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CARY, N.C. – October 24, 2024 – Cornerstone Building Brands, North America’s largest manufacturer of exterior building products, is pleased to announce that Hypersteel™, its leading cold-formed building solution, now supports end wall lean-to designs. This new capability offers customers more flexibility and efficiency in customizing their building layouts for expanded space and functionality.
This additional design feature for the Hypersteel™ product line allows builders to easily integrate lean-to extensions on their existing structures, creating additional covered space for storage, workshops, or outdoor operations. This provides a practical and cost-effective way to enhance building performance and meet the unique needs of customers in a variety of industries, including agriculture, recreation, and commercial.
“By offering end wall lean-tos for our Hypersteel™ buildings, we are delivering a versatile solution that can accommodate the growing demands of our customers,” said Ryan Cox, Business Development Manager, Cornerstone Building Brands. “This new feature is designed to streamline the construction process by combining multiple building segments into a single building design, and it provides an effective way for our customers to maximize the value of their cold-formed steel buildings.”
To access these new options, customers must update their Hypersteel™ design software to the latest version. The software update will ensure that users have access to the full range of design and configuration options, including the end wall lean-to feature, for a seamless planning experience.
Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, the organization serves residential and commercial customers across new construction and repair & remodel markets. As the #1 manufacturer of windows, vinyl siding, metal roofing and wall systems and metal accessories, Cornerstone Building Brands combines a comprehensive portfolio of products with an expansive national footprint that includes more than 21,000 employees at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America.
For builders and contractors who appreciate the performance of metal but aren’t looking to add any time or complexity to their schedules, Hypersteel™ cold-formed buildings are the ideal products to combine the strength and longevity of metal with efficiency and ease. Unlike other pre-engineered buildings available today, Hypersteel™ buildings leverage unique technology and manufacturing processes that allow for our fastest lead times and reliability.
Efficiency is at the core of every part of the Hypersteel™ buildings process, from time-saving software and design features to production in a just a few weeks for every order. With the largest reach across North America, Hypersteel™ products are able to provide building professionals with greater access and support for every metal building project they take on.
For more information on Hypersteel™ cold-formed buildings, please visit www.hypersteel.com.
We are excited to announce Robertson’s 2021 Photo Award Winners!
Every year we call on our authorized builders to submit their best projects of the year for an opportunity to earn some well-deserved recognition of your brand and your amazing work. The submissions we saw this year were spectacular and keep raising the bar for the metal building industry.
Thank you to all the participants and congratulations to the winners!
The winning project is the Ridgeview Garden Centre by Design Construct Solutions in Beamsville, Ontario.
Ridgeview Garden Centre has been a staple of Beamsville, ON for over 25 years, along with a deep family legacy of care and support. DCS was selected to construct their new space to continue the strong bond with the people of Beamsville. The building uses organic materials like stone and wood to bring the steel buildings to life. Glass roll-up doors and large covered canopies provide a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces in the building.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Single-Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok in Charcoal Gray
Walls: PBR in Ash Gray
Size: 14,840 sq. ft, 2 buildings
The winning project is Ledcor Highways by Camdon Construction in Beaverlodge, AB.
This building is a highway maintenance shop and office. Construction began in June 2020 and ended January 2021.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Single-Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok Panels, Galvanized
Walls: AVP in Ash Gray and Blue
Size: 6,600 sq. ft., 1 building
The winning project is the Ridgeview Garden Centre by Design Construct Solutions in Beamsville, Ontario. This project also happens to be our 2021 Building of the Year!
Ridgeview Garden Centre has been a staple of Beamsville, ON for over 25 years, along with a deep family legacy of care and support. The Robertson builder was selected to construct their new space to continue the strong bond with the people of Beamsville. The building uses organic materials like stone and wood to bring the steel buildings to life. Glass roll-up doors and large covered canopies provide a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces in the building.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Single-Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok in Charcoal Gray
Walls: PBR in Ash Gray
Size: 14,840 sq. ft, 2 buildings
The winning project is Neptune Bulk Terminals by Powerhouse Management Group, Inc. in North Vancouver, BC.
