®

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

EQUUS DESIGN GROUP

ARCHITECTS • PLANNERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
„ High Performance Office
Buildings
„ Office Planning Principles
„ Concrete Components
„ Architectural Design
„ Structural Design
„ Sustainable Design

USE OF THIS MANUAL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

This Oldcastle Office Building System manual has been designed

ArchitecTs • Planners
to assist Owners, Architects, Engineers, and others interested in
the use of precast concrete building systems for office build-
ings. Use of the information in this manual will be helpful as
references for the design of office buildings; however, each project

OLDCASTLE
must be designed to meet local site conditions and other local
requirements.

The drawings and other information contained herein are illus-

trative only and neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle

Equus Design Group

Precast, Inc. makes any representations as to their fitness for
any specific design or structure, and disclaim any responsibility
for techniques of application, correctness, interpretations, de-
sign methods, modifications or misapplications of these draw-
ings and references.

Since no specific project nor overall engineering responsibility is

implied with the use of this manual and the information con-
tained within, neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle
Precast, Inc. will be responsible for the failure of any designer to
properly design nor any contractor to properly construct any
office building.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast


Oldcastle Office Buildings
High Performance Design for the
21st Century
High performance office buildings represent the
new generation of design that seeks excellence
for the life of the building, from design and
construction through the years of use. Buildings
that are good for the environment as well as
good for owners, tenants, employers and
employees are the primary goal of Oldcastle’s
Office Building System.
Key attributes of high performance office
buildings include the following:
Increased Productivity
During the life of a building, the money spent on
employee salaries far exceeds the costs of the
HIGH PERFORMANCE OFFICE BUILDINGS
building. Approximately 2 percent of the 30-year
costs of a building are in its initial construction;
approximately 6 percent is expended on
operations and maintenance; and the remaining
92 percent is spent on the people who work
there. Owners and tenants of high performance
office buildings recognize that improved working
environments that result in greater employee
satisfaction and productivity can reap large
financial rewards in the long term. Simply put,
employees that are healthy and comfortable are
more productive.
Improved Health
Office workers generally spend significant
amounts of time indoors. Air quality is the most
important attribute of a healthy environment.
Healthy buildings generally consist of a working
environment with proper ventilation, comfortable
climate, and the use of materials that do not
produce unhealthy gases.
Oldcastle Building System consists of total
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
concrete building products made from natural,
ArchitecTs • Planners
non-toxic materials that do not “off-gas”
unhealthy by-products. Furthermore, precast
concrete panels have low permeability and few
joints, eliminating concerns about the formation
OLDCASTLE
and growth of hazardous mold and mildew.
Improved Comfort
Thermal, acoustical and visual comforts are key
Equus Design Group
attributes of high performance buildings. Precast
concrete is the best building envelope for
controlling heat and cooling loss and gain. It is
also the best building product for reducing
unwanted noise from penetrating exterior walls
and interior floors.
High Occupancy Rates
Tenants are attracted to building with high
performance workspaces because greater
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
HP.1
occupant comfort, higher worker productivity, and
a healthier workplace result in bottom line
financial performance. This translates directly
into high occupancy rates for building owners.

Lower Capital Costs

Faster construction completion reduces interim
financing costs, results in earlier cash flows, and
produces other economic benefits that lead to
reduced capital costs. The Oldcastle Building
System of total precast concrete office buildings
ensures the ultimate speed of both production
and erection of fully enclosed buildings. There
are two key factors:
Plant Quality Control
Owners and constructors can be confident that
the components of the building structure and
exterior envelope can be constructed under
weather controlled plant conditions while site
work is underway.
Speed of Erection
As soon as the foundation is complete, the
entire building can be erected in a short time
period enabling the interior trades to begin
work earlier, thereby reducing overall
construction time.
Environmental Impact Enhanced Energy Performance
High performance office buildings are produced There are many strategies for minimizing energy

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

Improved Maintenance
from sustainable resources with energy consumption:

High performance office buildings are based on
systems that are easy to use and simple to
maintain. The building structure, the building
envelope, and the mechanical systems are
resourceful techniques. Oldcastle Building
Systems are precast concrete, an
environmentally sound material.
Concrete is produced from natural
ArchitecTs • Planners
Optimizing the building envelope
Proper sizing of heating, ventilating, and
air-conditioning systems
Installation of high-efficiency equipment,

primary building systems that need to be
carefully chosen by the Owner.
Oldcastle Building Systems feature all-concrete
materials.
No toxic substances are produced in its
production or use.
The production energy consumption of
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lighting and appliances
Application of renewable energy systems
such as photo-voltaic systems to generate
building electricity, solar thermal systems

Equus Design Group

structures and exterior envelopes that are among
the easiest to maintain in the building industry.
Precast concrete offers the building owner peace
of mind that results from the certain knowledge
that the building’s structure and exterior walls
have long-term durability and require little or no
maintenance to preserve their original look.
concrete is quite small.
The thermal mass of the concrete saves
energy year-round by reducing
temperature swings.
And, after its original purpose has been
served, concrete can be crushed and
recycled back into the environment.
for producing hot water or space
conditioning, and geothermal heat pump
systems.
Oldcastle’s precast concrete building systems are
highly energy efficient because they take
advantage of concrete’s inherent thermal mass –
the ability to absorb and retain heat. This results
in reduced heating and cooling bills and the
ability to install smaller-capacity HVAC systems.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

