Maricopa, Arizona
Facts & Figures Owner: Global Water Resources
Global Water Center
Type of Project: An administrative/customer service facility for a utility company Size: 18,500 square feet (center); 3,500 square feet (adjacent maintenance building)
Water is a coveted resource in Arizona and in places around the
Cost: $6 million
world. The new Global Water
Construction Time: July 2006 -
Center, which serves as the opera-
May 2007
tional
The Need: A centralized
base
of
Global
Water
administrative/customer service
Resources in Pinal County, is help-
facility that helps Global Water
ing the company advance the
Resources educate the public
understanding of water resource
The Challenge: Coordinating the insulated concrete form (ICF) walls with the structural requirements, and using innovative recycled materials that were fairly new to the market
management through exhibits and displays that educate the public. The new center was constructed upon the site of Palo Verde Utilities Company’s water reclamation campus. Palo Verde is a subsidiary of
Gold Medal Award-winning Team Members Deutsch Architecture Group Architect Adolfson & Peterson Construction Construction Manager at Risk M & M Systems, LLC Low-voltage Cabling
Visit our website: www.constructionreviews.com to view additional Gold Medal Award-winning projects.
Global that operates a 3-million-gal-
conceptualized to advance the
addition to customer service coun-
lons-per-day (MGD) water treatment
understanding of water resource
ters, kiosks and waiting areas, this
facility adjacent to the new building.
management by educating the
space acts as an educational venue
The project team was tasked with
public on water history, the current
filled with interactive teaching tools
designing a new facility on the exist-
state of affairs and future planning.
and viewing areas to see working
ing site that would combine adminis-
The facility’s message focuses on
pumps as well as the laboratory and
tration and customer service in a cen-
water and its sources; the “finite
controls room.
tralized location. David Calcaterra,
realities” of this natural resource;
“Global believes commitment
principal for Deutsch Architecture
and a balanced approach to recla-
to the environment is not an
Group, the project’s architect, said
mation, recharge and surface water.
option, it is a requirement,” said
the structure promotes efficiencies of
“In the end, the visitor — in most
Hill. To that end, it sought and
use for the current and future citizens
cases a customer — walks away
achieved Leadership in Energy and
of Maricopa. The building also serves
with an awareness of the water
Environmental Design (LEED ) silver
as a large community room and is
cycle from the world viewpoint to a
certification for the new center.
available for after-hours use by com-
perspective that is drilled down to
munity groups including the city
his [or her] front door,” he said.
®
Purpose and functionality were the core elements of the Global
council. Furthermore, the center
The center is located at the new
Water Center, but design and aes-
functions as a learning utility, provid-
campus entry off Powers Parkway,
thetics were not ignored. The archi-
ing virtual “tours” of the water treat-
providing a central security point and
tectural scheme was based primari-
ment process for community and
a public access point for the overall
ly on the surrounding residential
school groups.
site. A pyramid roof design denotes
areas, emulating the character of
Trevor Hill, CEO of Global Water
the building’s main entry and greets
Maricopa. The facility incorporates
Resources, said the center was
visitors as they enter the lobby. In
stucco surfaces over a Perform Wall
®
insulated concrete form (ICF) building system with standing-seam recycled aluminum roofing, painted steel and stone accents. One of the project’s unique and innovative elements involved the plumbing system and water-reduction measures. The building uses an on-site water reclamation facility and a dual pipe system to treat all wastewater for use as recycled water. “Reclaimed water is not only used to irrigate the building’s Photos courtesy of Shaun Kurry/Cornerstone Photography
2
arizona/nevada edition
continued on page 6
gold medal award winner
The Owner’s Perspective with Trevor Hill, CEO, Global Water Resources Q: What is the purpose of the new construction? Please provide a brief description of the scope of the project. TH: In addition to serving as Global’s operational base in Pinal County, Ariz., the underlying mission of the Global Water Center is to advance the understanding [of] water resource management through exhibits and displays that educate the public on water history, the current state of affairs and future planning. The message communicated within the building is one of water and its sources; concern regarding finite realities; and solutions that include a balanced approach to reclamation, recharge and surface water. The expanded conference area serves as a meeting place for water resource debate and education. In the end, the visitor — in most cases a customer — walks away with an awareness of the water cycle from the world viewpoint to a perspective that is drilled down to his [or her] front door.
