Total Precast Design Benefits

Citing specific advantages for the Kent Avenue Apartments, Nitterhouse Concrete Products emphasizes total precast construction’s economic and green building

Citing specific advantages for the Kent Avenue Apartments, Nitterhouse Concrete Products emphasizes total precast construction’s economic and green building benefits Û immediate and long term.

AFFORDABILITY

  • Speed of Construction Û 88,000 sq. ft. were completed in 35 weeks, providing a quicker ROI plus bottom-line savings.

  • Thermal Properties Û Enhanced insulation [R values] allowed the owner to include heat and hot water in the rent.

  • Lower Maintenance Û Precast requires no future maintenance.

  • Fire-resistance Û Concrete is UL listed for lower insurance costs, and no structural fireproofing is needed. A fire that occurred during construction left precast elements unharmed.

  • Hollow core Û Additional floor loading is easily handled with precast hollow core, and early design coordination can provide runs for wiring conduit, heating, and plumbing. Hollow core floors and ceilings are ready to receive paint or pad and carpet.

  • Sound attenuation Û Precast requires no further measures to ensure noise abatement.

SUSTAINABILITY

  • Energy Efficiencies Û Precast levels peak heating and cooling demands. By allowing the shifting of heating and cooling loads to help reduce mechanical-system requirements, precast enabled elimination of 101 gas meters.

  • Durability & Strength Û Low water/cement-ratio mixes produce high-strength, durable elements; thus, a longer life span is achieved, plus sufficient strength to support a 61,000-lb. solar collection system.

  • Recycled aggregate can be used in precast mixes.

  • Construction waste and on-site debris are minimized by plant production.

  • Building materials consumption is reduced by precast’s load-carrying capacities, optimized cross sections, and longer spans.