This building at Neptune Bulk Terminals in North Vancouver, BC houses a Tandem Rotary Dumper system designed for dumping Coal train cars which sits upon a 85′ deep dumper vault housing conveyors, crushers, & other mechanical instrumentation. The building was also designed to house a 65 Ton bridge crane with alternate 15-ton air hoist which spans the entirety of the building.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Double-Slope with Tapered Columns
Building size: 12,000 sq. ft.
The winning project, a warehouse and office facility, is Collective Entertainment Events Centre by Thomas Design Builders in Oak Bluff, MB.
This building for Collective Entertainment Events Centre is a 15,000 sq. ft. PEMB warehouse and office using Robertson Long Bay joists. The project began construction in August 2020 and ended July 2021.
Framing: Multi-Span Building, Single Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok in Galvalume Plus
Walls: AVP in Polar White
Size: 15,000 sq. ft., 1 building
The winning project is the Travis House by Kodiak Steel Buildings in Norland, ON.
This building is being used as a home in Norland, ON. The project includes an interior mezzanine and has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Construction began in January 2020 and ended in May 2021.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Double-Slope with Straight Columns
Roof: Ultra-Dek in Koko Brown
Walls: AVP in Saddle Tan
Size: 2,800 sq. ft., 1 building
The winning project is the Ridgeview Garden Centre by Design Construct Solutions in Beamsville, Ontario. This project also won the 2021 Robertson Building of The Year and Best of the Commercial Category!
Ridgeview Garden Centre has been a staple of Beamsville, ON for over 25 years, along with a deep family legacy of care and support. The Robertson builder was selected to construct their new space to continue the strong bond with the people of Beamsville. The building uses organic materials like stone and wood to bring the steel buildings to life. Glass roll-up doors and large covered canopies provide a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces in the building.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Single-Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok in Charcoal Gray
Walls: PBR in Ash Gray
Size: 14,840 sq. ft, 2 buildings
The winning project is Commercial Storage by Kodiak Steel Buildings in Dunedin, FL.
This building is being used for commercial storage in Dunedin, FL and includes R20 roof and wall insulation. Construction began in April 2021 and ended in July 2021.
Framing: Clear Span Building, Single-Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: PBR in Galvalume
Walls: PBR in Charcoal Gray
Size: 9,000 sq.ft., 1 building
The winning project, a warehouse and office facility, is Collective Entertainment Events Centre by Thomas Design Builders in Oak Bluff, MB. This project also won our Best of Office Category!
The building is a 15,000 sq. ft. PEMB warehouse and office using Robertson Long Bay joists. The project began construction in August 2020 and ended July 2021.
Framing: Multi-Span Building, Single Slope with Tapered Columns
Roof: Double-Lok in Galvalume Plus
Walls: AVP in Polar White
Size: 15,000 sq. ft., 1 building
Canada is one of the world’s most important suppliers of metals and minerals. In fact, according to the Mining Association of Canada, we’re among the top five countries worldwide in the production of 17 of these crucial materials, from potash, uranium, nickel, and cobalt to the rare earth elements like lithium and graphite that make a greener, more sustainable world possible. Minerals and metals coming from Canadian mines are valued around the world for production of products as diverse as buildings, electronics, toothpaste, vehicles, and solar cells.
As crucial as Canada’s mining industry is to the world, it’s just as important to Canada. Mining contributed $109 billion – 5% of the nation’s GDP – in 2019. That’s up from $87 billion just three years earlier. Likewise, this critical industry provides employment for some 719,000 Canadians – one in every 26 jobs. Mining provides exceptional income, too, with average annual per-job compensation above $115,000. While this critical industry has the potential to be hazardous, mining companies in Canada have maintained one of the safest jurisdictions in the world.
Mining is serious business in Canada. It’s important to our country, our citizens, and the world at large. There is a lot at stake, too – not just returns, income and GDP, but jobs, reputations, safety, the environment, and lives. For many years, Robertson Building Systems has been a proud partner in the Canadian mining industry. We understand better than anyone that in such a critical industry, with so much at stake, everything must not only be done on time, it also must be done right. It must be done to spec and within code, because it’s more than a matter of profit and loss – it can be a matter of life and death.
Robertson’s approach to its relationship with every industry is to become experts in its specific needs and requirements. Mining has heavy-duty specifications and requirements –all of which must be delivered on. As Robertson District Manager John Gelms explained, “The mining industry hires highly experienced consultants that review every aspect to the operation of every custom building and prepare a design and tender package of the building”.
