Best Healthcare Building
Cook Children’s Medical. The precaster developed a unique pigmented technique to imitate the varied coloration of the existing masonry, making the expansions façade integrate well with the existing structure.
The South Tower expansion project required 288-wall panels, 225-columns, and 154–spandrels. The cohesive aesthetic of the precast panels and affordable construction ensures the continued success of the hospital and opportunities for growth in the future.
Gate Precast’s proficiency in design-assist and the time advantages afforded by the custom insulated architectural precast system accelerated the tower expansion at Cook Childrens Medical Center South in Fort Worth, Texas, in a major way – shaving an estimated six months off the construction schedule.
BIM exponentially improved the design-assist process by improving the flow and sharing of information across a consistent platform and enabling team members to perpetuate that model in the construction documents. The goal was to be efficient in time and to reduce waste.
David M. Schwarz Architects and CallisonRTKL envisioned using technological advancements in precast façade systems to emulate the randomness in the coloring of natural limestone and imperfections of hand-laid masonry historically used on buildings and additions over 25 years ago. The thermally efficient precast enclosure system, which acts as an air, water, and vapor barrier features 3” of XPS foam insulation, embedded glazed brick, and a simulated limestone finish that successfully captures the timeless character of this historic campus at Cook Childrens Medical Center.
- Precaster – Gate Precast Company
- Owner – Cook Children’s Medical Center
- Contractor – Linbeck Group
- Architect/ Engineer of Record – David M Schwarz Architects
- Engineer – CJG Engineers