HP.2
Flexibility Facility Managers
Tenants change, management reorganizes, Users
personnel shift, business models change, and Design Team
technology advances. The high performance Planners
office building must easily and economically Architects
accommodate change. Through appropriate Interior Designers
choice of office interior systems and furnishings, Landscape Architects
and with innovations such as access floors, cable Civil Engineers
buses and modular wiring, both personnel and Structural Engineers
technological changes can be accommodated. Mechanical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
The Oldcastle Office Building System offers Lighting Designers
additional flexibility advantages with column-free Fire Safety Engineers
interior spaces for flexible floor plan layouts. Code Consultants
Similarly, shallow floor thicknesses with few Acoustical Engineers
beams provide unobstructed ceiling cavities for Computer Infrastructure Engr’s
flexible layouts of mechanical, electrical and fire Security Consultants
protection systems. Food Service Consultants
Audiovisual Engineers
Elevator Consultants
Commissioning Constructors
Commissioning is the process, from design Program Managers
through construction, which assures that the Construction Managers imaginable; and, Oldcastle precast concrete
design intent is carried through to verify that the General Contractors panels provide a large vocabulary of architectural
key building systems perform properly at the Specialty Subcontractors expression that is incredibly responsive to
highest levels of efficiency and comfort. Building Systems Producers designer’s needs.
Commissioning of mechanical systems is Oldcastle’s team of project managers,
increasingly becoming a standard practice in the engineers, designers, fabricators and erectors Summary

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

building industry. provide total precast concrete building Many of the reported results in the industry about

ArchitecTs • Planners
solutions for: improved health and productivity are anecdotal,
With Oldcastle Building Systems, Owners and Structural Frames yet there is sufficient evidence to show that the
Contractors can be assured that Oldcastle’s team Wall Panels combined factors of high performance office
of project managers, engineers, fabricators and Floor and Roof Systems buildings lead to greater owner and end-user

erectors will facilitate the commissioning process
with a fully coordinated building structure and
envelope from the beginning of the design
process through completion.
Elevators Enclosures
Stair Enclosures
The integration of these components from a
single manufacturer enables the other team
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satisfaction. Furthermore, high performance
office buildings are good for the environment.
For more information on high performance office

Equus Design Group

Integrated Project Delivery
High performance office buildings are based upon
the premise that building design, construction,
use, and maintenance are interrelated concerns.
With that in mind, the buildings are designed with
the cooperation of a wide variety of professionals
that include:
Owner Team
Project Managers
members – owner, designers, and
constructors – to plan with confidence.
Stimulating Architecture
High performance office buildings feature
stimulating architecture that invoke a sense of
ownership and pride and that fit well into the built
and natural environment. Oldcastle Building
Systems are adaptable to a wide variety of
building styles that fit almost any vision
buildings, see the following resources:
U.S. Department of Energy
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Clearinghouse, www.eere.energy.gov
Center for Building Performance and
Diagnostics, Carnegie Mellon University,
www.arc.cmu.edu/cbpd
“Whole Building Design Guide,” funded by
the National Institute of Building Science
www.wbdg.org

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

HP.3
 OFFICE
PLANNING PRINCIPLES

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners
OFFICE PLANNING
PRINCIPLES
OP.1 Typical Office Building
Uses and Organization
OP.2 Planning Modules and
Floor Plate Configurations
OP.3 Typical Core Elements
and Core Locations
OP.4 Oldcastle Office Building
System Checklist
OP.5 Entry Configurations
OP.6 Elevators
OP.7 Stairs
OP.8 Special Considerations

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

OP.9 Floor-to-Floor Height

ArchitecTs • Planners
OP.10 Code Compliance
OP.11 Exit Separation and Fire

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Rating

Equus Design Group

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
OP.0
TYPICAL OFFICE BUILDING USES

The Oldcastle Office Building System is designed Typical Tenancies Special Workspace Accomodations
to accommodate the widest range of applications. High Technology Conference Center
Typical clients, settings, tenancies, occupancies, Medical Buildings Health Club
and special accommodations include: Biotech Research Labs Credit Union
Single and Multiple Tenants Dining Facilities
Private Sector Clients Auditorium
Corporate Professional Tenancies Convenience Retail
Real Estate Developers Medical Exhibition Space
Institutional Accounting Video Conferencing
Public Sector Clients Legal Archive Facilities
Federal Design Professionals Libraries
State and Regional Insurance Training
Local Multiple Lobbies
Settings Mixed Use Occupancies Atriums
Urban and Suburban Settings Office and Light Industrial Parking
Office Parks Office and Parking Loading Facilities
Infill Buildings Office and Retail Communicating Stairs
Speculative Office Markets Office and Warehouse Special Mechanical Accomodations

FLEXIBLE OFFICE BUILDING ORGANIZATION

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
The ability to quickly and cost-effectively
adapt to changing market conditions, tenant

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growth, tenant needs, technological
advancements, etc. is an important criteria
for any office building.

Equus Design Group

With an open floor plate allowing for flexible
interior office space and cost-effective
changes, the Oldcastle Office Building
System is capable of accommodating any
number of tenant scenarios, from owner
occupied, single use buildings to mixed use
occupancies with multi-tenant leasable
configurations.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.1
PLANNING MODULES TYPICAL FLOOR PLATE CONFIGURATIONS

Planning Modules
Planning modules are the basis for the vast
majority of office buildings. Five feet (5 ft.)
module is the standard for new office
buildings in the United States. Furniture
systems and tenant space standards usually
correspond to the 5 ft. standard module.

This is not to be confused with a two feet

ceiling grid which is used for typical ceiling
systems and the modules of lighting and air
supply and return systems.

The 5 ft. planning module is important to

follow for as many of the building com-
ponents as possible - for example, columns
and exterior wall mullions. This enbles an
efficent and flexible use of space. Further-
more, the 5 ft. planning module is a stan-
dard for parking structures, enabling the
same structural grid to be employed in a
single building for both office floors and
parking.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
Floor Plate Configurations
The configuration of the building footprint
can vary widely depending upon several

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factors including the shape of the site,
zoning constraints, and Owner and Designer
preferences. However, by far the most
common configurations are the rectangle

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and square followed by other shapes such as
the ell.

The Oldcastle Office Building System is able

to accomodate a wide variety of floor plate
configurations, but for purposes of
illustration, this manual focuses upon the
most common model, the rectangle.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.2
TYPICAL CORE ELEMENTS Core Elements
Core elements in an office building typically
include the following:
Elevator Shafts and Lobbies
Fire Stairs
Toilets
Mechanical and Electrical Rooms
Telecommunication Rooms
Janitor Closets
Mechanical Shafts
Shear walls
Oldcastle’s Office Building System includes
precast concrete components, particularly
walls for elevator and stair shafts as well as
shear walls, around which remaining core
rooms such as toilets, mechanical and
electrical rooms, etc. can be situated.