Typically, a mining company doesn’t just need a building. They’re pushing back frontiers into remote parts of the country, where little infrastructure and support exists – but an endowment of subterranean metals or minerals beckons. “They have to build almost an entire town,” Robertson regional sales manager James Austin said, “setting up everything from water treatment centers, warehousing, hoist and processing buildings along with office buildings. Large machinery has to be warehoused.”
That new town needs to be built from the ground up. It needs to be built quickly and must be tough enough to stand up to climatic extremes, from negative 40°C in the winter to 30°C in the summer. Gelms pointed out that mining also requires taller buildings than other industries, “Process buildings or Headframe buildings are normally 80 to 100 feet tall.”
To put it in simple terms, mining companies need to erect a small, industrial town in remote parts of a challenging wilderness. They need it done efficiently, done right, and done in a way that can stand up to the rigorous demands of mining, its heavy-duty machinery and corrosive environments.
Metal construction has long been seen as an ideal answer to these challenges. “Metal buildings are very appealing because of the open concept,” Austin said. “They go up quickly.” With the inclusion of innovative products such as insulated metal panels (IMPs), this efficiency is further expedited. With a foamed-in-place core surrounded by heavy gauge steel, IMPs provide superior thermal properties and insulation, while providing air, water and vapor barrier in an all-in-one product which is installed in a single, simple step. “The insulated metal panel is a one-stop shop, which is very convenient to put up,” said Austin.
However, we’re fully aware metal construction isn’t the only player in the game. “The metal building is only one portion of the project,” Austin pointed out. “There’s all the other trades. The metal building is usually one of the first things that gets put up, so if there’s a delay in its schedule, you’re going to have a big problem. Mining schedules are extremely important,” said Austin. “Your specifications and timelines need to be met.”
With critical specifications and timelines, immense project size and scope – and a lot riding on all of it – mining companies can’t afford to take chances with fly-by-night or newcomer operations. They need a partner as old as the Canadian mining industry. A partner like Robertson.
Robertson Building Systems has a history with roots as old and deep as the timbers supporting Canada’s historic gold mines. We’ve been in the construction industry since 1863. “With its background and expertise, Robertson is able to look at these very customized specifications and drawings, interpret what is required and use its design software and expertise internally to provide a building that accommodates what’s required,” Gelms said. “Robertson has the expertise, the steel, they have the schedules, they have the right engineering team to be able to meet all the specs,” Austin added. “They get the price, they get the availability of the product, and they get the correct engineering and design of the product – which meets the specifications.”
Robertson delivers on every aspect of metal construction for mining. “We’ve got the structural fabricating plants,” Gelms said. “Our factories are certified as per CSA-A660, Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and IAS AC472. The IAS AC472 audit is a complete audit reviewing processes, quality and procedures for metal building manufacturers”. Robertson steel can also be made to withstand the harshest environments, with hot dip G-90 galvanizing on 8, 10 and 12-inch purlins and girts. Robertson’s structural steel can also be Hot Dip Galvanized or epoxy coated to withstand corrosive environments.
We’re ready meet every challenge Canada’s climate and the mining industry has – and to do it on time, in spec and with durability that’s sure to outlast us all. When you’re ready, get in touch with a Robertson representative.
A recent press release from EY Canada, regarding the growing emphasis of Canadians on sustainability, announced that “…the majority of Canadians are pivoting to a more sustainable way of living, as over half are spending more time at home and focusing on saving their hard-earned dollars.” This applies to the desire for energy-efficient, eco-friendlier options when it comes to construction decisions, as well. And while that’s good news for the environment and the future for all of us, it doesn’t come without conflict. According to the release, “Most consumers (61%) plan to pay more attention to the environmental impact of what they consume, but 64% intend to focus on more value for money – creating a tension over who should pay for sustainability.”
As all of us in the construction industry look to find ways to offer customers greater energy efficient options without a lot of added cost, it’s good to know that technology is advancing along with demand, making it more convenient and simpler than ever before to make green construction a priority, not just a luxury.
Before any construction begins, a lot can be done simply by selecting the best building materials – especially the roof. The types of materials used make a significant difference in how well the building works with the environment to control temperatures and take the pressure off heating and cooling units. Additionally, colour choice can play an equally significant role in regulating the temperature. While darker exterior colours naturally absorb more energy from the sun, lighter colours work harder at reflecting both the light and its heat. Metal in general is naturally highly efficient at transmitting temperature – and making a smart colour choice that is suited for the climate in your area only enhances that effect.
