In 1986, Joe Millikan opened Superior Mechanical, Inc. part time as a residential HVAC contractor with only four employees. Within 10 years, the company’s annual sales grew from $200,000 to more than $11 million. Now, Superior Mechanical is open full time and employs 87 HVAC professionals. Additionally, the company incorporated a large commercial division and now provides HVAC services to both residential and commercial clients. Specializing in energy-efficient design, the company offers every aspect of HVAC contracting, including engineering, design, installation, service and maintenance. Engineering and design services include feasibility studies, existing condition evaluations, value engineering, life-cycle cost analysis and problem analysis. Superior Mechanical also works on indoor air-quality projects and mold prevention.
Providing services for medical facilities, office buildings, clean rooms, manufacturing buildings, military bases and various other building types, Superior Mechanical has developed a long list of satisfied clients. These projects include: • The O.Henry Hotel in Greensboro, NC • High Point Bank and Trust Operations Center in High Point, NC • North Asheboro Middle School in Asheboro, NC • Richard Petty Museum in Randleman, NC • Cary Town Hall in Cary, NC • Knuckles Restaurant in Greensboro, NC • Fort Bragg Barracks and Assorted Buildings in Fort Bragg, NC • Friendly Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC
Superior Mechanical keeps ahead of its competition with a large service department, inhouse test and balance work, computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities, three graduate engineering professionals,and technicians that can fix anything. “We personally meet the needs of each client,” says Millikan, President of Superior Mechanical. In addition, as the company is aware of increasing energy costs, it has evolved to accommodate these changes and has begun offering more energy-efficient options, according to Millikan. Superior Mechanical provides energy modeling to save its clients money while also ensuring they have quality indoor air. The company performed many of these environmentally friendly services on the recent Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate Headquarters project, including utilizing ener-
gy modeling to optimize the facility’s energy performance. Superior Mechanical monitored the building’s energy use in order to increase the building’s energy efficiency, which earned the project 20 percent of its total Leadership in Energy and Environmental ® Design (LEED ) points. Having recently contributed to another ® LEED -certified project, Superior Mechanical is building a reputation for providing excellent conceptual design and preliminary engineering, while keeping within budget ® and LEED certification constraints. — Corporate Profile
Superior Mechanical, Inc. P.O. Box 877 • Randleman, NC 27317 • 336-498-7609 www.superiormechanicalinc.com
Greensboro, North Carolina
Facts & Figures Owner/Construction Manager:
Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate Headquarters
Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Type of Project: A new headquarters building Size: 15,700 square feet Cost: $1.8 million Construction Time: Completed in
When Weaver Cooke Construc-
light from its sawtooth roofline,
used in the construction industry
June 2007
tion, LLC built its new corporate
which features windows at each
in an artistic design,” said H.
The Need: A new headquarters
headquarters in Greensboro, N.C.,
vertical slice. To add to the drama
Daniel Estes, president of Weaver
facility that showcases the
it wanted the facility to provide
of the gallery’s architecture, multi-
Cooke, the project’s owner and
a showcase of its building materi-
ple paint colors and finishes were
construction manager.
als and methods in order to facili-
used
space,
Looking toward the future,
tate better communication with
according to Andrea Sexton, IIDA,
Weaver Cooke made a commit-
its clients.
interior designer for Small Kane
ment several years ago to become
throughout
the
and techniques and serves as a model of sustainability
The new 15,700-square-foot
Architects, PA, the project’s interi-
an industry leader in sustainable
facility is a one-story, wedge-
or designer. Additionally, wood
construction.
shaped structure composed of
accents in various drop ceilings
green building as part of our cul-
two long office wings connected
and a stained concrete floor add
ture and worked hard to build
by a light-filled gallery and recep-
to the gallery’s dramatic style.
a solid foundation of expertise
“We
construction company’s materials
The Challenge: Ensuring the facility is as environmentally friendly as possible
embraced
tion area. The gallery serves as a
Made of load-bearing concrete
in green building techniques,”
place to showcase the company’s
with site-cast, tilt-up panels, the
extensive art collection, and fea-
building incorporates concrete
In keeping with this commit-
tures the building’s entrance at its
floors and walls with exposed steel
ment, Weaver Cooke decided to
narrow end and a large confer-
beams. “The decision was made
use sustainable techniques, meth-
ence room at the wider end. This
to leave these elements in their
ods and materials to build its new
space receives most of its natural
raw form to showcase materials
corporate
said Estes.
headquarters.
