Creating Safer, Quieter Spaces with Temporary Walls During Occupied Renovations
Renovating occupied spaces is no small feat, but with the right tools, it can be seamless. At the James Center, temporary wall systems played a pivotal role in maintaining safety, minimizing noise, and ensuring uninterrupted operations. Discover how innovative temporary construction walls helped transform this project into a standout success, offering a new standard for efficiency and tenant satisfaction.
The James Center, a one-million-square-foot Class A office and retail space located in Richmond’s financial district, offers stunning views of the picturesque James River. Managed by Hourigan, a leading construction and development firm in Virginia specializing in healthcare, corporate, government, and specialty construction, the James Center is home to two uniquely designed towers that exemplify modern architecture and functionality.
Challenge
Hourigan undertook renovations to the Building One lobby, a 5,500-square-foot, first-floor space within the James Center. This project posed several unique challenges:
- The lobby was an occupied space, requiring minimal disruption to tenants.
- The temporary construction walls needed to seamlessly blend with the premium Class A environment while masking renovations across multiple open floors.
- Soundproofing was critical to ensure a clean, noise-free experience for tenants and visitors alike.
Solution
To address these challenges, Hourigan chose STARC’s temporary construction walls. With their real-wall appearance, exceptional soundproofing, and ease of installation, STARC panels provided the perfect solution.
Highlights of the STARC Solution:
- Premium Aesthetics: STARC’s crisp, clean look complemented the high-end surroundings. Scott Thomas described it as, “Sharp-looking stuff—you walk by and think, ‘That’s quality.’ It made us look good.”
- Effortless Installation & Adaptability: The panels were quick to maneuver, set up, and dismantle. Crews easily removed and reinstalled small sections to accommodate scaffolding and equipment.
- Height Adaptability: To address the 23-foot height of the lobby, STARC panels were paired with additional containment systems, ensuring effective dust retention across multiple floors.
- Versatility for Extended Use: In Phase 2 of the project, the same panels were used to construct a secure temporary office in just one hour—an office that could be taken down in just 30 minutes.
In a premium office space, you want people to feel like they’re in a clean and sterile environment. That means no noise, no dust—just seamless execution.
– Scott Thomas, Director, Special Projects Group, Hourigan
Conclusion
STARC’s temporary wall system exceeded expectations, providing two critical benefits competitors couldn’t match:
- Real-Wall Appearance: Seamlessly integrated with the premium Class A space.
- Durability: Designed for long-term reuse, with an expected lifespan of five years or more.
As Scott Thomas noted, “We could have done it with the competitor’s product, but STARC delivered the real-wall appearance and durability we needed. It was an investment that paid off.”
Going forward, Hourigan plans to use STARC’s temporary construction walls for upcoming renovations to the James Center Skybridge, continuing their commitment to safer, quieter, and more efficient construction solutions.
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