As a general rule, roofs with dark colours have been shown to absorb up to 90% of energy from solar rays. This translates into excess energy being transferred to your building’s interior, consequently causing air conditioning systems to work overtime. But a light-coloured roof can reflect, on average, 60% of sunlight and sometimes more – keeping your building cooler more efficiently. Additionally, the switch can result in average energy savings that can range from 7-15%. Cost and energy savings vary of course, depending on factors such as the size of the project, local climate, and how roof access is designed.
A lot of the energy-saving power of cool paint colours have to do with their makeup. Cool paint colours are made with cool paint pigments that have been chemically and physically altered to reflect infrared wavelengths while absorbing the same visible light. The pigments are designed specifically to minimize the build-up of excess heat. This process has also been shown to help mitigate Urban heat islands (UHIs) – a rising concern across Canada, due to the effects of climate change in addition to the growing number of Canadians now living in urban settings.
And in addition to all the benefits of cool colours on your metal roof, don’t forget that no matter the shade of paint you choose – your metal roof is always green. Exceptional energy efficiency is just one of the environmentally friendly benefits of metal building construction:
As the demand for construction that’s good for the earth and friendly for the budget continues to grow with Canadian consumers, you can trust Robertson Building Systems as your partner for quality materials that deliver on quality and stand apart in smart, energy efficient design.
Let’s talk about building. But let’s not talk about where, when or what you want to build. Makes sense, right? Actually, it makes more sense than you think. Stay with me.
The most important factor in making sure the where, when, what and how go smoothly is making sure you pick the right who. Because picking the right builder isn’t just another decision in the process – it’s the decision that will make or break the process altogether.
The right builder is the builder who is working long before any building begins. They are taking care of the less obvious, yet critical things like dirt work, plumbing, slab work, concrete, foundations, and all of the things that may never be seen but will definitely be noticed if not done well.
So now … how? How do you know when you’ve found the right one or how do you even begin the process of looking? Before you ever meet and shake hands with any prospective builder, there are several factors you can investigate to help you narrow down the choices.
Once you’ve narrowed down the best candidates, asking the right questions can help you further refine the decision making process. Every building is different, but in general, a lot of important details can be covered by simply discussing what you need the building to do for you: will you be using large equipment in the building? Do you need extra storage space? Refrigeration? Special consideration for stored products? Any details you can share with the builder will help streamline the process and avoid costly oversights.
Lastly, if you don’t currently have an option for financing, ask your prospective builder about it. Many builders can provide resources and guidance, which is a great added value for you.
Once you’ve gathered all of the facts and data and information, ask yourself a few questions: is this a person you like? Is this someone you could see yourself doing business with 10 years from now? Did you feel like their answers to your questions were honest and direct, even if not always exactly what you wanted to hear? Never underestimate the importance of just good old-fashioned human connection in matters of business. The most successful building and construction companies in the world will tell you – the most important thing you and your builder can build together is a trusted, long-term relationship.
Take the first step to becoming a Robertson Authorized Builder!
Canada was the second country in the world to formally and fully legalize cannabis, including its cultivation, possession, acquisition and consumption. Since it did so in 2018, the market has grown dramatically. Growth continued in 2019, when drinks, edibles and topicals were legalized. And even in 2020, a year plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic and related quarantines, Statista measured the Canadian cannabis market at $2.6 billion.
Cannabis is no longer an underground, black-market business. In fact, it’s very big business indeed. With demand suddenly through the roof, the medical and recreational cannabis industries are rushing to build new grow facilities and expand current ones just to keep up with a hungry market. However, even with the massively increased demand, cannabis is no commodity. Cultivators and cannabis entrepreneurs compete fiercely to develop stronger and stronger strains – or to unlock new balances of the compounds within strains to deliver a growing list of different desired effects. Across Canada, growers are looking to establish their competitive edge – or break through with new, better products.
