Outcome: Market Appeal, Lower Cost
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Maximize Space
Because
the depth of a concrete frame is shallower than a steel structure,
a concrete building has lower floor-to-floor heights. Structural
concrete provides more floors than a steel building of the same
height-prime consideration in areas with restrictions on building
height. For buildings taller than five stories, this reduction in
floor-to-floor height translates into one additional floor of occupied
space for every five floors.
Reduction in
height also reduces costs. There's less material and labor cost
for exterior building finishes and mechanical, electrical, and HVAC
components with vertical runs. The taller the building, the larger
the savings.
Tenant Friendly
Concrete
can accommodate variations in architectural design to suit tenant
or owner needs. And once in service, concrete buildings adapt to
tenant modifications without the special fireproofing needs required
by structural steel.
Sound- and
Vibration-Proof
Concrete
buildings have excellent acoustics. In standardized tests of sound
absorption, transmission, and isolation, concrete receives high
ratings because of its density. The high density of concrete also
resists vibration and electrical interference-prime considerations
for today's highly computerized and networked office environment.
Visually
Appealing
Concrete
buildings have a rich architectural legacy. Concrete's ability to
accept any form, finish, color, or texture has long made it the
most versatile of building materials. Concrete buildings bear the
nameplates of some of the most prestigious commercial addresses
in the world.
Wired for
Business
Today's
high-technology tenants are fueling much of the building growth
throughout North America. Likewise, they are setting new standards
for space planning, con ditioning, utility infrastructure, and structural
systems. Once valued only for its ability to withstand loads, concrete
is emerging as integral to each of these new standards.
Concrete
structures have clear and open space in the ceiling plenum to accommodate
modern data infrastructure-the extensive cabling needed for connectivity.
Concrete buildings also offer greater access to cable for modifications.
Changes are easier, too, because there is no fireproofing to patch.
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