Parking
Core elements that extend below to parking
levels typically include elevators, stairs,
shear walls and mechanical and electrical
rooms. It is important that the placement of
shafts in office core areas corresponds to an
efficient parking layout.
PARKING
Central Core

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

A central core is the most typical office

ArchitecTs • Planners
building type. Advantages include:
Open perimeter to maximize views
and natural light
Strengthening of structural core of

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building to resist wind loads
Central distribution point for
mechanical and electrical systems
rising through the building

Equus Design Group

Flexible arrangement for multiple
tenants

Side Core
Advantages include:
Maximizes the uninterrupted amount
of interior space.
The core can open up to the outside
space for natural ventilation.
Creates an opportunity for unique
architectural expression

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.3
 OLDCASTLE OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM CHECKLIST
Overview
1. Description of Project
2. Project Scope
3. Development Objectives
4. Planning Criteria
5. Specifications
6. Building Structure
7. Building Envelope
8. Building Services
9. Elevators and Stairs
1. Description of Project
• Actors (Owner, Developer, Project
Manager, Designers, Contractors,
etc.)
• Site location
• Site size and layout
• Site topography
• Zoning and other site regulatory
requirements (FAR, height,
setbacks, open space
requirements, parking, etc.
• Legal constraints (e.g. deed
restrictions, easements, etc.)
• Special site conditions (existing
structures, viewsheds,
environmental constraints, soil
conditions, etc.)
• Permitting process (e.g. planning,
zoning, environmental and building
approvals)
• Construction budget and schedule
• Procurement process (e.g. Design/
Build, GMP, Construction
Management, fast-track, etc.)
2. Project Scope
• Description of building uses
• Anticipated area of uses, number
of floors, etc.
• Tenant types and sizes
• Tenant design issues
- Floor plate shape
- Floor space efficiency
- Flexibility requirements (raised
floor, partition types, etc.)
- Communicating stairs
(separate from public stairs)
- Vertical shafts for mechanical/
electrical systems
• Parking Requirements
3. Development Objectives
• Level of finishes (shell and core)
• Design Priorities
- Flexibility and quality of finishes
(exterior and interior, tenant
and common spaces)
- Creating column-free space
- Distinctive and memorable form
- Integrating or contrasting with
immediate context
- Utilizing advanced technology
- Minimizing lengthy regulatory
approvals
- Maximizing speed of construc-
tion
Relationship of other uses and
parking to office space
4. Planning Criteria
• Parking
• Building height
• Typical floor criteria
- Floor plate size
- Floor plate configuration
- Core position
- Planning grid
- Column layout
- Natural light
- Ceiling Type and Height
- Mech. and Elec. space
requirements above ceiling
- Raised Floor
• Loading, Deliveries
• Egress
5. Specifications
• Office Space
- Floor loading
- Raised floors
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Lighting
- Sprinklers
- Air conditioning
- Toilets
- Janitor closets
- Electrical closets
- Telecommunication closets
- Service elevator and lobbies
• Public space facilities
- Public space finishes
- Building management
- Main lobby
- Reception and security
- Elevator lobbies
- Elevators
- Stairs
6. Building Structure
• Substructure (foundation, below-
grade conditions)
• Superstructure
• Floor loads
• Environmental – wind loads, snow
loads, seismic design, etc.
7. Building Envelope
• Exterior wall systems – spandrel,
punched openings, expressed
columns, etc.
• Desired thermal envelope – R and
U-value requirements by Owner,
by Code or other applicable
standards (e.g. ASHRAE, etc.)
• Insulation options – sandwich
precast panels (by Oldcastle),
insulation by others, batt v. XPS or
EPS rigid insulation
• Precast façade materials
- Form finishes
- Texture options – sandblast,
formliners, etc.
- Medallion options
- Thin brick options
- Paint options
- Other applied finish options
• Critical Dimensions
- Window sill and head heights
- Column locations
- Window mullion spacing
• Storefront
• Louvers for mechanical equipment
• Glazing – color, reflectivity,
insulated, coatings, etc.
• Shading methods - exterior
louvers, interior blinds, etc.
• Window washing (any required
devices)
8. Building Services
• Air Conditioning
• Ventilation
• Fire Services
• Plumbing and Drainage
• Electrical Services
• Low voltage distribution
• Lighting
• Standby power
• UPS
• Security systems – access alarms
and control, closed circuit TV, etc.
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
• Telecommunication systems
ArchitecTs • Planners
• Computer networking systems
• Intercoms
• Lightning protection
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9. Elevators and Stairs
• Elevators – quantity, sizes,
loading, type (hydraulic, electric,
holeless, etc.)
Equus Design Group
• Elevator pits, override, ventilation,
and machine room, etc.
• Service elevator
• Stair locations and sizes
• Emergency power
Checklist adapted from “Office Building
Checklist,” Paul Katz, 2002, Building Type
Basics for Office Buildings, John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., New York.
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
OP.4
BUILDING ENTRY CONFIGURATIONS

The Oldcastle Office Building System is easily

adaptable to a variety of Owner and Designer
preferences for entry configurations.

Recessed Entry
Recessed entries offer the advantage of bringing
people into the building close to the vertical core
for quick and efficient distribution to interior
spaces. This also offers a cost-effective way to
provide relief from weather within the basic build-
ing envelope.

Expanded Entry
A common method for creating a building entry is
to extend the lobby beyond the face of the
building. This offers owners and designers
opportunities to create a unique, identifiable
entry to the building with nearly limitless
possibilities for architectural design expression.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
Porte Cochere

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A porte cochere is a roofed structure extending
from the entrance of the building over an adja-
cent driveway to shelter those getting in or out of
vehicles. This is another way to create a unique

Equus Design Group

architectural expression while, at the same time,
provide convenient front entry access to buildings
experiencing frequent vehicles, clients, and visi-
tors.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.5
 ELEVATORS
The elevator system, consisting of the hoistway,
machine room, cab and lobbies, is an integral and
complex system. Proper sizing, quantity and
type of elevator depends on the type of tenancy,
number of occupants, number of floors, floor
heights and other factors.