Today’s cannabis cultivators are looking for an edge, and that edge begins with the environment in which the cannabis plants are grown. Cultivating market-busting cannabis requires absolute control of every environmental condition, so most growers choose indoor facilities, where a nearly tropical environment can be manufactured and maintained. Temperature needs to be controlled, regardless of whether it’s a muggy summer day or snow is piling up on the roof. Humidity and air movement also need to be precisely managed, giving enough moisture to plants without encouraging bacterial or mold growth. Powerful lighting and treated watering cycles are required to provide artificial seasonal cues to the plant, determining its phase of development and growing cycle – from seedling to growth to fruiting.
All this management of temperature, humidity and air might seem like a lot, but it’s actually just scratching the surface. Each strain might require slightly different atmospheric conditions. Within a single grow facility, multiple different temperatures, varying levels of humidity and stages of growth likely exist next-door to each other to support the growth of different strains. This also requires extensive ceiling-mounted equipment, such as lighting systems, HVAC, MEP infrastructure, fire protection, mechanical, plumbing, electric, condensing units, watering systems and indoor blowers. All this ceiling-mounted equipment increases collateral load significantly.
As you can see, cannabis cultivation isn’t as simple as planting a seed. It demands much more of its structure than most industries. Luckily, Robertson’s vast experience in metal construction is ideally suited to outperform these demands – from structural requirements and performance characteristics to durability and cost. Let’s take a closer look.
Metal buildings – and the unrivaled features of insulated metal panel (IMP) construction, in particular – are the perfect match for cannabis cultivation. IMPs provide the entire building envelope, including the air, water and vapor barrier in a single product. IMP’s also have a built-in, foamed-in-place insulated core. So, instead of multiple trades installing multiple layers of the building envelope, a single trade can do it in a single step, reducing time, cost and exposure – and expediting dry-in times so interior trades can move in sooner. They not only withstand the consistent intense indoor humidity required in the cultivation process, but also extremes of cold, heat, rain and drought outside.
Imagine how long it would take multiple trades to install sheathing, water, air and vapor barriers, insulation and a rainscreen. Now factor in weather delays, scheduling errors and other problems. Compare that to IMP construction. Metal construction materials arrive on site pre-punched, drilled, and ready for assembly, reducing erection time by approximately 33% compared to other methods. A trained crew of four can install as many as 5,000 square feet of IMPs in a single eight-hour shift. That puts you much closer to your inaugural harvest.
The energy and environmental costs of running an indoor grow facility can be considerable, but with metal and IMP construction’s exceptional insulating properties and thermal uniformity, you’ll offset those costs by significantly reducing heating and cooling costs.
IMPs provide numerous other features, as well. Metal doesn’t support the growth of mold and is resistant to rust and decay, while creating a nearly airtight building envelope – keeping out pests, rodents, contaminants, and other intruders. Custom designed structures mean special drainage systems can be included, as well as recessed spaces in aisles for water faucets and easy-to-clean wall finishes – including specially formulated systems designed to stand up to routine, high-pressure washes. Metal construction is also perfectly suited to handle the increased collateral load cannabis cultivation requires.
To enhance a grow operation’s profit margin, you need to make the most of every square foot of your building’s footprint. Robertson’s range of Primary Systems include Clear Span and Multi-Span framing options, allowing for column-free interiors and large, unobstructed, clear span space to support crops, water storage, processing facilities, product storage, and more. You can also explore the option of adding mezzanines and lofts to double the capacity of your building footprint. Furthermore, as your business grows, metal buildings can scale alongside, ready for a boost in demand to be matched by a boost in size.
Robertson metal buildings may commonly be called “pre-engineered,” but the truth is all components are custom-designed and made to order. When you contact a Robertson representative near you, we’ll consult with you about topographic conditions and site selection as well as both interior and exterior design. Your building will be custom engineered to meet both facility requirements and local building codes. When you trust your project to Robertson, you’re not only reducing the number of on-site trades and potential scheduling snafus, you’re also trusting a single source of responsibility. That means you know precisely what to expect – and precisely who to call should you ever encounter a problem.
Thanks to the unmatched speed of metal construction, your building will be erected before you know it. Once it is, the news gets even better, because it will be virtually maintenance free. Metal walls and sloped metal roofing are self-cleaning, requiring nearly no upkeep, which further reduces your operating costs. And your materials are backed by Robertson’s warranties.
Don’t let the others get ahead. Get in touch with a nearby Robertson representative today to start your cannabis cultivation project. The choice you make today could be the start of The Canadian cannabis industry’s next big name!