“The
building was designed to achieve ®
LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certification by incorporating specific strategies to conserve energy, water and materials, as well as incorporating other sustainable strategies such as daylighting and heat gain reduction,” said Scott Lahr, AIA, LEED AP, principal for Calloway Johnson Moore & West, PA, the project’s architect. While not all the project’s team members were familiar with environmentally
friendly
building
Gold Medal Award-winning Team Members Calloway Johnson Moore & West, PA Architect Johnson’s Modern Electric Company Design-build Electrical Contractor Interior Enterprizes, Inc. Drywall Contractor Superior Mechanical, Inc. HVAC Contractor Fred Adams Paving Co., Inc. Hardscaping Contractor Small Kane Architects, PA Interior Designer
techniques, that didn’t stop everyone involved from participating to their best abilities. “Sometimes in
the
construction
industry,
change meets resistance,” said Tommy
Hylton,
president
of
Interior Enterprizes, Inc., the project’s drywall contractor. “For ®
instance, the LEED requirements on Weaver Cooke’s new building were new to us, but with a little
effort
and
some
assis-
tance…we figured it out and have Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
gold medal award winner
the carolinas/georgia edition
3
been involved with several [green]
achieved an exceptional perform-
room is not in use. Additionally,
building’s heat absorption. To
projects since.”
ance of 104 percent greater vege-
high-efficiency glass windows and
ensure these energy-efficient fea-
The environmental impact of
tated open space than our local
insulated concrete wall panels
tures were doing their job, Weaver
the project was initially reduced
zoning code requires,” said Estes.
were selected to minimize temper-
Cooke
by situating the new facility on the
The facility was also oriented to
ature transfer from outdoors to
enhanced commissioning of the
site of a previously established
take advantage of natural light to
indoors. In addition, the building’s
building’s energy systems. “This
business park instead of leveling
brighten its interiors.
employed
basic
and
roof materials include heat-reflec-
commissioning process allowed
undisturbed land. Additionally, the
To conserve energy, the project
tive, cool-colored metal on the
us to verify that the building’s
building footprint maximizes open
team incorporated elements such
steep slopes and white synthetic
energy systems were installed,
space, promoting the biodiversity
as infrared sensors that automati-
membrane on the low-sloping
calibrated and performing accord-
of local plants and wildlife. “We
cally shut off the lights when a
areas. These materials reduce the
ing to the project requirements
Photo courtesy of Bill Kund Photography
4
the carolinas/georgia edition
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
gold medal award winner
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
and the design of the building,”
Mechanical, Inc., the project’s
improved occupant comfort and
fixtures…can cut water usage and
said Estes.
HVAC contractor, energy model-
productivity,” said Estes.
costs in half,” he said.
In order to continually track the
ing was a huge help in obtaining ®
building’s energy consumption, a
LEED
points. Each month, the
baseline building energy model
actual energy used is compared to
According to Lahr, the building’s
plumbing
fixtures
Another sustainable element
were
of the project involves the use
selected to minimize the impact
of Turfstone for overflow parking.
™
™
for the new facility was calculated,
the estimated energy use, and cor-
on the municipal water supply
“Turfstone
and
rections can be made, if necessary.
installed on the lighting, heating
energy
monitors
were
“Verifying
and cooling equipment as well as
are
is a structural lawn
while maximizing water efficiency.
product that serves as a grassy
the
systems
These fixtures include waterless
area and parking for this project,”
as
intended
urinals; low-flow, sensor-operated
said Mark Tiernan, general man-
the gas meter. According to Joe
ensures reduced energy use, low-
faucets; and dual-flush toilets.
ager for Fred Adams Paving Co.,
Millikan, president of Superior
ered
“Installing
Inc., the project’s hardscaping
that
performing operating
costs,
and
efficient
plumbing
continued on page 10
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
gold medal award winner
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
the carolinas/georgia edition
5
The Owner/Construction Manager’s Perspective with H. Daniel Estes, President, Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC
Q: How did working as both owner and construction manager benefit the project? HDE: Acting as owner and construction manager allowed us to have a unique perspective on the construction process. Issues that would typically delay the design or construction schedule were minimized by our ability to see the construction project from both sides and make more informed decisions. Q: What was your vision for this project? HDE: We charged the designers, Calloway Johnson Moore & West, with creating a facility that [is] not only visually appealing by incorporating contemporary and traditional design, but [that] would also minimize the impact on our natural environment. Q: Were any extra precautions taken to ensure the quality of the facility’s interior? HDE: No smoking is allowed in the building or within 25 feet of any entrance or air intake vent. This minimizes the exposure of occupants and indoor surfaces to tobacco smoke…. Control of indoor air quality was maintained during construction. Strategies included keeping stored material dry and covered to prevent moisture damage and mold…. HVAC equipment and ductwork openings were protected from dust until the final connections were made, and then filters were installed to protect the openings until construction was completed. Q: How do your employees benefit from your attention to the facility’s interior? HDE: Individual control of lighting and thermal comfort systems promotes
Photo courtesy of J Knight Photography
employee productivity, comfort and well-being. At least 90 percent of our employees can control lighting levels at their workstations, and at least 50 percent can adjust their thermal controls. Q: Are you taking any further steps to help educate the community about green building? HDE: As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have provided educational opportunities to school, community and business groups to tour our new offices and learn more about the benefits of building green. [We] hope visitors learn how to reduce their impact on the environment by applying similar methods and techniques in their own homes and offices. Our employees have been invited to speak to community groups and serve on various local committees. We have used these opportunities to spread the enthusiasm for sustainable construction and development, and provide information on what green building is, why it should be done and how to do it.