Oldcastle Precast has a complete line of concrete

products to meet the requirements of the
elevator hoistway and penthouse to complement
and support the Oldcastle Office Building System.

An elevator representative and code official

should be consulted early in the design phase and
during the selection process to ensure that the
most suitable and proper elevator system is
chosen.

The two most common elevator systems are the

Hydraulic and Electric elevators.

Hydraulic Elevator

Hydraulic elevator systems come in two styles,

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

holed and “holeless”. Both use a pump near the
base of the hoistway to raise and lower the

ArchitecTs • Planners
elevator cab using a plunger. Due to restrictions
General Guidelines in the plunger length and lower speeds, hydraulic
for elevators are limited to low-rise buildings of up to
Calculating Quantity and Size of Elevators approximately 60 feet. They generally require

OLDCASTLE
the least initial installation cost, but use more
(1) Elevator per 40,000 Gross Square Feet (GSF) power during operation.
or
Electric Elevator

Equus Design Group

(1) Elevator per 200-225 Occupants
(# Occupants = 80% GSF / 150 SF per Person)
The electrical elevator relies on an electric motor
Note: when making calculations, do not include first level numbers
and drive sheave that raises and lowers the
ie. for 4-story building, base the calculation on the top 3 levels
elevator cab by steel cables and a counterweight.
Hoistway Size and Elevator Capacities
The electric motor is located either at the base or
above the hoistway. Medium to high speeds and
Capacity (lbs) 2500 3000 3500 4000 4000** almost limitless rise allow this elevator to serve
Single (width) 8’-4” 8’-4” 8’-4” 9’-4” 8’-2” low- to mid- to high-rise office buildings.
Double (width) 17’-0” 17’-0” 17’-0” 19’-0” 16’-8”
Triple (width) 25’-8” 25’-8” 25’-8” 28’-8” 24’-10”
Note, all information, dimensions and calculations
Depth 6’-8” 7’-2” 7’-10” 7’-10” 9’-2”
are for general reference only.
**service elevator

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.6
STAIRS
Stairway walls, floors, landings and steps are all
precast concrete components that can be
provided as part of the Oldcastle Office Building
System.

Being an essential component in the circulation

and egress systems of most buildings, stairway
design is strictly controlled by building code
regulations. The information contained here
summarizes some common building code
requirements for egress stairways. However,
designers must always verify with the latest
national and local codes.

Stairway Width – the minimum stairway width

shall not be less than 44” wide for enclosed exit
stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.

Risers and Treads - shall be of uniform size and

shape. Risers shall be between 7” max. and 4”
min. The tread depth shall be 11” min. The
most common rule for comfortable proportioning
of stairs is: 2 x riser height + tread depth = 25
inches.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
Landings – the width of landings shall not be
less than the width of the stairway they serve and
are required at the top and bottom of stairs and
intermediate points to ensure that no single flight

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of stairs has a rise greater than 12’-0”.

Handrails – are required on both sides of stairs

and may project into the required stairway width

Equus Design Group

no more than 3-1/2” on each side. They shall be
uniform in height, located 34”-38” above the stair
tread nosing. Handrails must be continuous or
the ends must project beyond the top and bottom
of the stairs and return to a wall or guard.

Guardrails – shall be no less than 42” high,

measured vertically from the leading edge of
tread and shall have balusters or ornamental
patterns so that a 4-inch diameter sphere can not
pass through.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.7
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

TOILET ROOM LAYOUTS PARKING DELIVERIES & LOADING

Toilet rooms are governed by plumbing codes and

ADA regulations. Always consult current codes
for minimum requirements. When laying out
multiple fixture toilet rooms, consider the
following:
• Number of fixtures required by code.
• Protection of sight lines into the toilet rooms.
• Accessibility for those with disabilities.
• Appropriate wall space for toilet accessories
(towel dispenser, waste receptacles, electric
hand dryers, coat hooks, mirrors, etc).
• Configure plumbing and room layouts to
Planning for parking is a first order of business
for the owner and designer. The surface area
required for parking often exceeds that required
for office space; and the amount of parking
required is a significant factor in shaping the
configuration and size of site and building plans.
Developer standards for suburban offices are
Off-street loading requirements are generally
determined by the needs of the building owner as
well as local zoning by-laws. Strategic planning
of deliveries and removals (e.g. trash) in the
early stages of design can greatly influence the
shape of the building and location of the core
elements.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

share, to the extent practical, common generally three to four cars per 1,000 sq. ft. of Deliveries and loading docks are easily
office floor area. However, parking requirements incorporated into the Oldcastle Office Building

vertical chases.
in urban locations are usually offset by the
availability of mass transit. Some municipalities
B even restrict the number of automobiles to
encourage use of public transportation.
ArchitecTs • Planners
System. Dock levelers, canopies and overhead
door systems work seemlessly with the precast
concrete components to provide a fully functional
loading and delivery area.

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Zoning by-laws usually set requirements for
E minimum, and sometimes maximum, number
VERTICAL PENETRATIONS
A and sizes of parking spaces. Provisions for