We are proud to announce Robertson’s 2020 Photo Award Winners! The quality of submissions continues to raise the bar for this competition and we are thrilled to see such design and innovation within our industry. Congratulations to all of our winners!
The winning project is the Train Station by Superior Industrial Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
This project is located in the Historical Canal District in Sault Ste Marie. The builder chose finishes that blend with the existing structures and incorporated repeating arched windows to mimic the original Gothic/Romanesque Revival style of the area as much as possible, while building on Robertson’s frame. This project is divided into four main areas. The first of which is The Train Station. There is a ticket desk, Employee offices and a waiting area for rainy days. The second area is an interactive gallery and retail space. The third area is a local craft 30 barrel brewery. The final space is home to a pub which seats over 100 people. Adjacent to these areas, is an outdoor rink with refrigeration that has its own Zamboni room and change rooms for the players to use.
The winning project is Dutch Growers New Garden Centre by Westridge Construction in Regina, Saskatchewan.
This two-building project is a commercial garden centre complete with greenhouses and a warehouse. The main retail area consists of a 24’ high building for retail sales along with offices and a mezzanine level. Previously this area of land was a golf driving range and the owners purchased the property in 2019 with design commencing in the fall of the same year and finalized it in the spring of 2020.
The winning project is TSTC Solution Truck Centre by Thomas Design Builders in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This truck center is a state of art 82,000 square foot Freightliner dealership consisting of sales offices, express assessment, service shop, and parts. The project consists of three building and includes Pre-engineered buildings and an inverted pre-engineered structure with a conventional flat roof system. The building also has a 2nd floor structure provided by Robertson. ·
The winning project is the Dock Hangar by Kodiak Steel Buildings in Sarasota, Florida.
This winning aviation project is not your average hangar. It was built on Rock and Timber Cribs and is situated 150′ off the shore on the water. It was designed with additional rod bracing to reduce kick-out forces. This hangar was featured on the February issue of Our Home Magazine.due to its uniqueness. ·
The winning project is Blackburn Brewhouse by Design Construct Solutions in St. Catharines, Ontario.
This project is an interesting mix of the craft brewing culture. This facility was built to be an experience and a brewing machine, with everything from interactive entertainment to dining, all while producing incredible amounts of contract beer brewing. ·
The winning project is Leslieville Public Services by Camdon Construction in Red Deer, Alberta, a combined fire hall and public works facility.
The winning project is Lowry Manufacturing by Thomas Design Builders in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This is a 24,840 sq. ft. warehouse with a 3,000 sq. ft. office area. The building also has a 3,000 sq. ft. second floor mezzanine.
The winning project, a new manufacturing and office facility, is Rapid Design Group by Camdon Construction in Red Deer, Alberta.
The winning project is the Thorndale Recreation Centre by MCI Design Build in London, Ontario.
This project is a community recreation facility complete with multi-use gymnasium, community meeting rooms, administration offices, storage areas, washrooms, change rooms and a kitchen. It is made up of 5 buildings for a total of 16,997 square feet.
The winning project is the Train Station by Superior Industrial Services in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This project also won the 2020 Robertson Building of The Year.
The winning project is Euroline Appliance Warehouse by Lanca Contracting in Brantford, Ontario.
The winning project is FedEx Ground by Advance Design and Construction in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
This is a package shipping and receiving depot designed to accommodate a high quantity of shipping packages in a short order turn around.
Collaboration determines the success of any construction project. Dozens of different teams, specialists and tradesmen can be involved, each with their own concerns and responsibilities. It can sometimes be unclear who does what, who is responsible for what, and who should be involved at which point.
Today, we’re going to unfold these complicated connections, focusing on the roles of architect and engineer. We’ll also investigate cutting-edge methods to make projects go smoother, maximize profit margins, and minimize schedule changes by facilitating productive collaboration between architects, engineers and other stakeholders earlier in the process.
You may be familiar with the notion of people being either more left- or right-brain dominant. If so, you have a good grasp on the fundamental difference between the characteristics and responsibilities of architects as opposed to engineers. Left brain dominance is associated with thinking, analytical processing, math, logic, and science, while right brain dominance is more feeling, creative, artistic, and free flowing. Of course, no one is entirely one or the other, and exceptions exist, but architects tend to be more right-brained while engineers are more likely to be left-brained.
