This project developed new production facilities for both Structural Truss Systems and Forma Steel. The stakeholders were invested in the design process as the functional programming and floor plans were being developed. The project was separated into three distinct buildings, the two production facilities being located on either end of a central, two-storey office building serving both companies. The production buildings were designed to allow future expansion to the south, potentially doubling the available production space as capacity needs increase. Additionally, the office can extend toward the firewalls of each production facility, ensuring the site is well-prepared for long-term growth.
The office building features a central entrance and shared common areas, with Structural Truss Systems and Forma Steel operating on separate wings. A common cafeteria was provided to serve employees and accommodate social gatherings. The main boardroom is complemented by smaller meeting rooms located throughout the floor plans. Building access had to be carefully coordinated to ensure that the entry to key areas are properly managed.
A cantilevered architectural massing extends north of the office complex to provide a covered main entrance and house the marketing team and boardroom. The windows in the corner offices were designed to showcase the views of historic Fort MacLeod and the Rocky Mountains. The site, located on the west side of Fort MacLeod along Highway 3, provides the businesses valuable exposure.
The production buildings were constructed with non-combustible construction in the form of conventional steel construction and steel studs. The office was a combination of non-combustible and combustible construction with the main structure being conventional steel construction and the exterior/interior walls were pre-fab wood frame construction supplied by Structural Truss Systems.
Forma Steel, as a distributor for REX panels, supplied the insulated metal panels. Precast Concrete panels were provided for the firewalls at each production building with stamped panels at the main floor of the office building. Forma Steel supplied Forma Plank and Expanded Metal Panels for the architectural accents on the production buildings and the main cladding for the office.
Close collaboration with Westco Construction Ltd., the owner representative (George Feyter), and all the consultants was a key factor in the Ian Moxon Architect’s success on this project. The authority having jurisdiction were a pivotal collaborator to accommodate a staged construction and occupancy sequence.