Modular construction fit the customer’s temporary needs (3 years+) while providing urgently needed office space. ATCO designed this complex in an “L” shape configuration with two small units serving as corridor links to the permanent existing facilities. The new complex is located in back of the permanent structure and is surrounded on three sides by buildings.
The interior was designed to blend in with the existing facility. Therefore, the employees’ working environment was a major design factor. All office fronts are glass with a glazed design built in a solid maple frame with solid maple doors, and carpeting is high-end quality commercial, which are both used in the permanent facilities. To maximize natural lighting, four-foot square windows were installed in all private offices and open workstations.
This design of the main electrical room eliminated vibration through the building and reduced noise transmission from the transformers. All emergency lighting, exit signs, data room and the main conference room power sources were fed directly from the customer’s permanent electrical room and connected to their emergency generating power source in case of power failure.
To enable the customer to modify the layout during their lease period, and for ATCO to re-market the building upon return, all units except for the two corridor units were manufactured with steel beams built into the wood ceiling structure. The flat ceiling structure of the first floor level modules, and the floor structures of the second floor level modules, were insulated to provide low sound transmission qualities.