Project Overview

Administrators at the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children wanted to add a bit of whimsy to their new employee parking structure, to make it more visually attractive.

They also wanted to ensure a smooth flow through the structure and provide a bright, safe interior.

Precast Solution

The 1,800-space garage features a total-precast concrete structural solution that features stone-like accents created with formliners used with the spandrels. Architectural white and structural gray concrete mixes were used to create visual interest and delineate sections of the design.

Contrasting lintels and sills break up the mass and accent the windows. Infill panels around the entrance and on the columns were painted a pale rose to add color and contrast. Columns extend above the top spandrels and are capped with white precast capitals anchoring poles that fly brightly colored pennants.

A double threaded helix design provides easy access and improved safety.

 

Project Team

Architect and Engineer of Record

Tim Haahs & Associates 

General Contractor

R.M. Shoemaker Co. 

Owner

A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children 

Precaster and Precast Specialty Engineer

High Concrete Group LLC 

Key Project Attributes

  • Fabricating the precast concrete components under controlled conditions in the plant ensured high quality and tight tolerances, minimizing field adjustments and speeding up erection time.
  • Casting components off-site while site work was completed allowed precast concrete pieces to be ready for erection as soon as foundations were ready, speeding up construction.
  • Precast concrete’s aesthetic versatility provided details that projected a whimsical castle-like look that fit the nature of the children’s hospital.
  • Several colors of concrete and formliners, along with detail accents, provided visual interest in a panelized system that was quick to erect.
  • Long-span double tees provided open interiors, enhancing security and design flexibility.
  • Total-precast concrete system consolidated framing and façade with one supplier, ensuring no communication issues and close scheduling of components.

Project/Precast Scope

  • Five-story, 407,000-square-foot parking structure for children’s hospital.
  • 1,800 parking spaces provided.
  • Formliners provided stone-like look for stair towers and columns.
  • Stair tower echoes nearby A.I. DuPont monument.
  • 45-foot-wide bays with one-way traffic.
  • Nine-foot-wide stalls angled at 80 degrees provide easy access.
  • 15-foot-wide double tees with 7 ½-inch leg spacing minimize column needs and joints.