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Words With Mike VanEynde | Project Manager | Wespac Construction

Prefabrication:
the writing is on the walls

PANELIZED WALLS: WHY DID WE CHOOSE THIS DIRECTION FOR GRAMERCY SCOTTSDALE?
Site logistics and speed of install dictated offsite panelized wall construction. This systemized approach ensures the highest possible construction quality, the most efficient use of materials & labor, increased production in the field and sustainable practices.

WHAT ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT ARE PANELIZED?
All of the exterior and interior wood walls including shear, demising and
furred out walls.


HOW HAS SCHEDULE, COST AND SAFETY BENEFITED FROM
PANELIZED WALL CONSTRUCTION?

Schedule. A conventional stick built wood frame multi-family project is
averaging 5,000 - 7,000sf of area per week installed. Panelized walls
average 10,000 – 12,000sf of area per week installed; nearly double
the production. Labor efficiency and repetition is the key. Experienced labor
crews are hard to find, and training takes time and money. Panelized walls
do not require training of new crews on specific framing details such as
stud layout, corner transitions and framed openings. Framers can focus on
systematically erecting walls from a predetermined layout plan.

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Cost. There is a premium for panelized wall construction compared to conventional stick built but the speed of install, quality of materials and final product can offset
these costs.


Safety. Panelized walls have less cutting and nailing in the field which reduces potential injuries. Walls can be constructed with shear already installed, thus eliminating the need to build off platforms or lifts. Loose materials on decks is minimized, which also reduces the risk of injury

ARE THERE BENEFITS WITH THE COORDINATION OF THE PROJECT?
Coordination and constructability begins from the start of the project. Today’s floor plans have higher ceilings, larger door/window openings and tighter above ceiling spaces. We have the ability to coordinate all in-wall items; including mechanical, plumbing and electrical, through Building Information Modeling (BIM). This is a huge benefit in the field, as shop drawings are generated before construction begins. Every item is detailed including backing, recessed refrigerator niches, fire extinguisher cabinets, refrigerant lines, fire sprinkler mains etc.

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HOW DOES SUSTAINABILITY FACTOR IN ?
The entire wall assembly is precision drawn in CAD (Computer Aided Drafting), thus generating less material waste in the manufacturing process. Materials can also be sourced from a Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) facility. SFI promotes responsible forestry practices that includes measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk and forests with exceptional conservation value.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS FOR THE PROJECT OWNER?
Prefabricated wall panels are dimensionally more accurate than stick-built;
since they are made with higher quality lumber sourced from a larger lumber
inventory of material. This translates
into perfectly aligned walls, window
& door openings. Through the ease
and speed of assembly, panelized
walls can be built in days rather than
weeks. The faster construction time
reduces the chance of theft and/or
bad weather creating construction
delays.


HOW HAS THE USE OF
PREFABRICATION CHANGED THE
WAY WE BUILD?

In today’s multi-family market, schedules are getting shorter, days are getting longer and quality tends to suffer. Wespac understands this and is providing a panelized construction solution for our clients. We have the ability to precision draw walls, construct them in a controlled environment, install them with pinpoint accuracy, and consistently deliver the highest possible construction quality on our projects.

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ABOUT WESPAC
Wespac is a general contracting and construction management firm, offering a full range of preconstruction and construction services in a variety of market sectors. From small tenant improvement projects and follow-up service requests to large shell and master-planned communities, Wespac has the ability to serve our clients throughout the entire project lifecycle. We pursue the art of construction, while contributing knowledge, leadership, passion and commitment to every employee, client and project team. Since 1991, we continually strive to provide each client with a level of service that creates appreciation, value and confidence. When you work with us, you quickly realize that we’re more than just a general contractor—we’re an extension of your team. It’s evident when you meet our people, when you visit our jobsites, and most importantly, when you see the finished product. Aside from our passion for building, there is something that is deeper within the heart of Wespac. Giving back to the community is something that we have always been passionate about. From attending local community events, to hosting Arizona’s only 100% non-profit music festival, Wespac always has charity in mind. We have also been acknowledged as a highly organized, proactive and client-centric contractor. With more than 85% of Wespac’s portfolio being repeat or referral clients, our 29+-year history speaks for itself.

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