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09.04 2024

Streamlining Prototype Design for New Construction Projects

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September 2024

by Trevor Ruhnke

Building prototype designs can offer numerous advantages for new building programs and franchise opportunities. A well-developed prototype accelerates permitting and construction timelines, streamlining the overall project delivery. However, like all new construction projects, challenges still arise, particularly in the realm of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering. This blog explores the key considerations and solutions for optimizing prototype designs in the face of site-specific challenges.

MEP Engineering and Site Utilities

One of the first steps in MEP engineering is identifying the available utilities at potential sites, these findings would be coordinated with a civil engineer. The availability of natural gas is often the most significant factor influencing the design. Natural gas is typically utilized for heating in HVAC systems, domestic water heating, and commercial cooking equipment. However, if a prototype is designed to utilize natural gas, and the project site lacks this resource, two viable alternatives are commonly considered: propane and all-electric systems.

Option 1: Utilizing Propane

When natural gas is unavailable, propane can be an effective alternative. This option is less impactful on building systems and equipment design but requires significant consideration of site layout. Most HVAC and cooking equipment can be modified to use propane with simple adapters, and the gas piping will usually be similar in size, with slight variations based on the total fuel load.

However, propane storage poses a site challenge. Propane is stored in tanks, either above or below ground. The size of the tank is determined by the building’s load and the frequency of tank refills. Therefore, establishing a base tank size for each prototype is crucial when propane is the preferred option.

Option 2: All-Electric Building

The second alternative is to design an all-electric building. Equipment that typically relies on gas for heating can be equipped with electric elements. However, electric heating can substantially increase the load on the building’s electrical system, potentially requiring an upgrade to the building’s electrical service. This can lead to significant cost increases.

If an all-electric solution is preferred where gas is not available, this often results in the development of two separate prototypes to accommodate different energy sources.

Site Challenges: Water and Sewer Availability

Another potential challenge in new construction projects is the availability of domestic water. If a site is located far from municipal infrastructure, a water connection may not be available, necessitating the drilling of an on-site well. This process involves working with a well designer/vendor to test groundwater availability and design a system that meets the building’s pressure and flow requirements. Space must be allocated on the site for the well house, which typically includes the wellhead, pressure pumps, storage tanks, and a chlorinator system.

Similarly, if a site lacks access to a municipal sewer system, a septic system must be installed. While the interior building systems generally remain unchanged, the site must accommodate a septic drain field, as well as pumps and aerators, depending on the design. The size of the field will be determined by site characteristics and the percolation rate of the local soils.

In addition to water and sewer considerations, managing stormwater is crucial for any new construction site. Proper stormwater management ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents potential flooding or erosion issues. This requires collaboration with a civil engineer who can design an effective stormwater system tailored to the site’s specific conditions. The civil engineer will assess factors such as rainfall patterns, soil permeability, and topography to develop a system that efficiently handles runoff, incorporates retention or detention basins if necessary, and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure.

HVAC System Sizing and Geographical Considerations

The HVAC system is another critical component that may be impacted by site-specific factors. To function properly and efficiently, the HVAC system must be matched to the load of the space. Each prototype location may have different peak heating and cooling loads, particularly if there is significant geographical climate variation between sites. In such cases, the HVAC system may need to be resized, either through site-specific changes or by developing separate prototypes for similar climate zones.

Conclusion

Prototype project designs are an efficient way to accelerate building completion, but they require careful consideration of site-specific challenges. Evaluating potential sites for utility availability before lease or purchase negotiations can help select the best fit within a given area. While no two projects are exactly alike, MEP systems can be developed with flexibility in mind, minimizing the need for significant changes in response to specific site conditions.

If you’re considering developing a prototype design for your next building program or franchise opportunity, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals who understand the complexities of MEP engineering and site-specific challenges. Our team is ready to help you navigate these hurdles and ensure your project is optimized for efficiency and success. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project successful from start to finish.

Steve Petracek, Principal

07.30 2024

Optimize Site Adapted Prototypes for Efficient and Compliant Design

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July 2024

by Steve Petracek

Site Adapted Prototypes

On the design side of a project, everyone loves a prototype. Okay, maybe not everyone, but making a project or its details can be prototypical, the more efficiently a project can be designed. However, adapting a prototype to a specific site requires careful consideration. Questions may include: How does the building integrate with the site’s layout? How do planning, zoning, and energy codes influence both aesthetics and functionality? And where are the utilities situated, considering they often don’t align with the optimal building corners?

On the structural side of the project, The main elements affecting structural design at any site are variable loadings: snow, wind, and seismic forces. Foundations can vary as much as the loading types, each presenting unique challenges. The complexity of foundation design increases with soil types like clay, silt, sand, or any combination thereof, not to mention site leveling and frost depth. In conclusion, addressing these variables with a well-adapted prototype ensures structural integrity and cost-efficiency.

