Building the new generation of distribution centers - Holleran Duitsman Architects Inc. design new building for I.H. Caffey Distributing Company - Brief Article

Modern Brewery Age, Sept 30, 2002 by Sue Hanes

Gone are the days of cookie cutter "boring" warehouses. Today's beer distribution centers are state-of-the-art facilities designed to be energy efficient, cost effective, ergonomically compliant, and have a "personality."

A number of recently-built distribution centers bear the stamp of Holleran Duitsman Architects, Inc. and Meridian Project Management. The two companies provide design and construction management services to wholesalers who share a vision that is anything but boring. "Together, our companies try to push the envelope by providing unique cost effective project delivery," says Mark Duitsman, partner to Jack Holleran, of Holleran Duitsman Architects, Inc. "Our approach begins with the site evaluation and continues through the construction and start up of the facility." The latest example of this approach can be seen with the recently completed new facility for I.H. Caffey Distributing Company in Concord, North Carolina.

Early in the design phase, Chris Caffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of I.H. Caffey Distributing Company, challenged the design team to "Create a state-of-the-art distribution facility with 'personality'." Through the design eye of Mark Duitsman, meeting Caffey's challenge involved applying the best practices from HD's thirty prior facility designs to create a contemporary interior and exterior office along with a state-of-the-art distribution area.

Duitsman's says his vision for the new facility is a product of his personal attention to details. "Getting to know the client and understanding their vision helps me to design a facility that not only looks great, but is cost effective and functional as well," Duitsman says.

The entire 128,000 square feet beer distribution facility is constructed utilizing concrete tilt-up panels. The warehouse area was designed with Therrnomass insulated concrete panels for not only the increased energy efficiencies, but also the durability required within a distribution facility. The distribution area includes 55,000 square feet of CTW (controlled temperature warehouse) and 6,500 square feet of draft cooler. The receiving area has eight loading dock positions along with a separate cooperage area with two additional dock positions.

The drive-thru area was designed to accommodate loading and unloading eight side-bay route trucks simultaneously while still providing adequate room for maneuvering forklifts in and out of the CTW area.

The office space is open and spacious utilizing a color palette that Duitsman calls "durable and elegant at the same time." The lobby and hospitality /training room includes a 24-foot tall reflective glass curtain wall. "This creates a magnificent effect of natural light capturing the sun and exterior beauty of North Carolina," Duitsman says. "Polished granite floors and reception desk with a mixture of wood panels and aluminum reveals give the space a contemporary feel. To help add to the openness of the lobby, a 10-foot-high glass panel wall was designed to separate the lobby from the office environment. To introduce as much natural light as possible in the office, skylights were designed into public work areas at the end of the main circulation spines."

The interior design was created after a thorough examination of the business process at I.H. Caffey Distributing Company. Cognizant of the office personnel working simultaneously at the distribution center, it became critical that the two entities be woven together without being disruptive to business. "The solution was an insulated concrete tilt-up wall dividing the two areas," Duitsman says. "Lounges and workstations were created just inside the office for easy access to the distribution center. The offices were constructed toward the front of the building for welcoming clients and visitors. The continuity of color and all new furniture round out the entire look of the office area."

The overall concept of project delivery for the facility includes all the traditional design elements associated with a project of this size and also focuses on the construction process. According to Robert Glenn, President of Meridian Project Management, "The Meridian selection process of the general contractor was one of the keys to the overall success of the project. By selecting the general contractor early, they became a team member working together for the owner."

Once selected, the general contractor solicited competitive subcontractor proposals for all phases of the project that were reviewed and approved by Meridian. According to the builders, this "Open Book" approach saved Chris Caffey over $300,000.00 from the anticipated construction cost.

The entire facility was completed three months ahead of schedule, allowing I.H. Caffey Distributing Company to transition into their new facility in a controlled and planned process with minimal disruption to operations.

Caffey says he was thrilled that he got the "personality" he was looking for. "Not only does the hospitality room stand apart with its granite and wood bar and etched glass mural," he says, "but the lobby 'rumbles' as it displays the motorcycle we were awarded for outstanding sales."