PROJECT OVERVIEW

High school students seeking intensive education in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) will soon have a new space to work at Fulton Science Academy in Alpharetta, Ga. To accommodate their growing STEAM school, the owners of the prekindergarten through high school academy required an addition that would provide 29 classrooms, as well as restrooms, offices, workrooms, a high school hangout, a courtyard, and additional parking.

PRECAST SOLUTION

The addition also had to match the architecture of the existing buildings, with their two colors of brick. It had been envisioned as a steel and brick-veneer structure until precast concrete producer Metromont Corporation offered an alternative: total–precast concrete, which would address the aesthetic concerns as well as the client’s budget and time constraints. The decision to make the Fulton Science addition a total–precast concrete structure was made early, before any preliminary designs had been drawn. Metromont assisted Make3 with the design and development of the precast concrete panels.

Architect

Make3 Architecture/Design/Planning, Atlanta, Ga.

Structural Engineer

Willett Engineering Co., Tucker, Ga.

Contractor

Manhattan Construction, Atlanta, Ga.

Owner

Fulton Science Academy, Alpharetta, Ga.

Precast Concrete Producer and Erector

Metromont Corp., Hiram, Ga.

Photo Credit

Elizabeth Thomas, Metromont Corporation

Key Project Attributes

• Decision to make the Fulton Science addition a total–precast concrete structure was made early
• The foundation design was challenging due to the heavy weight of the precast concrete structure. Aggregate piers were used to alleviate the engineers’ concerns about settling.
• Several characteristics contribute to the resilience of the all–precast concrete structure. Foremost is energy performance: heating and cooling costs are kept in check.
• When designed to Federal Emergency Management Agency design standards, total–precast concrete structures are stormproof as well.

Project/Precast Scope

• 222 precast concrete pieces
• 10-inch-thick thermal-efficient precast concrete panels have an R-value of 10
• Most of structure was put into place in four weeks.