Snow

Snow is effectively a variable live load, and while many of us enjoy it, it can significantly impact a structure’s design. For reference, a standard roof live load is 20 pounds per square foot (PSF) across the country. In regions like Florida, southern Texas, and southern California, there is no snow loading. However, places like Maine and Alaska can experience ground snow loads of up to 100 PSF. Site-specific locations in mountainous regions, such as Colorado and Idaho, can have localized loads well over 100 PSF. Consulting the building official in these areas is highly recommended but not always sufficient. Building officials often suggest contacting local fabricators to determine the typical design load used in the region.

Wind

Wind pressure can be applied as a broad loading, or in other words, one design covers a significant area of the country. Almost everywhere in the country, anytime you step outside, you can feel a breeze. For wind to be considered severe in the US, it must reach a speed of 58 mph with most storms only reaching 39 to 46 mph per the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Therefore, one design may be able to cover 90% of the prototype locations. Unless the project is in a hurricane zone, the code wind speed in the US is predominately 115 mph or less for a Risk Category II structure. For a Risk Category III, the wind speed jumps to 122 mph, well above all but the most severe cases.

Seismic

Location is significant in seismic design, with forces determined by the structure’s weight. Plate tectonics and the Ring of Fire in the Pacific significantly affect the west coast and Alaska. But one can’t forget the Madrid fault in southeast Missouri that in 1811 it shook and was felt in Hartford, CT and Charleston, SC.  The lighter the structure, the smaller the seismic force. For most lightweight structures built with wood or cold-formed steel framing, 90% of the designs are completed with a single approach since the structure is relatively light. However, some variations make seismic design unique at each site compared to wind. Beyond the previously mentioned weight concern and building height, framing type plays a significant role in the design effort. Concrete shear walls, moment frames, and braced frames are in a long list of framing options that require different levels of detail, depending on the maximum considered earthquake. And then there is the soil type unique to each site that plays a significant role. Solid or soft, each one resists the load in a different way.

Geotechnical

Geotechnical information varies significantly across the United States, impacting building costs. To break this variation down, I will address them as two foundation types: shallow and deep. Shallow foundations are the typical spread footings located approximately in the upper 10′ of the soil. Deep foundations are some version of piers or piles and extend deeper than 10′. Depending on the structure’s mass, a conservative value for spread footings that work in most places may add avoidable additional costs.

An assumed bearing pressure of 1,500 psf compared to an actual bearing pressure of 2,000 psf could reduce the footing size and material costs by 25%. The nice thing about spread footings is that an adjustment to them can be made easily and quickly, depending on the complexity of the foundation system. 

There is no point in making the effort for deep foundations to create a prototype design. There are too many variables. Better results will be achieved by designing deep foundations on individual projects.

Grouping

For a prototype design, the larger the grouping, the quicker the updates or design adjustments can be made. Of course, the design envelope size will vary, depending on the framing material and type. Structural steel and concrete typically have extra capacities based on code minimum or functional requirements. For example, an HSS2x2 post may work, but an HSS4x4 is used because of the connection preferences. Cold-formed steel and wood are typically not loaded to their maximum capacities, and higher loads can be applied to allow for a larger design window. 

With all this said, prototype design can be very efficient for a client and a time saver for the designer. There will always be a design element in every project, but if the layout and framing of a structure don’t change, design effort is reduced, saving time and money.

The body having jurisdiction has the final say. Each municipality is different, and many have unique requirements, so even with the best planning, changes could still be possible.

Conclusion

Adapting prototypes to specific sites involves a careful balance of design efficiency and compliance with local codes and environmental conditions. By understanding the impact of site layout, planning, zoning, and structural variables such as snow, wind, and seismic loadings, architects and engineers can create designs that are both functional and cost-effective. Effective communication with local building officials and fabricators is crucial to ensure that the design loads and foundation requirements are accurately addressed.

Ready to optimize your next project with site-adapted prototypes? Contact our team of experts today to ensure your design meets all site-specific requirements efficiently and effectively. Let’s bring your vision to life!

Steve Petracek, Principal

07.17 2024

Tales from 907 at Bowl Expo 2024

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July 2024

by Theresa English

Flying out under a rainbow is a promising start to any journey, and that’s exactly how my trip to Bowl Expo began. This year’s event was held at the Gaylord in Denver, offering breathtaking views of the mountains. The show took place on Monday and Tuesday before the 4th of July, providing a family-friendly environment with arcade and game vendors generously offering free play on all machines. Operators brought their best testers—their kids! Before the trade show opened, there was a decent line at registration, with a sense of anticipation bubbling among the attendees.