Equus Design Group

handicap accessible parking must also be
accomodated in accordance with the American
C Disabilities Act (ADA) and sometimes more
Vertical shafts and penetrations through precast
concrete floor and roof planks, to accomodate
restrictive local or state laws. building utilities (e.g. pipes, ducts, wires, etc.),
D are easily handled by either small blockouts and
Rules of thumb for planning the size of parking core drilling, or for larger penetrations, by the
areas (including parking spaces and driveways) use of steel headers. For more information see
are as follows: the CONCRETE COMPONENTS section of this
A - TOILET • SURFACE PARKING AREAS manual.
B - GRAB BAR 300 SQ. FT. PER SPACE
C - URINAL
D - LAVATORY • STRUCTURED PARKING GARAGES
350-400 SQ. FT. PER SPACE
E - PARTITION
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
OP.8
 FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT
OFFICES
Standard floor-to-floor heights of offices range from 12’-0” to 14’-6” and
are determined by a number of varying factors from owners and
designers including the following:
ƒ Ceiling Heights – Typical ceiling heights in office areas range from
8’-6" to 9’-6" although in some instances ceilings may be even higher
depending upon the size of the space served, the desirability of
upward-reflecting light fixtures, or other special tenant needs.
ƒ Raised Floors – Raised floors provide horizontal space into which
other building elements can be placed or used (e.g. wiring, air
delivery, etc.). Standard raised floors, if provided, are approximately
6" deep, however the depth of raised floors can vary depending upon
individual owner and tenant requirements.
ƒ Structural Depth – The depth of the hollowcore plank floor structure
varies from 8" to 16" depending upon span length. Significantly more
shallow than steel construction, hollowcore plank offers an important
advantage in reducing floor-to-floor and overall building heights.
ƒ Air Delivery System – Office buildings are typically equipped with
ducts and/or plenums above the finish ceiling, although in some cases
ducts are exposed or air delivery is run through a raised floor. The
height of the space occupied varies; however, there are two rules of
thumb to note: first, the larger the exterior-to-core depth, the deeper
the ducts; and second, duct sizes generally decrease as they get
farther from the core and closer to the exterior.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ƒ Lighting and Sprinklers – Ceiling-recessed light fixtures and

ArchitecTs • Planners
sprinkler pipes above ceilings require approximately 4" to 6" of space.

PARKING GARAGE
Parking structures must be designed to accommodate the type of vehicles

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anticipated.
ƒ The typical minimum headroom clearance of a parking structure as
required by code is 7’-0".
ƒ Vertical clearance for handicap van-accessible parking is generally 8’-

Equus Design Group

2" at the parking space and along at least one vehicle access route to
such spaces.

A - FLOOR-TO-FLOOR HEIGHT ADVANTAGES OF PRECAST CONCRETE

B - WINDOW HEIGHT ƒ The shallow depth of hollowcore plank reduces floor to floor heights.
C - SILL HEIGHT ƒ The uniform construction of concrete hollowcore plank creates wide
areas of uninterrupted space for running mechanical and electrical
D - RAISED FLOOR
systems and further reduces floor to floor heights.
E - STRUCTURAL FLOOR ƒ Oldcastle’s innovative drop-in beam system (see Concrete
F - MECHANICAL SPACE/CEILING PLENUM Components) creates a unique method for traversing beams with
G - CEILING HEIGHT horizontal ducts and pipes.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.9
CODE COMPLIANCE OCCUPANT LOADS
Office Buildings (i.e. Business Classification) 100 sf/person
Cafeteria (i.e. Assembly Classification) 15 “
Meeting Rooms (e.g. chairs only) 7 “
HEIGHT AND AREA Conference Rooms (e.g. chairs and table) 15 “
Training Classroom (i.e. Education Classification) 20 “
Construction Type Allowable Area* Allowable Height Large Storage Room (i.e. Storage Classification) 300 “
1 story 2 story+ 1 story+
IBC NFPA AS NS AS NS The presence of Assembly Occupancies may affect many of the listed code
Non-Comb. 2B 000 92,000 69,000 23,000 5/75’ 4/55’ parameters including allowable height and area, travel distance, sprinklers,
One Hour 2A 111 150,000 112,500 37,500 6/85’ 5/55’ standpipes and floor loading. Assembly occupancies include large meeting
Two Hour 1B 222 Unlimit. Unlimit. Unlimit. 12/160’ 55’** rooms, cafeterias, multi-purpose rooms, etc.

AS = Automatic Sprinklers
NS = No or Partial Sprinklers
FLOOR LOADING
Minimum design loads used for determining the structural capacity of the
*Open Perimeter – The area may be increased up to 100% of the base area as a result of building:
having open space around the building Uniform Concentrated
Lobbies and First Floor Corridors 100 2000
**Buildings with occupied floors more than 55 feet above the level of Fire Department Corridors Above First Floor 80 2000
access Offices 50 2000
Files and Computer Rooms Based on Occupancy
Unlimited Area – The area of one and two story buildings with automatic sprinklers and
60 feet of open space around the building may be unlimited area. Stairs and Exits 100 300/4sf

SPRINKLERS AND STANDPIPES

EGRESS CAPACITY Automatic Sprinklers - Automatic Sprinklers are required in business
The current occupant load for the floor plans shown in the Architectural Design occupancies when the area of the building exceeds the base area plus any
section of this Manual is 300 persons (30,000 sf /100 sf per person).

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

increase for open perimeter or if the building contains a floor for normal
The two stairs shown will handle approximately 440 persons (292 if

unsprinklered) where only IBC is used, and 292 persons where NFPA 101 Life
Safety Code is applicable. Increases beyond these numbers are allowed, based
on increases in exit width, up to 500 persons. For 501 to 1000 persons, three
exits are needed. For 1,001 or more persons, 4 exits are needed.
ArchitecTs • Planners
occupancy more than 55 feet above the lowest level of Fire Department
access.
Standpipes - Standpipe systems are required throughout buildings with floor
level of highest story greater than 30 feet above the lowest level of vehicular

OLDCASTLE
access.
Egress Capacity for Fully Sprinklered Buildings that use only IBC:
.2” / person stair width
FIRE ALARMS
e.g. 44” stair width = 44/.2 = 220 persons

