Mixed-use Structure Showcases Precast Concrete System
Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Fla., MAA Robinson is a mixed-use structure that offers residents a luxurious state-of-the-art space to work and live. The project features 369 luxury apartment units in 11 stories, an attached 725-stall parking structure, and 3898 ft² of restaurant space. The residences offer high-end amenities such as a private dog park, clubhouse, rooftop pool deck, fitness center, and walkable access to retailers.
The designer chose a DualDeck precast concrete building system to achieve many of the financial and aesthetic benefits sought by the owner. “Using precast concrete for this project delivered significant benefits in terms of this project’s speed and site restrictions,” says Jorge Arboleda, architect at Finfrock.
The use of precast concrete allowed Finfrock to premanufacture the superstructure off the critical path, which accelerated the turnover of units to the client. “This approach allowed the owner to lease units faster and begin to see a return on their investment sooner,” Arboleda says.
The design uses long and unobstructed spans that are column free and provide the owner with increased flexibility for any future changes that may be made to the building later in its life cycle. The long spans extend more than 60 ft in some instances, with 24 in. Or less depth. The innovative building system eliminated floor prep and core drilling and allowed the team to apply paint directly to the concrete walls and ceilings with minimum preparation. All of this resulted in fewer trades on site and faster project delivery.
Off-site manufacturing also reduced site disruptions for the busy city location and helped the building achieve National Green Building Standard Certification at a minimal cost, which was an important goal for the client.