Precast Design for Rooftop Amenities
Not only can precast concrete meet the construction industry's demands for speed to site, cost effective project solutions and reduced field labor, it can also provide creative and innovative building solutions for multifamily and parking structures. Building owners recognize the potential for rooftop space as a viable option for pools, green space and gardens, meeting areas and athletic courts. Rooftop attractions and outdoor spaces are evolving into desired requests and needs for building owners and tenants, and are meeting demand for attractive spaces and sustainability goals.
Tpac manufactured products for a total precast podium structure in Southwest Denver that features a podium project that encompasses a sophisticated total precast core and shell structure for a six-story residential building. Precast provides an effective podium system while meeting desired project architectural features; primarily, the angled architecture and unique design. The precast footprint is designed to maximize efficiency and space in a very tight and dense suburban location.
The top level of this structure was designed as a courtyard, patio and pool space for tenants. As a unique multi-use roof system, the precast design features recesses and an overall structural step in the building for the pool and courtyard area. The top podium is at one elevation, and the courtyard has a 12-inch step-down in the entire outer section, and an eight-inch step on the outside for balconies. In order to accommodate the recesses and steps, the precast beams are cast as block-outs and different sizes. The pool is at another elevation within the courtyard and is made with spandrels spanning column to column.
This project incorporates 2177 precast pieces, manufactured to PCI MNL 116 standards. The total gross area is approximately 175,000 square feet, sitting on a foundation system of drilled piers and pier caps. Precast pieces in the project serve as both lateral and gravity systems. The lateral system is comprised of four stair and three elevator shafts with connections and reinforcements in the hollow core flooring, as well as all exterior walls, serving as the building diaphragm. The gravity system is comprised of the interior framing members that include beams, columns, and hollow core.
The Lincoln Station project process began with a meeting to introduce precast as a viable project option as an alternative to the planned cast in place model. Several meetings and site visits then led to budget and design plan conversion discussions as shifting concerns arose due to labor shortages and scheduling. Precast was selected for its versatility, fire resistance, rapid construction, economical pricing, and for the ease in creating a total precast structure with a single source supplier for the structure’s parking facility.