Equus Design Group

Fire alarms are required where the building occupant load is 500 persons or
greater, or 100 persons above or below the level of exit discharge. Manual
.15”/ person doors, ramps width
pulls are not required when the automatic sprinkler system is tied into fire
e.g. 34” clear opening width = 34/.15 = 226 persons
annunciation devices.
Egress Capacity for Fully Sprinklered Buildings that use IBC or any location using
NFPA Life Safety Code 101: COMMUNICATING STAIRS
.3” / person stair width Communicating openings with or without stairs are allowed to connect an
e.g. 44” stair width = 44/.3 = 146 persons unlimited number of floors provided the following is met:
1. Fully sprinklered building
.2”/ person doors, ramps width 2. Draft curtains w/ close-spaced sprinklers are provided.
e.g. 34” clear opening width = 34/.2 = 170 persons 3. Stairs in the communicating opening do not serve as exits.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OP.10
EXIT SEPARATION
SINGLE TENANT EXIT
A single tenant is allowed by code to
have a single exit if the following
conditions are met:
1. Less than 50 occupants in the
space.
2. The maximum unobstructed
travel distance from anywhere
in the space is 75’-0”.
If either of these conditions are not
met, see ‘Tenant Exit Separation’
below.
TENANT EXIT
SEPARATION
When code requires at least two
exits from a tenant space, the exits
must be separated by a distance
that is at a minimum 1/3 of the
largest diagonal dimension of the
tenant space if fully sprinklered and
a minimum 1/2 of the largest
dimension if not fully sprinklered.
BUILDING EXIT
SEPARATION
Building exits can be no closer to
each other than 1/3 the overall
diagonal dimension of the floor plate
if the building is sprinklered, and no
closer than 1/2 the diagonal if the
building is not sprinklered.
Nota Bene: Always check with
applicable building codes to
verify compliance.
FIRE RATING
RATING CLASSIFICATIONS
Oldcastle Building Systems products are available in a
variety of fire ratings, from unrated to two hours and
more if required. Hourly ratings provided are based on
the construction type classification of the building. Most
jurisdictions’ hourly ratings are determined by
calculation methods found in building code or reference
standards of ACI, BOCA, etc. Some jurisdictions (e.g.
New York City) require fire resistance testing by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory.
FIRE PROTECTION ATTRIBUTES
Concrete is an ideal non-combustible building material.
Its built-in fire resistance and containment
characteristics make concrete a natural weapon against
the destruction and devastation of fire. Fire protection
attributes of concrete include the following:
ƒ Concrete does not burn.
ƒ Concrete helps contain fire and limit its spread to
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
other compartments.
ArchitecTs • Planners
ƒ Concrete does not contribute fuel to a fire.
ƒ Concrete can maintain its structural integrity in
intense blazes.
OLDCASTLE
ƒ Concrete does not give off lethal smoke or fumes.
Equus Design Group
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
OP.11
 CONCRETE COMPONENTS

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners
 PRECAST
CONCRETE
COMPONENTS

CC.1 Total Precast Concrete

Building Systems
CC.2 Stairs, Elevators and
Penetrations
CC.3 Drop-In Beam Detail
CC.4 Precast Erection Images

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
CC.0
A - EXTERIOR COLUMNS
B - INTERIOR COLUMNS
TOTAL PRECAST
C - HOLLOWCORE PLANK BUILDING SYSTEMS
D - EXTERIOR SPANDRELS & PANELS Oldcastle provides total precast concrete building
E - SHEAR WALLS systems to suit the individual needs of each Owner.
Benefits include the following:
F - BEAMS
ƒ WIDE OPEN INTERIOR SPACES
Office buildings constructed using the Oldcastle

A
total precast system offer wide-open interior

E
spaces with opportunities for maximizing use of
floor space as well as space above ceilings.

ƒ HIGH PERFORMANCE / ENERGY

EFFICIENT
Oldcastle total precast office buildings are
energy efficient, high performance, low-
maintenance buildings created by advanced
in-house design and engineering.

D
C
ƒ FAST CONSTRUCTION – YEAR ROUND
B Oldcastle systems components are designed and

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

manufactured for rapid installation on each

ArchitecTs • Planners
project. Because they are manufactured
indoors, cold weather delays are virtually
eliminated.

OLDCASTLE
ƒ FACTORY CONTROLLED QUALITY
All Oldcastle products are manufactured in PCI
certified facilities and meet or exceed ASTM, ACI

Equus Design Group

and PCI standards and guidelines for quality,

C
delivery and erection.

ƒ LOW COST/LABOR SAVINGS

Compared to other construction methods, total

F precast systems reduce overall costs with faster

schedules (reducing financing costs and creating
earlier revenue generation), more efficient
design (resulting in greater rental space), and
reduced insurance premiums (from fireproof and
earthquake resistant design).

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

CC.1
PENETRATIONS ELEVATORS STAIRS
Hollow-core plank floors and roofs require open-
ings for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and other
building equipment and functions. Round holes
are generally the responsibility of the General
Contractor, whereas larger openings can be pro-
vided by Oldcastle. Cutting through the strands
of plank requires the approval of Oldcastle.

C E
D
A
B
F

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
A - ROUND HOLES
B - RECTILINEAR HOLES
C - SHAFT WALLS E - STAIR ENCLOSURES

OLDCASTLE
Round holes up to one-inch diameter can be
drilled with readily available carbide tips using D - CUSTOM WALLS F - STAIRS AND LANDINGS
hand-held drilling equipment. Round holes larger
than one-inch diameter are usually cut with dia-

Equus Design Group

Oldcastle provides elevator enclosures including Oldcastle specializes in the production of both
mond bit core drilling equipment. Drilling at the stairwell enclosures as well as stairs and landings.
shaft walls and roof over-run enclosures to suit
center of the core is easiest because the core Depending upon the owner’s needs, a variety of
the owner’s needs. Shaft components can be
walls are thinnest at top and bottom. finish options are available.
made of individual walls or, in the case of highly
repetitive elements, precast concrete modules.
Openings larger than ten inches are usually cut Advantages of an all-precast stair and stairwell
with a hand-held saw and masonry or diamond system are the inherent fire-rated characteristics
Precast concrete elevator enclosures are generally
blade. of the concrete; the ability to use the walls for
provided to satisfy the fire ratings required for the
building. structural shear capacity; and, the ability to cre-
The largest openings (mechanical shafts, stairs, ate stair access to each of the floors during con-
access panels, etc.) are created by introducing a struction resulting in cost savings to the Contrac-
structural support such as a header or beam. tor and Owner.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

CC.2
DROP-IN BEAM
The Oldcastle “Drop-In Beam” system maximizes the
space between the ceiling and underside of plank for
crossover of mechanical and electrical systems at the
structural beams.

The combination of hollowcore plank with the drop-in

beam detail creates an uninterrupted space for highly
efficient distribution of HVAC ducts, piping and wiring
systems.

