Building beyond expectations.
The North Suburban Medical Center Heliport is a total precast, cutting-edge helicopter garage and maintenance facility. Thoughtfully designed, the facility includes a striking canopy at the entrance, seamlessly blending with the architecture of the surrounding campus.
Wells incorporated locally sourced Lakewood brick, converted into thin brick for the architectural wall panels. The result is a building that’s both stylish and durable, featuring a combined acid etch and colored form finish.
Building next to an active hospital and heliport brought its own complexities. The team worked closely with hospital staff to coordinate around helicopter traffic, pausing construction whenever a helicopter was approaching so it could safely maneuver around the site’s cranes.
Addressing the unique requirements of helicopter storage, characterized by the need for expansive, unobstructed bays, presented an additional challenge. Long-span double tees emerged as a solution, offering a column-free structural design that not only met but exceeded the demands of the project.
Good things come in small packages.
Despite its small footprint, this building packs a remarkable level of detail, showcasing a thoughtful approach to both design and construction. With three distinct finishes and seven different products, it strikes a perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. One standout feature is the use of L-shaped columns, an innovative solution that integrates drainage pipes into the structural framework. This design maximizes space while keeping essential infrastructure hidden, enhancing both the building’s look and performance. It’s a testament to Wells’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional construction and delivering exceptional results for clients.
The project also highlights the benefits of a single-source construction shell, using load-bearing walls and a roof structure to streamline the process. What typically takes two months with traditional masonry was completed in just five days—an impressive example of the speed, precision, and efficiency that precast concrete offers, all without sacrificing quality.
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