Precast concrete was selected for the Alien Technology project because of the material characteristics, aesthetics, and erection efficiencies. The property is located on the flight path of Hector International Airport. There were concerns of vibration, noise and crash potential. The mass of the precast wall panels, mezzanine floor planks and roof tees was an attractive and cost effective solution. In addition, the precast sandwich wall panels allowed for design expression on the exterior while providing a clean economic wall surface for the interior. The designer represented the RFID manufacturing process on the exterior wall panels through a repetitious rhythm and customized lighting.
The use of precast concrete for the major building components eliminated the need for poured foundation walls and shortened the overall erection time on the project. It also eliminated the need for coordination of multiple contractors on site, and the staging and sheltering of various materials. The use of precast concrete was an obvious choice for meeting the design and construction requirements of this facility.