The drop-in beam system not only creates an effective

method for crossover of building systems; it also helps to
reduce the height of the building, an important cost
savings opportunity to the owner.

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

A

ArchitecTs • Planners
B

OLDCASTLE
E

Equus Design Group

D

A - PRECAST CONCRETE BEAM

B - STEEL BEAM
C - PRECAST HOLLOWCORE PLANK
D - CEILING
E - MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

CC.3
ERECTION PHOTOS

Beam Erection Plank Erection Beams and Columns

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

Beams, Columns, Plank and Stairs Interior View to Drop-In Beam Panel Erection

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

CC.4
 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners
ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN
A.1 Building Forms
A.2 Site Considerations
A.3 Planning Concepts
A.4 Typical Floor Plate
A.5 Parking Level - Example
A.6 First Floor - Example
A.7 Upper Level - Example
A.8 Longitudinal Section
A.9 Transverse Section
A.10 Exterior Elevation
A.11 Exterior Elevation
A.12-17

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

Renderings

ArchitecTs • Planners
A.18-20
Facade Treatment Options

OLDCASTLE
A.21 Sample Concrete Finishes
A.22 Sample Formliner Finishes
A.23 Sample Formliner Finishes

Equus Design Group

A.24 Sample Brick Finishes
A.25 Gallery of Facade Treatments
A.26-29
Architectural Details

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

A.0
BUILDING FORMS

MID-RISE
LOW-RISE

L- AND V- FORMS

CLUSTER FORMS

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
SPECIAL FORMS

OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

The Oldcastle Office Building System is adaptable to a wide
variety of building forms. Primary rectilinear forms are the
most common in office building design because of their effi-
cient use of area and volume. Rectilinear forms are also cost
efficient, particularly when repetitive precast elements can be
manufactured without significant modifications to concrete
prefabrication equipment, particularly molds. However, other
geometries are possible, including angled and even curved
forms. Used in conjunction with other building materials, such
as Oldcastle Glass Products, an even greater variety of building
forms are achievable.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

A.1
SITE CONSIDERATIONS
SITE TOPOGRAPHY

For sites with unique topographic conditions, such as sloping

sites, Oldcastle offers an array of total precast concrete solu-
tions for office buildings. Wherever there is appropriate crane
access for the lifting and erection of precast components,
Oldcastle can assist owners and designers with imaginative
solutions to difficult topographic problems.

SITE CONFIGURATION
PROPERTY LINE OR SETBACK

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE
POND

Equus Design Group

The footprint of sites often vary in sometimes irregular man-
ners creating shapes that can dictate, to a certain extent, the
layout and form of the building(s). Property lines, setback
conditions, and view considerations are often important factors
shaping building form. The Oldcastle Office Building System is
designed to accomodate a wide variety of shapes to suit most
unusual site configurations.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

A.2
 PLANNING CONCEPTS

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

TYPICAL PARKING BAYS
When incorporating parking within an office build-
ing, it is important to understand the dimensional
characteristics of each use to create a logical and
cost-effective structural system. A standard
parking space size of 10’-0” x 18’-0” and associ-
ated aisles and turning lanes works well with an
office building that uses a standard 5’-0” planning
module, as illustrated in the plan above.
5’-0” PLANNING GRID
In the United States, the standard office building
planning module is 5’-0”. Since a majority of the
office furniture systems and tenant space standards
are based on this module, it is recommended to lay
out as many of the building elements as possible on
the planning grid (i.e. columns and window mul-
lions). This helps in creating the most efficient and
flexible use of space.
STRUCTURAL GRID
The dimensions of the structural grid are impor-
tant aspects to an efficient overall building design.
Having a structural module grid that can be em-
ployed in a single building for both office floors
and parking greatly increases the cost savings
and efficiency of the overall design.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