8401 Key Blvd. Greensboro, NC 27409 336-378-7900 fax: 336-378-7901 www.weavercooke.com
Johnson’s Modern Electric Company has been providing North Carolina with superb electrical contracting services for 40 years. Specializing in design-build, multifamily apartment buildings, institutional facilities, commercial office buildings and high-rise buildings, the company has built a reputation through the years for being a leader in its field. Founded in 1968 by Walter Glenn Johnson as a residential electrical contracting firm, Johnson’s Modern Electric started with annual sales of $1 million to $2 million. His son and current President, Steve Johnson, purchased the company in 1972. Today, Johnson’s Modern Electric employs 300 electrical contracting professionals and grosses $40 million annually. Offering its clients a one-stop-shop solution, Johnson’s Modern Electric provides drawing, engineering, safety and all electrical systems in house. The company is able to work with a project’s owner from preconstruction through completion, as well as offer repair service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “We usually partner with the general contractor early and attend preconstruction meetings,” says Steve Johnson. “Our customer comes first, which is why we have a tremendous amount of repeat business.” A few recent projects that have benefited from Johnson’s Modern Electric’s experience are the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Proximity Hotel and Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate Headquarters. In addition to providing quality customer service, Johnson’s Modern Electric ®
is the only Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED )-certified electrical contractor in North Carolina. “We see green building being good for us over the horizon,” says Steve Johnson. “We receive numerous [phone] calls for our services [because of our green building techniques].” Recently, Johnson’s Modern Electric put its green building expertise to work on the Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate Headquarters project. The company performed design-build electrical contracting services, including the installation of motion sensors to turn the lights in a room off when no one is moving inside, dark-sky fixtures to minimize the spillage of indoor light outside, and meters on the HVAC equipment to help minimize energy usage. In addition, the company used as much local material as possible, according to Steve Johnson. Ordering the materials in state as opposed to out of state requires less gas for delivery. “This does contribute to saving the environment,” he says. The cooperative partnership between Johnson’s Modern Electric and Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC worked out so well on this project, Weaver Cooke Construction was contracted to build Johnson’s Modern Electric’s new office building in East Bend, N.C., which opened in April 2008 ®
and is expected to be LEED certified. — Corporate Profile
www.jmecompany.com
The Architect’s Perspective with Scott Lahr, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Calloway Johnson Moore & West, PA Q: Was your firm a part of the project early on? SL: As with all projects, and furthermore with sustainable design projects, you cannot have the entire team together too early to discuss the strategies and goals for the project. It is imperative that everyone be at the table to set the goals and compare the tradeoffs of the various strategies. Q: What were some of the project’s critical design issues? SL: One critical issue in the design was getting light and views deep into the space for daylighting and occupant comfort without damaging the [company’s] works of art. In addition, a significant segment of Weaver Cooke’s work consists of the renovation and adaptive reuse of old mill buildings throughout the Southeast. The sawtooth roofline provides a visual link to that building type and allows ample light throughout the building’s central core. Q: Did the project team face any other challenges aside from meeting ®
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED ) requirements? SL: The project was designed and constructed on an expedited schedule, thus demanding close communication and coordination between the architect and the contractor. This was further challenged by the added layer of sustainable design features and tracking of the recycled content and waste levels being used and produced in the project. Q: Were you able to apply any value engineering techniques to help offset any green building costs? SL: There’s a perception out there that green design has to be expensive —
Photo courtesy of Calloway Johnson Moore & West, PA
it doesn’t. We’ve been designing green features for almost 10 years now, and many of the strategies we incorporate cost nothing. Others may be somewhat more costly, but they have a payback over time — often a very short time — that makes them affordable. Q: What advice would you give to owners debating whether or not to build green? SL: The bottom line is it’s sensible. It’s the right thing to do; it’s the smart way to do it; and it doesn’t have to be cost prohibitive if you work with experienced people.