Photo courtesy of Global Water Resources
Q: What is the most unique or important feature of the facility (or of the design/construction process)? ®
TH: The LEED -certified building reflects the values of Global Water. Global believes commitment to the environment is not an option, it is a requirement. As a leader in water conservation and water reclamation, Global recognizes that water resource policy is not only grounded in sound engineering and acceptable financial models, but is dictated by public perception. Effective messaging and education are needed to properly inform the public on water resource issues and communicate opportunities. The Global Water Center serves as the centerpiece for this educational process. Q: What is the most innovative aspect of the project (or of the design/ construction process, financing, environmental)? What could others learn from? TH: One of the most exciting features of the project involves capitalizing on Global’s position as a supplier of the highest quality reclaimed water. The building is uniquely equipped with dual pressurized water lines where reclaimed water is not only used to irrigate the building’s exterior areas, but also services the toilets in the washrooms. These dual water mains lower water use by over 80 percent as compared to a building with a standard plumbing system.
21410 N. 19th Ave., Ste. 201 Phoenix, AZ 85027 623-518-4000 fax: 623-518-4100 www.gwresources.com
The Architect’s Perspective with David Calcaterra, Principal, Deutsch Architecture Group Q: Describe the project in relative detail, incorporating what you think makes the project unique, innovative, important or sets it apart. How does the design complement the overall mission of the facility/owner? DC: Global Water charged us with designing a new facility on their existing site that combines the uses of administration and customer service in a centralized location that promotes efficiencies of use for the current and future citizens of Maricopa. It is important to Global Water to be a good neighbor. In addition to providing a large community room, which is available for after-hours use by community groups including the city council, the construction followed the U.S. Green Building Council’s ®
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ) silver criteria. Therefore, the building is a healthy and environmentally friendly space. Accordingly, utility costs are substantially lower and occupant comfort higher than in conventionally designed buildings. Q: What is the most unique or important feature of the facility (or of the design/construction process)? DC: …The building is uniquely equipped with dual pressurized water lines…. These dual water mains lower water use by 80 percent as compared to a building with a standard plumbing system, and is the first of its nature to open within the state of Arizona. Global Water has also committed to the implementation of dual lines throughout the newly developed subdivisions within the Maricopa/Casa Grande service area in the near future. Q: What were the greatest challenges encountered on this project, either from your firm’s point of view or as a project team? DC: The use of innovative recycled materials fresh to the market had its challenges. The project incorporated load-bearing recycled foam and
Photo courtesy of Deutsch Architecture Group
insulated concrete form (ICF) walls for the entire exterior perimeter. Our design incorporated a unique round structure for the conference facility. This conference facility round form was constructed using the ICF units in a vertical application versus its typical horizontal. Coordinating bearing points in the bearing wall proved to be very challenging and required on-site coordination amongst the entire construction and design team.
4600 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 602-840-2929 fax: 602-840-6646 www.2929.com
The General Contractor’s Perspective with John Tomasson, Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction Q: What is the most unique or important feature of the facility (or of the design/construction process)? JT: The design, materials and construction of this building have provided for a life cycle of 50 to 60 years rather than the current designs and construction that have an average anticipated life cycle of 20 years. The underlying mission of the Global Water Center is to advance the understanding of water resource management through exhibits and displays that educate the public on water history, the current state of affairs and future planning. The displays showcase this changing message, which also feed into the LEED
®
rating system, which
acknowledges educating the public about environmental issues as a contribution to the overall sustainability of a building. Q: What were the greatest challenges encountered on this project and how, specifically, did you overcome them? JT: The coordination of the insulated concrete form (ICF) walls with the structural requirements. By bringing all parties (ICF sub, structural steel sub, architect, structural engineer) together in discussions, planning sessions and field inspection, the team was able to overcome challenges and provide a building utilizing limited “new” materials. Q: How did you work with the architect and owner to save time and/or money on the project? How was value engineering applied to your responsibility? JT: Working early in the design helped identify methods and materials to provide budgeting and value engineering during design rather than after the construction drawings were completed. This allows the owner to control their budget and design up front in lieu of accepting a completed design and then finding out the cost exceeds their budget. This also allowed for value engineering to happen concurrent with the design, so the team
Photo courtesy of Adolfson & Peterson Construction
did not have to make any major changes or eliminations after the design was complete. Q: What were some of the lessons learned from this project? JT: Team collaboration [among] owner, general contractor, architect, engineers and subcontractors is a necessity in today’s industry.
