PROJECT OVERVIEW

As part of a multiphase expansion of its North American headquarters in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, tech firm Lenovo planned to add 1200 people, which necessitated more parking. But a bland, utilitarian parking solution would not suffice. The structure needed to reflect the verdant setting of the 67-acre campus with its lake, woods, and rolling terrain.

PRECAST SOLUTION

An early plan to use metal panels on the exterior was scrapped in favor of using precast concrete as the architectural feature. To blend in with existing buildings on the campus, the design team sought to create “a sort of unique DNA pattern in the precast concrete,” said one project participant. “The texture and color of the concrete itself acts as a cultural brand in history, particularly across the main façade.”

Architect

Perkins&Will

Structural Engineer/Parking Consultant

Walker Consultants

Contractor

Whiting-Turner Contracting Co.

Owner

Lenovo

Precast Concrete Producer

Metromont

Key Project Attributes

• Design organized around several factors: site topography, relationship to the office buildings, pedestrian experience, and traffic flow.
• Open stairs on the corners of the parking structure reveal lake views.
• Plan to use metal panels on the exterior was scrapped infavor of using precast concrete
• Producer was engaged by contractor to help meet an aggressive schedule for design and production.

Project/Precast Scope

• 152,328 sf
• 600 parking spaces
• 483 total precast concrete pieces, including: 217 double tees, 63 spandrals, 43 columns, 39 walls panels, 35 Metrowalls, 24 beams, 16 stairs, 10 shear walls, and 7 flat slabs