119 Brookstown Ave., Ste. 100 Winston-Salem, NC 27101 336-724-1503 fax: 336-724-2407 www.cjmw.com
Founded in 1984, Fred Adams
• Retaining walls
Paving Co., Inc. has been providing
• Stamped concrete
hardscaping services and products
• Architectural curb systems
throughout North Carolina for more
• Sealers and joint stabilizers
than 20 years. Initially, the company offered solely interlocking paver
The company is often brought in
installation. Now, Fred Adams
on a project from the beginning and
Paving provides a multitude of resi-
usually works hand in hand with the
dential and commercial services
owner’s project manager, ensuring
and products, including:
everything goes smoothly. “Not only
• Unit pavers
do we have highly skilled project
• Natural stone pavers
managers and superintendents, we
• Clay brick pavers
have a software package that
• Permeable pavers/
enables us to communicate with
a commitment to excellence, loyalty
[each] client every step of the
to all, accountability for our actions
• Engraved pavers
porous pavement systems
way,” says Mark Tiernan, General
and respect for one another,” says
• Slabs
Manager for Fred Adams Paving.
Tiernan. “Working in total partner-
• Architectural slabs
“Our Field 2 Base system allows us
ship with our clients and always
• Roof gardens
to send pictures and up-to-the-
providing exemplary customer serv-
• Grass and reinforced
minute information to our clients
ices, we far exceed our customers’
from start to finish.”
expectations and produce award-
turf systems
In addition, the company stands
winning results.”
Three years ago, people didn’t ®
head and shoulders above the
Fred Adams Paving is also proud
competition due to its integrity and
to offer recycled and environmental-
Tiernan. “The increased awareness
the integrity of each of its employ-
ly friendly products, many of which
has put focus on storm water runoff,
ees. “The Fred Adams Paving team
qualify for Leadership in Energy
LEED [points] and the recognition
®
know about LEED
points,” says
®
lives and works by being honest
and Environmental Design (LEED )
in all we do and with whom we
points. “The industry is moving
of keeping the water supply clean.” Recently, Fred Adams Paving
interact — and consistently exhibits
toward more [of a] green mindset...
completed work on the Weaver Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate Headquarters project. To provide overflow parking, the company ™
installed Turfstone , a structural lawn product that serves as both a grassy area and a parking area for this project. This product increases filtrated water into the surrounding soil and decreases polluted runoff. By understanding industry trends and prioritizing customer service, Fred Adams Paving has become a leader in its field and is sure to provide excellent services and products for years to come. — Corporate Profile
continued from page 5
contractor. “It increases filtrated water into surrounding soil and decreases polluted run-off.” Local, renewable and recycled materials were also utilized. Based on the total value of materials used in construction, 21 percent of the building is made of recycled content. Furthermore, 77 percent of the project’s construction debris was recycled instead of sent to a landfill.
According
to
Steve
Johnson, president of Johnson’s Modern Electric Company, the Photo courtesy of Bill Kund Photography
project’s design-build electrical contractor, the team tried to use as many local materials as possible, which helps to save gas since the deliveries are made from nearby facilities as opposed to out-ofstate manufacturers. In addition to using recycled materials, 72 percent of the building’s
wood
value
is
Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified. This certification ensures the lumber was grown and harvested using environmentally responsible forest management practices that protect wildlife habitats, prevent soil erosion, minimize water and air pollution, and properly handle the waste generated. “We were able to complement Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
Weaver Cooke’s overall mission in
Photo courtesy of Small Kane Architects, PA
the interior design by selecting
systems are designed to maintain
batteries, toner and ink cartridges.
its goal of leading the industry in
materials that would contribute to
a minimum fresh air intake volume
“Using recycled materials in con-
green building techniques in the
certification,” said
that exceeds the industry standard
struction and daily operations
best way possible — by example.
Sexton. “Some examples of mate-
by 30 percent. “An increase [of]
reduces the environmental impact
The company’s client base, sub-
rials we used [are] carpet tile and
fresh air into a building positively
of harvesting new materials,”
contractors and suppliers have all
porcelain tile that utilize post-
affects the indoor air quality for
said Estes.
shown an increased interest in
industrial
the comfort and well-being of the
their LEED
®
content;
rubber
flooring, [since] rubber is a rapidly
green building since learning of
project team worked hard to
Weaver Cooke’s own efforts. “We
Weaver Cooke takes its commit-
ensure the facility is as environ-
feel we are setting an example by
occupants,” said Estes.
renewable material; and low-emitting adhesives.”
