This senior housing project is in a relatively high seismic zone, associated with the New Madrid Fault. VAA drew on our experience in the Pacific Coast states. We developed cost efficient yet seismic code compliant structural design solutions for this facility. Multiple structural systems were used responding to building use and occupancy.
The 168,000 square foot care center is divided into four wings totaling 177 units. In addition to the two-story skilled nursing component, the facility includes a three-story independent living area, a two-story assisted living area and a two-story commons area. All buildings are linked with the commons area as the central hub. The commons includes a chapel, dining, nurse’s office, kitchen, administrative offices, convenience store, salon and lounge. The commons also has a playing area for kids to play and residents to watch.
The skilled nursing component of this facility required non-combustible construction for medical occupancy. The framing was pre-fabricated light gauge metal roof trusses over a conventional structural steel braced frame. The floors were concrete composite deck with sprayed fireproofing.
VAA also provided civil engineering services for this project. The 30 acres site was built on the side of a hill. This substantial grade difference in combination with the soils in that particular area in Missouri, especially during the wet season, were a particular challenge for the civil engineering team. The team had a significant amount of input into the design of a special under floor drainage system to address these issues.
The civil engineering for the project included a fire loop and a catch basin system for storm water. Due to the grade changes of the site, the civil team evaluated the permeability of various groundcovers and slopes in order to size an appropriate retention pond for the run-off.
VAA worked closely with the city to synchronize the site design with the renovation and redesign of an adjacent public street. VAA lead coordination, between the, project Owner, city and a private water main owner. The staff also worked alongside the Watershed District to meet storm water requirements and erosion control measures.
The evolving site layout process benefited from our accommodating, capable and efficient staff. The staff also provided master planning for future site development.
