Valvoline Headquarters
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Valvoline’s new headquarters was designed to celebrate their heritage as a leader in racing while simultaneously capturing their focus on technology and product innovation. The decision to use precast concrete was made because for a project such as this, it is unparalleled when compared with different frameworks. The double-return panels give this building an alluring quality, highlighted its geometry, and was also financially attainable and able to be produced within an anticipated timeframe.
Project Details
- Owner: Verus Partners
- Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
- General Contractor: Messer Construction Company
- Project Cost: $35 million
- Precast Cost: $1.1 Million
- Project Size: 162,000 ft2
- Precast Size: 30,200 ft2
Key Project Attributes
- Acid-etched precast panels provide the structure with a natural stone quality that contrasts against the lighter aluminum and glass elements used within the design.
- Creative hidden connections used allow adjustments above the “floating” column wrap end to help stabilize and work with the superstructure while still achieving the dramatic design.
- Double return column wraps were completed in three separate pours to create a sleek and clean look that would line up best with the steep angled ends.
Unique Plan
The “floating” entry plaza serves as the introduction to an industry-leading organization. Its double height glass lobby and beveled horizontal reveals at the ends of the office wings are supported by exposed columns and allow for expression of movement. Developed to promote a healthy work environment, and be a unique, open, and flexible workspace, the building is composed of two four story office wings connected by a central glass volume forming a dynamic V shape. The unique plan has enabled increased efficiency of the building through sustainable design. The north-south orientation minimizes direct western solar exposure as the V-shape form allows the building to self-shade the interior, providing natural light to all workspaces, which was a key design driver for the project.
Challenges
Where corners and sides have exposed finished surfaces and continuous reveals, the desired thickness of the panels posed a challenge to the structural support. A detailed profile transition and a panelizing strategy were needed, this required close coordination with the precast contractor, structural engineer, and architect.
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