Weaver Cooke and the entire
ment to the environment serious-
mentally friendly as possible, with-
showing corporate responsibility
The building’s indoor air quality
ly. Aside from the steps it took
out cutting any corners. Their
to reduce [our] impact on the
was also taken into consideration
with the design and construction
efforts were rewarded when the
environment,” said Estes. “We are
in the design. Sensors were
of its new headquarters, the com-
building received a LEED
gold
not only demonstrating to other
installed throughout the building
pany currently uses recycled letter-
certification — the first in the
corporations the need to be envi-
to detect increased levels of car-
head and paper products in
Piedmont Triad area of North
ronmentally responsible, but pro-
bon dioxide and then trigger the
its day-to-day operations, and
Carolina. All the facility’s sustain-
viding education so these applica-
ventilation system to increase the
recycling collection areas are
able features are labeled so visitors
tions can be used in future con-
amount of fresh air taken into the
located throughout the building
can see what went into construct-
struction projects.”
system. The heating and cooling
for paper, plastic, glass, metal,
ing it. Weaver Cooke has achieved
10
the carolinas/georgia edition
®
— Kelli Cook
gold medal award winner
Founded in 1983 in Greensboro,
The company utilizes a workforce
N.C., by Carl Walker and Deleno
composed
primarily
of
hourly
Flynn, Interior Enterprizes, Inc.
employees, which gives it better con-
provides general contractors in
trol over meeting tight schedules and
the area with drywall, metal stud
providing high-quality products. In
framing, batt insulation, stucco,
addition, the company matches
exterior insulation finish systems
employees and superintendents with
(EIFS), acoustical ceilings and other
the projects they are best suited to
acoustical products.
handle. “We know which crews are
In 1985,Tommy Hylton became a
more successful on a certain type of
small percentage partner in the
project, and it would be foolish to put
company, and by 1988 Flynn was
a crew on a job that you know they
bought out and Sam Pugh came in as
aren’t comfortable with,” says Hylton.
only contracted to perform the metal
design and construction practices in
a third partner. Walker retired in
As a testament to the company’s
stud framing, batt insulation, drywall
order to achieve Leadership in Energy
2002, leaving Interior Enterprizes in
determination and expertise, it has
and
Interior
and Environmental Design (LEED )
the hands of Hylton and Pugh.
recently finished work on 25 new
Enterprizes was able to help with
certification for its new headquarters.
Kohl’s department stores. Given mere-
other aspects of the project thanks to
Many of the project’s green building
ly eight to 10 weeks to complete the
its talented employees.“We ended up
standards were new to Interior
Experience gets the job done
acoustical
ceilings,
®
entire scope of work on each of these
doing a lot of the carpentry work,
Enterprizes, but it learned all it
With experience in hotels, office
projects, Interior Enterprizes placed
installing windows and door frames —
could about environmentally friendly
buildings, shopping centers and
experienced superintendents in charge
whatever Weaver Cooke needed us to
building practices. Since then, it has
retail stores, Interior Enterprizes
of its crews to ensure the deadlines
do to help with the project,” says
been involved with several other
enjoys working with the same con-
were met. According to Hylton,
Hylton. Additionally, since Weaver
green projects.
tractors time and time again in
Interior Enterprizes never alters
Cooke was hoping to move into its
Interior Enterprizes continually
order to build long-lasting relation-
the end date, but meets it every time
new facility as soon as possible, the
displays determination, diligence,
ships.“We like to find a relationship
without excuses.
Interior Enterprizes team pushed hard
hard work and quick thinking on
to get everything completed quickly.
every project.These qualities set an
that works for both parties and
Going above and beyond
The company is also quick to learn
example for other businesses to fol-
for
new and innovative procedures and
low, as well as ensure the company
over and over and over again,” says
Interior Enterprizes was the Weaver
products. This was essential on the
a place in the construction industry
Hylton,
Cooke Construction, LLC Corporate
Weaver Cooke project, as the compa-
far into the future.
Headquarters facility. While originally
ny desired to implement sustainable
work hard to provide the client with a quality product, on time, current
Interior Enterprizes.
president
of
Another
recent
project
— Corporate Profile
24445 Northwestern Hwy. Ste. 218 • Southfield, MI 48075 • 248-945-4700 • fax: 248-945-4701 • www.constructionreviews.com