TK Architects shared a booth with our long-time partners at Proctor Companies a relationship that spans over 40 years.  Our booth, 907, was located across from the new product showcase and near the food vendors, with the concession area offering lunch and snacks right behind us.  The camaraderie among the vendors was felt, making the show a truly enjoyable experience.

MONDAY

Monday was pretty busy at the booth with many productive conversations with Bowling and Entertainment Operators.  Some were looking to renovate, a few looking to build new, and a sprinkling who had just completed their renovations.    The energy was exciting and positive, making it refreshing to discuss how people are moving forward and how well their facilities are doing.  

We even had a visit from Ricky Bourgeois and the team at Premier Lanes in Gonzales. They stopped by to say hi and discuss with Proctor about replacing their dishwasher, which has been in use since the original build 13 years ago. (It’s hard to believe that project was so long ago.) Ricky shared a memory about collaborating closely with our design team and engineers to develop their signature “Ball Wall.” He tracked down bowling balls in different colors and weights and helped get them drilled so they would sit perfectly over the structural supports. He still loves that element!

Being right across from the New Product Showcase, I had the opportunity to check out some of the new items. This included innovative technology for bowling center operations staff, scoring, and marketing.  There were also new robots that can make crazy cotton candy, balloon animals, specialty marshmallows, and more!  A fun new Ultimate Disk game from Shaffer and the Pixel Games new floor game with a roll up LED that can allows it to be used on the floor. 

TUESDAY

Attendance Tuesday was a little lighter down at our end of the hall but we were still able to have productive conversations with new potential customers and vendors to discuss their needs and opportunities.  The overall show was smaller than last year (no full-size bowling lanes this time) but the optimism of the attendees was invigorating and we are excited to continue those conversations!!

WHERE TO FIND ME NEXT

If you missed the show and would like to discuss your project, please reach out, we’d love to have an in-depth conversation with you.  As always, I can be reached at 816-842-7552 or send me an email at tenglish@tkarch.com   You can find me next at the International Cinema Technology Association Summer Conference in Laguna Beach, July 21st -July 25th. 

Hope to see you there!

Theresa English, Principal

06.11 2024

Make Profit with Design

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May 2024

by Jack Muffoletto

What all the talk is about

When clients talk business planning and facilities, growth and ROI dominate the discussion. In today’s climate, achieving these goals might seem daunting—but it’s entirely possible. Here’s how.

The challenges arise from inflation-driven expense increases on everything from food and beverage to energy, wages, and interest rates.  Our clients have had to raise ticket and menu prices, deal with staffing shortages, and face supply chain issues. Meanwhile, consumers are constantly demanding a better experience for their ‘night-out’, which needs to remain affordable and appealing to families, couples, and groups of friends. 

So, what happens next?  Slow, well-thought-out, deliberate planning for development spending to enhance the experience of the typical ‘night-out’.

More choices means more customers. This is what has been driving the entertainment industry of late for all kinds of reasons.  Those choices come in the form of amenities, alternatives, and attractions.

For the past decade, our cinema clients have been redefining the movie-going experience. They have introduced amenities like recliner chairs, VIP settings, premium large format screens and sound, 3D, 4D, dine-in, and more.  We’ve also seen alternatives like expanded menus, alcohol bars, sports and
music viewing, coffee, seating and Wi-Fi.

And most recently we’ve seen the integration of entertainment attractions such as arcades and redemption, bowling, laser tag, darts and billiards, axe throwing, golf simulators, event spaces, and more.

What we do

Our role is to seamlessly harmonize the market-driven attractions into an exciting and organized operation for our clients.  We focus on functional layout design to maximize every square foot, incorporating profitable attractions quickly and efficiently…

And enhance the experience…

And reinvent your brand…

And do it all cost-effectively.

It is easy to erase a wall on a sheet of paper, but every bit of demo has a cost to remove and replace, not to mention any interior design feature, or any impending structural, mechanical, electrical or plumbing modifications. 

In the end, experience wins the day.

It’s our experience that leads us to tailor solutions for each unique client. The positive outcomes? A boost in attendance and cash flow. Achieving this can be made smoother with thoughtful design.

Ready to enhance your business with effective design solutions? Lets connect and pave the way for your success together!

Jack Muffoletto, Sr. Principal

05.30 2024

Exploring the Latest Trends in Entertainment – Chapter 4

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May 2024

by Theresa English, Principal

Not your Grandpa’s Bowling Alley

We started this series with a broad overview of why entertainment centers are important (LINK).  Chapter 2 brought you insights from the structural aspects (LINK) and Chapter 3 followed up with factors to consider from the MEP Engineering perspective (LINK).  Now I want to bring this series to a close with the thread that ties all the components together—learning and networking through entertainment focused trade shows. 

