Tricon’s feature project was a design-build, construction management contract for 9,600 square foot precast office, retail and auto repair shop built in Lacombe, Alberta.

Precast concrete was chosen due to its ability to provide a high degree of energy efficiency. The panels can outperform conventional wood or steel walls, due to the walls thermal capacity and breaks. The insulation is fully incorporated into a concrete sandwich wall panel with Styrofoam insulation between two concrete walls.

Precast concrete is an environmentally sound material, as it is produced from natural materials. Precast concrete contains supplementary recycled materials such as flyash, slag, and silica fume, which would otherwise go to landfills.

The precast concrete exterior walls of this building are 10” sandwich panels, which provides an effective R Value of R20+. The thermal mass of precast concrete absorbs and releases heat slowly, shifting air conditioning and heating loads to allow smaller, more efficient heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Energy cost savings are significant, up to 25% on heating and cooling costs.

The design phase of the building is crucial when using precast concrete panels as penetrations are cast into the walls. This building was built for expansion with all services ready for easy add-on.

Spray foam insulation was installed under the floor slab to achieve optimum efficiency in the building. Multiple heat sources like in floor, infrared and air make up were used to ensure a comfortable working area for employees.

A unique addition to the site was the full privacy fence with precast concrete posts.

Inside the building features customized floating stairs, stained and polished concrete flooring.

Precast concrete walls provides piece of mind for its ability to deliver protection against fire, cold, moisture and deterioration. There is very little maintenance to preserve the original look. It has long-term durability with a life expectancy of 75 years plus.