Most projects begin when an architect meets with a client, striving to understand their needs, goals and ideas. The architect then grows this into a grand, artistic vision which addresses those needs while elegantly integrating form and function in a surprising, impressive, memorable way. This vision is typically expressed in the form of a full set of architectural drawings comprised of floor plans, roof plans, elevations, sections, and perspective drawings.
This, of course, requires a good amount of left brain work as well. He or she must design within local codes and municipal limits, be aware of safety regulations and remain current on both technical innovations and city laws.
Once the architect has dreamed up a stunning and potentially groundbreaking building, it all exists on paper. But that doesn’t mean it’s constructible. That’s where engineers come in. Ideally, architects provide the following for an engineer’s review:
Engineers tend to be the left-brained type, using math, science, logic, and visualization to fully understand the constructability and feasibility of an architect’s design. Using the architect’s preliminary drawings and the information listed above, an engineer designs a structure to support the building’s live, dead and environmental loads.
The engineer ensures the design is safe, meets building codes and specifies not only the structural materials and members, but details such as electrical, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems. On larger projects, each of these might have their own engineer assigned. Just as the architect provided information to the engineer, the engineer in turn provides the architect with crucial information:
Until now, construction has mostly been a linear process: Plans move from a client meeting and resulting architect vision to an engineer review and construction itself. Today, though, technology is making it possible to streamline this in unprecedented ways. It can be hard to visualize all the places where a pipe might accidentally intersect a structural member or how columns might block the flow of hallway traffic when you’re working on paper or correlating various plans and drawings.
These coordination issues or “clashes” as they’re known, are now easier to predict than ever. The old way meant changes or unforeseen problems resulting in major problems in a project’s budget and timeline. Today, with the advanced software platforms and technology available, it’s possible to fully visualize a project before breaking ground – eliminating clashes before they become expensive problems.
One of the biggest advantages for architects working with Robertson building projects is proprietary estimating software program, RBS. In the initial design and concept stages, architects can use the platform to present multiple design and pricing options to the entire team. With easy access to a wide variety of designs that incorporate all the necessary parameters and accessories, collaboration becomes much easier and architects, engineers, and the entire team can have the confidence of knowing the final design has maximum efficiency built right in.
There are legal guidelines in place which dictate which projects need an architect’s involvement and sign-off versus those which can simply be reviewed and stamped by an engineer. Each province has its own Provincial Architectural Association with different requirements to practice.
Small, simple projects may not require the involvement of an architect or engineer. While many of the rules, laws and codes differ from state to state and municipality to municipality, the primary considerations are the classification of the building, its height and area. According to Part 9 of the Building Code, commercial project drafting work does not have to be completed by a professional. It is often performed by qualified technicians under the direction of the project engineer or architect. The structural design, on the other hand, will likely require direct involvement by an engineer. Check with your local permit office to be sure, but this gives a general of idea of what is required:
Single-story gas stations
Mechanic shops
Car washes
Small quick-service restaurants
Small single-story retail and office space
Buildings over one story tall
Large or multi-story retail space
Large restaurants and offices
Big box stores, malls, etc.
Other instances in which an architect is certainly a wise choice is when repurposing a building designed for another use or when municipalities enforce more stringent design styles and materials.
Regardless of the size, scope and complexity of the project, the most important decision is choosing the right partner for you. Don’t let the sole decision-making factor be price. Your partner should be infinitely curious about your needs, goals, and concerns. They should be as enthusiastic and driven to realize your vision as you are. And they should be able to design and build within your budget.
If you have questions or concerns about finding the right architect, engineer or firm, get in touch with a Robertson representative near you. We have decades of experience working alongside architects and engineers with a wide spectrum of expertise and can help identify those who are most likely to best meet your unique needs.
The self-storage business is booming in Canada. When the housing market goes bull, so does self-storage, and both have seen a healthy, steady incline – especially in urban and metropolitan areas. Even in more rural locales, self-storage is on the rise as “toy storage” for vacationers’ boats, RVs, ATVs and snowmobiles. Facilities are getting more expansive too. U-Lock Mini Storage Group president Robert Madsen explained in a recent Inside Self-Storage article that the 40,000-75,000 square foot facilities of yesterday have ballooned. “Today they can be 100,000, 250,000 or, in an extreme case, 500,000 square feet of net rentable space,” he said.
