Awards · 2023
ENR CA 2023 Best Projects Award of Merit – Excellence in Sustainability category, County of San Mateo Navigation Center
Source: ENR California
County of San Mateo Temporary Navigation Center
XL led the construction of a new, state-of the art, 240-bed Navigation Center that serves the homeless or at-risk residents of the County of San Mateo.
Location
Redwood City, CA
Client
County of San Mateo
Architect
Office of Charles Bloszies
Size
108,900
Value
$51,300,000
Market Sector
Civic
Delivery Method
Design-Build
Attributes
- Award Winner
Certifications
For optimal time and cost efficiency, all the 102 sleeping modules, 27 support modules, bathroom units, and two modular elevators were prefabricated. Two conventionally built structures were constructed onsite and contain an all-electric commercial kitchen, dining hall, and community building/support center. The modules are arranged in four rows. Two rows are stacked three stories high, one row is two stories high and the last is a single story. The on-site all-electric commercial kitchen provides means for food preparation for clients staying onsite and doubles as a training facility for onsite employment preparation programs. This project is the best-in-class navigation center in Northern California, and perhaps the Nation.
Challenges and Solutions
/ 03
Challenge
XL was challenged to maintain a very tight budget.
Solution
To stay on target with the $51.25 million project budget, XL kept a meticulous design decision log and collaborated closely with the designer, client, and end users to achieve the design intent while reducing cost with the following changes:
- Eliminated two trash towers – $900,000 savings
- Used fewer fence posts and longer panels – $200,000 savings
- Used wood framing instead of steel – $1.4 million savings
- Reduced total number of trees and plants – $150,000 savings + operational cost savings
Budgetary challenges were overcome thanks in large part to the County of San Mateo working side-by-side with XL and the architect. The County was extremely collaborative, providing input and removing roadblocks at every turn.
Challenge
As the largest of its kind in California, the size and scope of the modular Navigation Center was a challenge in itself. The biggest process the team implemented for construction quality was weekly MEP and design coordination meetings with the modular vendor, architect, and MEP trade partners, to manage factors such as MEP connections to the modular units.
Solution
This critical work allowed for the seamless tie-in of waste and water lines at 28 locations where the margin of error was less than ¼ inch. Failure to hit such a precise mark would result in massive rework. Thanks to the coordination meetings, everything hit its mark and the construction team was able to set an average of 15 modules (6,000 s.f.) per day.
Challenge
Unforeseen rainfall caused a delay in the project's completion.
Solution
The project experienced a relatively minor delay, as the dedicated subcontractors were willing to work in adverse weather conditions, donning rain gear to ensure the timely completion of the project.
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Awards · 2023
ENR CA 2023 Best Projects Award of Merit – Government/Public Building category, County of San Mateo Navigation Center
Source: ENR California
Awards · 2023
ENR CA Best Level 2023 Best Projects Award – Excellence in Safety category, County of San Mateo Navigation Center
Source: ENR California
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