commercial construction

Commercial Construction, Office Design

Design Build vs. Traditional: Which is right for you?

When it comes to bringing your commercial construction project to life, you have two basic methods to choose from: a traditional (design-bid-build) method or a design build method. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, and deciding which is the best way to go will be up to you and your individual preferences.

Design Build

A “design build” method means that your contractor is in charge of everything: the design and the build. At North Peak we use this method and work with our architects, subcontractors, vendors and the owner as a team, from the very beginning of the project.

With a design build, you’re trusting your contractor to choose all of those other aspects: vendors, architects, etc. You’re allowing the contract to have most of the control, leaving you to just relax and wait for your finished project!

For some, this lack of control can be unpleasant. While it can save time and streamline processes, if you want to be more involved in various aspects of your project, a traditional method might be better for you.

Traditional Build

With a traditional build, also called a design-bid-build, you will choose your architect first. Once your architect has designed your project you can then have contractors bid on your project.

This also means you will become the go-between and main communicator between the architect and general contractor. You’ll be in charge of making more decisions in regards to your commercial project.

Commercial Construction

The Topping Out Ceremony

In the construction world, the tradition of a Topping Out ceremony has been around for over 1,000 years. The event takes place when the final beam is raised on a structure, signaling that framing is done and it’s time to move on to making the shell a beautiful space for work or play. This celebration, which many say started in Scandanavia, served several purposes then.

First, it was a way to recognize and celebrate the framing of a new building. This was, and still is, an important milestone for any construction project.

Also, the northern Europeans, to appease the spirits who lived in the trees they cut down, would often attach a small pine tree to the top of the beam. It’s said that, when all the needles fell off the tree, the Scandinavians knew the building’s frame was dried out or cured. This meant they could enclose the structure.

While today’s topping out ceremonies don’t necessarily include offerings to tree-dwelling spirits, they are a great way to show appreciation for the project team, construction crew, stakeholders, and all involved in getting a building project to that important benchmark.

Often at the ceremony owners and project members will sign the beam before it is raised.

Once framing is complete it’s time to turn a shell into a building with walls, lights, and floors, where once there was just an idea and a blueprint.

Visit our GJ Blackout page to see more photos and articles from our recent Topping Out ceremony.

Commercial Construction

Sustainable Building Materials for your Commercial Construction Project

New building materials and technologies are making it possible for the construction industry to enter the world of sustainability with materials that are durable and better for the environment. The following materials are just a few that are making it easier to build strong, aesthetically-pleasing structures while considering environmental effects as well.

BAMBOO

Bamboo is a renewable “grass” that is strong and flexible. It regrows quickly, is durable, and can be used for framing, support, floors, and interior finishes. Because it grows so fast, up to 1.5 inches per hour, Bamboo is a quickly renewing, recyclable resource that works for many different facets of commercial construction design.

LAMINATED TIMBER

Laminated timber is an engineered wood product. It’s made by using an adhesive or glue to combine several pieces of lumber together. It is extremely strong; it’s stronger than standard lumber milled sawn wood.

It is more eco-friendly than steel or concrete and can be sued for everything from beams and columns to roofing and flooring. It is fire-resistant and water-resistant as well.

ADOBE BRICK

Adobe brick, made out of clay and straw, is naturally occurring and therefore a more sustainable choice than a manufactured product. It has wonderful insulating properties and can be a unique and good choice in arid areas. It has been used for centuries as a building material and can be recycled over and over.

STONE

Naturally existing stone is a great sustainable option for flooring, fireplaces, facades, entryways, and more! It is durable, strong and versatile. Adding stone to your project will not only ensure that you’re using available, existing natural resources, but also will give your building an added texture and feature.

CORK

Cork is a common building product in Europe. Slowly it is growing in popularity in the U.S. It comes from the cork oak tree and is removed by hand. This means it is renewable; trees are never cut down or killed in order to harvest cork.

It is mold-resistant as well and is often used in floors and walls. Because it it is water-resistant and durable, it can also be used for countertops and cabinets as well.

If you’re considering a commercial building project in Colorado this year, we’d love to help! Reach out to our Colorado commercial contractors today and let North Peak bring your building dreams to life!

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