Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1101469
A PR IL 2019 | 11 Precast Concrete PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ALTUSGROUP; CORESLAB STRUCTURES Carson also says that his company's ultra-thin ARCIS panels "are a platform that is growing enor- mously from where it was just a year ago for rain screens. Several projects are underway in the mid- west, plains region, and pacific northwest. In addition, our Graphic Concrete technology, whereby durable patterns and images are imparted onto precast sur- faces such as facades, walls, spandrels, and sound walls, is starting to take hold in Canada in novel school system and unique facade identification projects. "We expect to double our project numbers for this technology in 2019 with the technical help of our Finland partner. Technology refinement there continues as well. Also, the group just launched an ambitious advertising campaign entitled Graphic Concrete – The new face of precast; Any pattern, Any image, Any Design to formally introduce the technol- ogy to the architectural marketplace." In other news, Kawneer, an Arconic Company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has become an Innovation Partner of AltusGroup. The goal of the membership being to help drive the integration of Kawneer's best-in-class window systems in precast wall and enclosures, in order to meet the demands of the building design and construction marketplace for increased speed of construction, quality, and efficiency. Carson's point about a busy industry leading to consolidation, acquisition, and expansion is keenly appreciated by Coreslab Structures. Since its inception in 1975, Coreslab has become a major supplier of structural, architectural, and hollowcore solutions to markets in Canada and the U.S., with 17 precast/pre- stressed concrete facilities across North America. Coreslab VP Anthony Franciosa notes that the North American construction industry is experienc- ing a decline in skilled labourers. "This makes precast a more attractive option, as our system requires less labourers on site for installation and in plant for manu- facturing. Also, Ontario winters are unpredictable and sometimes harsh, but we have the ability to continue construction through winter weather." Franciosa points to another factor in precast's favour. "Cast-in-place costs are on the rise and also require large labour crews on-site, so people are turning to Coreslab construction for their structural floor systems or a complete total precast structure," he says. Franciosa adds, "We are a full service company that provides technical sales consulting, engineering, drafting, manufacturing, installation, and finishing of our projects. Our span-to-depth ratio is the best in the industry, lowering overall building heights, providing more flexible design in the interior space, and resulting in less cost to heat or cool buildings – as well as reducing the amount of footings required. Another beneficial aspect of Coreslab is that our pre- cast system is non-combustible during construction when most fires happen. Therefore, insurance costs are lower during and post construction." CarbonCast panels, South Christian High School, Byron Center, MI. Ultra-thin ARCIS panels, CornerStone Bank, Sioux Falls, SD. Graphic Concrete, Rødkilde Gymnasium, Denmark. Coreslab install, Village Creek, Hamilton, ON.