DESIGN / PRECONSTRUCTION SERVICESMATERIAL SELECTION:
KEPCO+ has experience working with a multitude of materials, including natural stone, tile, and terra cotta. Once a material is selected, the client can chose from numerous finish options. We can also order material samples for clients or potential clients to review. DESIGN-ASSIST: Preconstruction collaboration between all parties can greatly benefit the overall construction process, frequently improving the schedule, quality, or even budget. As such, we have provided design-assist services on over half of our projects, even when the project was competitively bid. ENGINEERING: In 2003, we expanded our preconstruction services with the addition of an in-house engineering and cad department, providing our clients with an experienced staff focused solely on exterior cladding from initial design through final installation. During the preconstruction phase, our team analyzes how individual panel components may react to environmental factors and engineers a cladding system that not only addresses these factors, but also how the materials surrounding the cladding system will respond. Criteria related to performance, seismic, and wind loading between the adjacent systems is evaluated, along with differential movement between materials, proper joint design, and loading/connection interface. The importance of a properly engineered building skin cannot be underestimated as it is not only critical to the long term performance and serviceability of that structure, but can also enhance the building's aesthetic qualities as well. Not only are panel to panel joints frequently engineered to be close in size to the cladding material joints, creating a seamless installation, but panel systems can even be engineered to accommodate a running bond pattern, further disguising the panel to panel joints. |