TK Architects has been designing entertainment complexes since our founder’s early days as a solo practitioner.  In fact, indications amongst exhibitors predicting entertainment’s relevance in the evolution of cinemas started long before Covid.  A worldwide pandemic crystalized the need for change to maintain the longevity of cinemas and to provide exhibitors a chance for income independent of the studio’s content supply stream.  The time is here, and more and more exhibitors are seeing the benefits and rewards of adding entertainment to their mix.

Bowl Expo

In recent years, the variety of amenities available for exhibitors/operators have significantly expanded. The appeal to clients is as diverse as the amenities.  By participating in Bowl Expo, we were able to see clients’ reactions in real time. I was not prepared to walk into the trade show hall and discover full bowling lanes set up as part of a trade show booth (little did I know what was in store for me later in the year). Numerous booths interspersed throughout showcased everything needed to run an entertainment center. There was ample networking and idea-sharing about the future of entertainment.  Surprisingly, there were fewer Food & Beverage booths than I expected. Overall, it is a great show I would recommend to anyone interested in bowling and entertainment.

IAAPA

Last Fall I went to IAAPA in Florida.  IAAPA encompasses a wide range of attractions, including entertainment centers, water parks, amusement parks, haunted houses, and arcades.  Walking in was quite an experience; imagine the size of six CinemaCon trade show floors combined into one room. Despite the expansive floor plan laid out before me, I still had to zoom in with my phone to read the names of individual vendors in each booth (thank you, guys, for color-coding the floor plan and the carpet).

There’s even an outdoor component featuring amusement rides, but the continuous rain throughout the week, unlike the typical 20-minute Florida afternoon showers, made viewing them a challenge. Some of the smaller rides are indoors, and the arcade games are set up free to play.  We got to check out some of the latest arcade attractions and hot new games.  Operators made sure to bring their official game testers –the kids!

With a couple days to explore I was able to see different aspects of the show:

  • Racing sims were a pretty hot topic this year and the variety of sizes and types of screens they come with equally varied. 
  • I witnessed a captivating water and laser show that could potentially be used for queuing purposes.
  • Complete bowling and duckpin lanes, including demonstrations of how hard it is to really tangle the string setters.
  • Roller coaster cars being unveiled.
  • Flying sims require fans and some crazy looking gear.
  • Arcade games both coin and redemption of all types and styles for every age.  Even a claw game for mini-booze.
  • Baseball, golf, soccer, cycling and football virtual reality or sims if your guests are looking for something more active.
  • I got to go on my first dark ride, an immersive 3D experience with motion seats and gaming interaction.  The motion seats were powered by a familiar name from the cinema world—DBox.

Networking

Familiar faces at booths of vendors we already work with both in cinema and entertainment were a pleasure to encounter.  Seeing new products and discussing potential use was thought-provoking.  Walking with clients to see what was intriguing to them and hearing why they wanted to know more about a particular amenity or attraction was illuminating.  Experiencing the massive trade show that is IAAPA should be on everyone’s entertainment bucket list but be sure to pack your most comfortable shoes!

Dine-In Cinema Summit

As we reflect on the past year, it’s evident that TKA cultivated an exceptional journey filled with new experiences in the entertainment sector.  We have witnessed the continuous growth and integration of the entertainment side of the business.  We anticipate this integration to expand steadily, merging with other aspects of cinema experience. In fact, Dine-in Cinema Summit has added a day designated to discussing entertainment centers!  I had the opportunity to share with fellow architects and general contractors some of the construction costs associated with entertainment centers at Dine-In. 

CinemaCon

The conversation continued at CinemaCon this year where I was able to participate in a panel hosted by the International Cinema Technology Association.  Each panelist shared different pieces of the puzzle of what it means to put an entertainment center together. Whether for new construction or renovation projects, participants shared wonderful information for the attendees.

Conclusion

We are so excited to engage with an increasing number of owners on the intersection of cinema and entertainment.  Exploring the potential for designing distinctive and personalized experiences at that intersection is thrilling. Additionally, we are delving back into what standalone entertainment entails. Whether, you are just starting your entertainment journey or refining your path, we encourage you to reach out to us!

What’s next?

We are looking forward to another Bowl Expo coming up in July, this year in Denver Colorado.  Conference is June 29-July 3rd, Trade Show is July 1st and 2nd.  This time we will be sharing a booth with our vendor friends from Proctor Company, booth #907 .  If you plan to attend, we would love to schedule a meeting.  Please stop by and say hello when you are there. 

Check out the article in the Cinema Technology Magazine from last winter (ARTICLE)!

Theresa English, Principal