Demand may be up, but it isn’t all rosy for self-storage groundbreakers. There are several barriers to entry. Land costs are at an all-time high, and overall costs aren’t much better. As Madsen explains, “A modern, multi-story site ranges from $120 to $230 per square foot … far from the $55 to $70 of only a few short years ago.” Those are simply hard costs. There is also the much grayer, unpredictable prospect of rezoning. Apple Self Storage vice president David Allan points out “Rezoning is a much riskier process that has no outer time limit for completion… Even getting a site-plan agreement completed with the city of Toronto … take[s] 18 months.”
On top of that are Development Cost Charges, or DCCs. Paid by the developer, these are municipal taxes designed to offset the costs of continuing upgrades to things like local infrastructure, public transportation and social programs. But according to Allan, they’ve been reported to reach as high as $49.32 CAD per square foot – amounting to millions of dollars for the largest projects. These charges must be paid before construction begins. It’s all intended to be for the greater good, but as you can imagine, DCCs often stop a project in its tracks.
There is a straightforward way to circumvent many of these barriers to entry. Land and construction costs can be offset by retrofitting an existing structure into a self-storage facility. A conversion project is much more cost-effective than buying, clearing, zoning and building from the ground up. As DBCI (sister brand of Robertson) Sales Representative Barry Nilson explains, “Because of the emergence of online sales, a lot of bricks and mortar, consumer outlets are no longer as popular.” That means across the country, you can find large, solid structures for sale in prime areas – ideal for converting into the self-storage that’s in such high demand.
Yesterday’s JC Penney, Kmart, gym, grocery store or even office and manufacturing space can be converted into self-storage. In fact, Walmart recently announced the closing of six stores in Alberta, Ontario, and Newfoundland.
Robertson specializes in providing a turnkey self-storage conversion project. From roll-up frames and door headers to modular wall and hallway systems, Robertson’s single-source, comprehensive, coordinated systems and depth of experience streamline the process from start to finish.
At Robertson, we can handle quoting, delivery and speedy installation, but we highly recommend you attend to a couple items outside our area of expertise:
Before you invest substantial resources in a retrofit, consult the experts to learn about traffic in the immediate area, disposable income levels, competing self-storage facilities and expected community growth. Their findings can also help decide which unit mix is most appropriate. A college town full of apartments and dorms needs small lockers, while a sprawling, wealthy suburban area will rent larger units for furniture, heirlooms and even vehicles.
A thorough inspection of your prospective property is essential to ensure it’s up to code, is structurally sound, has a solid roof and HVAC equipment in good condition.
Once you have your feasibility study in-hand, we can create an ideal blend of unit types and sizes, then design the floorplan to make the most of every square foot. If the building’s height allows for it, we can also consider the construction of a second-level mezzanine. Typically, at least 20’ of unimpeded height is needed for such a mezzanine, but it can essentially double your rentable space. Once a plan is approved and materials arrived, installation is typically fast and efficient – covering up to 8,000 square feet per week.
As a comprehensive manufacturer, supplier and installer, Robertson can also supply precisely what your future business needs to make it as modern and attractive as it is efficient and durable. With custom coatings, you can choose any color for your materials – including your precise brand colors. Furthermore, kick plates, corner guards, column wraps and wainscoting can protect your doors, walls and hallways from the scrapes, bumps and accidents that are all but inevitable in self-storage facilities. For lower clearance roofs, swing doors are an excellent choice. And to ensure the security of your tenants’ possessions, we offer burglar bars, mesh panels, and a selection of locks and latches.
It’s also smart to consider other value-added additions, like exterior updates to heighten your facility’s curb appeal and new restrooms. You could also include a small retail area for customers to buy essential supplies they may have forgotten or need, like cardboard boxes, tape, furniture blankets, stretch wrap, packing peanuts, dolly rentals and even pain relievers for tenants who might have overdone it.
Another trend sweeping the nation is renovation of older self-storage facilities. While they may not be much to look at, existing storage facilities do not face new construction challenges like land costs and zoning. With a contemporary facelift via clean new white Robertson metal panels, new doors, updated fencing and clean, bright LED lights, such a facility can feel like new. Robertson can streamline such an update too.
Ready to lock-in your project? Talk to a Robertson representative about tackling a conversion project today.