5002 S. Ash Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282 480-345-8700 fax: 480-345-8755 www.a-p.com
Photo courtesy of Jesse McCaskill continued from page 2
exterior areas, but also services the
the biggest task is educating the
Tomasson, coordinating the ICF walls
and construction teams. “This con-
toilets in the washrooms,” said Hill.
subcontractors and monitoring the
with the structural requirements was-
ference facility round form was con-
The dual water mains lower water
process to guarantee no recyclable
n’t easy. But by bringing together the
structed using the ICF units in a verti-
usage by more than 80 percent
waste is contaminated, he added.
architect, the structural engineer and
cal application versus its typical hori-
M & M Systems, LLC provided
several subcontractors, the team was
zontal. Coordinating bearing points
low-voltage cabling for the project
able to discuss the process and plan
in the bearing wall proved to be very
and installed the underground
properly to overcome the hurdles.
challenging…” said Calcaterra.
compared to a building with standard plumbing. ®
Another element of the LEED
process involved separating the
backbone to the adjacent facility,
Another challenge involved the
In the end, every hurdle was
construction waste for recycling.
using both copper and fiber-optic
dual pipe system that was installed
overcome and the center is now
“This requires a minimum of three
media. “By working with all of the
to make use of recycled water.
furthering Global’s role as a leader
separate waste dumpsters to sepa-
trades on site and the owner, M &
Recycled “purple” pipe and strict
in water conservation and reclama-
rate the waste so the recycle com-
M Systems was able to bring the
coordination were utilized to main-
tion. The new Global Water Center
panies can distribute to the proper
project in on time and on budget,”
tain separation and ensure there
is more than just a customer-
downstream ‘re-manufacturers,’”
said Marcy L. Squires, managing
would be no chance for contami-
service/administrative facility for the
said John Tomasson, senior project
member of M & M Systems.
nation of the potable water
company, it’s proof of its commit-
sources, said Tomasson.
ment to the environment.
manager for Adolfson & Peterson
Although the project may appear
Construction, the project’s con-
seamless,
there
were
a
few
Also, the round structure of the
struction manager at risk. However,
challenges along the way. For
conference facility tested the design
Photo courtesy of Jesse McCaskill
6
arizona/nevada edition
— Megan Merritt
Photo courtesy of Shaun Kurry/Cornerstone Photography
gold medal award winner
Personalized Service for Your Cable Installation Needs Starting out small with steady, managed growth was the philosophy of Mark and Marcy Squires, founders of M & M Systems, LLC, a company that specializes in voice, data and special systems cabling, including both premise and campus environments. Started in 2001 with three employees, M & M Systems is driven as a standards-based installation company and is a licensed contractor in the state of Arizona. The company is also a member of Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), a Global Telecommunications Association, and the company utilizes BICSI-certified technicians. BICSI installers are required to gain continuing education credits to maintain their certifications, which ensures up-to-date knowledge of industry practices. Technicians are also required to have a working knowledge of industry codes and standards. “Whatever it takes” Providing a mission statement that speaks of passion and dedication, founder Marcy Squires says that this mission, “also assures that standards will be followed and quality will not be compromised.” This motto can also extend to the goals and credentials that are cornerstones to Marcy and her employees. Keeping overhead costs down while concurrently providing quality and supplying customers with state-of-the-art service at the lowest possible prices is what M & M
Systems focuses on. The company has the accolades of a big company and can provide exceptional personalized service that only a smaller company has the freedom to offer. The main goal, one the company strives for on every new project, is to meet or beat the proposed price while paying strict attention to quality. On a recent job, the team at M & M Systems was able to come in under the proposed price and pass that savings along to its customers by performing all work during regular business hours, rather than the proposed after-hours work. Saving You Money with Helpful Alternatives Having worked with M & M Systems on “several dozen-plus” projects, client Norm Duve, Information Technology Director at Marc Center of Mesa, Inc., a private nonprofit corporation that provides educational, therapeutic, rehabilitation and social services to children and adults with developmental, physical and mental disabilities, says M & M Systems “has continually offered viable alternatives to planned work that was too expensive.” Through involved strategizing with general contractors at the outset of a large project, M & M Systems has been able to arrive under the quoted price more than once. It was more than six years ago that Marc Center of Mesa, Inc. contacted M & M Systems to offer a bid on installation of some wireless network antennas — that’s when their
partnership began, and it continues to thrive today. “We will be using M & M on several planned projects in the future and all other cabling and connectivity needs,” Duve says. Professional Guarantees for Every Need For Global Water Center in Maricopa, Ariz., the M & M Systems team members provided low-voltage cabling to support the interior voice, data, community antenna television (CATV) and overhead sound systems. They also installed an underground backbone to the adjacent facility to support voice, data and sound reinforcement, using copper and fiber-optic media. In order to finish the project on time and on budget, the team members worked tirelessly with the owner and all other trade workers on site. Their cabling plant supported several other contractors’ efforts in providing a seamless turnkey solution. Tim Klein, co-owner and Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD), designed the overhead sound system for the project. All M & M Systems’ installations are able to provide a certified cable plant guaranteed to support customers’ requirements using standards-based design installations. For Global Water Center, and for all projects during the past seven years, M & M Systems has served customers with scrupulous care and will continue to do so for many years to come. — Corporate Profile
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