three-story, 21,000-square-foot classroom building and a 7,000-square-foot auxiliary gymnasium. Both buildings are designed by architects at Design Development of Raleigh.
Fluhrer Reed has been selected as structural engineer of record for two church expansion projects in the Triangle – a new 32,000-square-foot addition to Christ Baptist Church on Newton Road in Raleigh and a 14,000-square-foot addition to Cary Church of Christ on Tryon Road in Cary. Both are designed by architects at Design Development of Raleigh.
“We’re excited to be part of two unique projects that will provide the flexible and functional space each church needs to support a growing congregation,” said Banning Reed, principal, Fluhrer Reed.
As engineer of record, Fluhrer Reed will be responsible for the structural design and performance of the new buildings.
The Christ Baptist Church project includes a new sanctuary and an adjoining fellowship hall. The two structures will expand the former Charter Northridge hospital facility purchased by Christ Baptist in 2003. Among the engineering challenges involved are 120-foot, clear-span trusses to be used in the sanctuary, a steeple that exceeds 125 feet in height and a sloped building site.
The Cary Church of Christ project includes a new two-story structure that will house a sanctuary and baptistery on the upper level and a fellowship hall below. The new space will adjoin an existing one-story building, requiring engineers to design a special retaining wall to protect the original structure.