A.3
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.4

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.5

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.6

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.7

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.8

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.9

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.10

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.11

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.12

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.13

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.14

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.15

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.16

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.17

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

FACADE TREATMENT OPTIONS
Oldcastle offers a range of colors, textures and
other façade treatment options for exterior
building components. The choice of appropriate
aggregates and textures, combined with well-
conceived production and erection details, can
achieve a wide variety of design objectives.
Precast concrete is a moldable material which
combines architectural effects with structural
capacity. A variety of colors, textures and shapes
are available for selection.
Various textures such as simulated stone or
ribbed form liners can be added to increase visual
interest of a panel. Deep reveals and medallions,
as well as large cornices and other features can
be integrated into concrete forms. For owners
seeking a traditional masonry appearance, thin
brick veneer can be cast directly onto the face of
concrete panels.
The variety of facade treatment options offered
by Oldcastle creates an enormous range of design
opportunites for owners and architects.
Colors and Textures
Design flexibility is possible in both color and
texture of precast concrete by varying aggregate
and matrix color, size of aggregates, finishing
processes, and depth of exposure. Combining
color with texture accentuates the natural beauty
of aggregates.
Color and, consequently, color tone are affected
by light, shadow, density, time and other
surrounding or nearby colors. Color selection
should be made under lighting conditions similar
to those under which the precast concrete will be
used, such as the strong light and shadows of
natural daylight. Surface texture influences color.
The building’s appearance is a function of the
architect’s use of light, shadow, texture and color.
Cement (plus coloring agent) exerts the primary
color influence on a smooth finish because it
coats the exposed concrete surface. As the
concrete surface is progressively removed and
aggregates are exposed, the panel color
increasingly exhibits the fine and then the coarse
aggregate colors. Nevertheless, the color of the
cement always has an effect on the general tone
of the panel. Cement may be gray, white, buff or
a mixture. All cements have inherent color and
shading differences depending on their source;
and local sources are often preferable.
Pigments and pigmented admixtures often are
added to the matrix to obtain colors that cannot
be obtained through combinations of cement and
fine aggregate alone. White portland cement, for
example, will produce cleaner, brighter colors.
Fine aggregates have a major effect on the
color of white and light buff colored concrete, and
can add color tones when the surface is given a
shallow profile to increase their exposure.
Coarse aggregate colors become dominant as
the surface of the concrete is removed to obtain a
medium or deep aggregate exposure profile.
Some finishing processes change the appearance
of aggregates. Sandblasting, for example, will
give the aggregate a matte finish.
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE
Equus Design Group
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.18
Form Liners
Numerous concrete textures and patterns are
available with the use of form liners in the casting
process.
Oldcastle works with industry leaders in form
liner design and manufacturing to select concrete
patterns and finishes that best suit the needs of
the owner and architect.
Patterns include fluted ribs, fractured ribs,
masonry, sandblast, stone, other geometric
shapes, as well as custom designs.
Brick
For owners seeking brick finishes, Oldcastle offers
simple, cost-effective ways of producing wall
panels and related building façade products
whereby thin brick is integrally cast into concrete
panels. The bricks are manufactured by the
nation’s leaders in masonry production and are
offered in standard brick sizes.
Owners and architects have a wide range of brick
options including smooth, wire-cut, and sand-
molded textures, iron spot flashed bricks,
numerous color choices, as well as various
shapes and sizes to create corners, arches,
soldier courses, and other brick patterns.
Advantages of brick-embedded concrete over
conventional masonry include: no flashing, lintels
or weep cavities, no efflorescence, and no time-
consuming site construction of masonry products.
For owners seeking conventional brick and/or
stone façades over precast panels, Oldcastle also
offers the option of concrete-embedded dovetail
slots for ease of masonry installation.
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE
Equus Design Group
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.19
Architectural Coatings
The U.S. paint and coatings industry offer a
diverse collection of product coatings specifically
manufactured for exterior concrete application.
Depending upon the visual effects and
performance requirements of the owners and
architects, Oldcastle can make specific
recommendations for high-performance coatings
to suit most conditions.
Coatings that work successfully on concrete
include acrylics, epoxies, and polyurethanes.
Generally, alkyd or oil-based coatings should not
be specified as they may chemically react with
the alkaline concrete and moisture.
For succesful results, coatings must be applied at
the proper thickness, and under proper weather
and temperature conditions, as specified by the
coating manufacturer in product data.
Reveals
A reveal is a groove in a panel face used to create
a desired architectural effect. Used effectively,
reveals offer a simple and cost-effective way to
break up an expanse of precast concrete. The
exterior articulation helps designers to modulate
the scale of the building.
Reveals can be placed vertically, horizontally,
diagonally, and in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Reveals typically measure 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch
deep with a 45-60 degree bevel or “draft” for
ease of stripping from the concrete form.
Generally, the preferred minimum draft for ease
of stripping from a mold is one inch in eight
inches (1:8), although in special cases the draft
may be reduced to 1:12.
Designers often use reveals in combination with
panel joints to express floor, ceiling or roof lines,
emphasise changes in texture, and highlight
planning modules or structural bays.
Ornamental Decoration
For owners and architects seeking to create
ornamental decoration, or three-dimensional
relief on concrete panels, Oldcastle offers
solutions.
Similar to the techniques used for creating
reveals, wide recesses can be created in the
concrete using block-outs within the formwork to
provide three-dimensional relief. Blockouts
generally have the same depth and draft
considerations of reveals, however they can be
large or small depending upon the desired design
effect.
Additionally, clay products such as tile, terra-cotta
or thin brick can be cast into the concrete to
create ornamental decoration. The design
possibilities are limitless. To develop the best
adhesion to the concrete, the backside of the clay
products should have grooved or dovetail-like
slots.
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE
Equus Design Group
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.20
SAMPLE CONCRETE FINISHES

Oldcastle Precast offers a wide range of

precast concrete colors and textures. The
architect should contact the local Oldcastle
representative in the early design stages
and throughout the development of the
design for information on how to best
obtain the visual effect desired.

Note: 01 02 03 04
These samples serve only as a visual guide
for initial selection of color and texture. It
is important to note that the colors and
textures seen will vary depending on local
conditions. Since it is impossible to
reproduce exactly on paper the true colors
of precast mix designs, some variations
from these samples must be expected.

Additionally, due to different material

sources or different techniques in various
05 06 07 08
plants, the architect should not expect to
select a photographic sample and obtain
exact matching by all precast concrete

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

producers. Samples should be required to

ArchitecTs • Planners
ensure that the desired colors and textures
can be satisfactorily matched.

OLDCASTLE
Photos courtesy of PCI

09 10 11 12

Equus Design Group

13 14 15 16 17 18

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

A.21
SAMPLE FORMLINER FINISHES

Formliners Fluted Fractured Low Profile Masonry Stone

Oldcastle offers owners and architects

the option to cast concrete in forms with
specialty formliners to create almost any
desired visual effect. In addition to a
vast array of patterns and textures
offered as standard, there is also the
option to create custom formliner
finishes in almost any style imaginable.
Oldcastle works directly with the nation’s
premier manufacturers of formliners
represented in the patterns shown on
these pages.

The images shown in this manual

represent many of the textures and
patterns available. The samples shown
are only a visual guide for initial concept,
not for actual selection. The Oldcastle
representative will make available more

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

accurate literature and samples when
requested.

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

Images courtesy of Scott System, Inc.
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.22
SAMPLE FORMLINER FINISHES

Formliners Fluted Rib Fractured Rib Masonry Stone and Rock

Oldcastle offers owners and architects

the option to cast concrete in forms with
specialty formliners to create almost any
desired visual effect. In addition to a
vast array of patterns and textures
offered as standard, there is also the
option to create custom formliner
finishes in almost any style imaginable.
Oldcastle works directly with the nation’s
premier manufacturers of formliners
represented in the patterns shown on
these pages.

The images shown in this manual

represent many of the textures and
patterns available. The samples shown
are only a visual guide for initial concept,
not for actual selection. The Oldcastle
representative will make available more

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

accurate literature and samples when
requested.

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

Images courtesy of Fitzgerald Formliners
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.23
SAMPLE BRICK FINISHES

Thin Brick MetroBrick Summitville

Oldcastle offers owners and architects the
option to integrally cast brick in concrete.
From the nation’s premier manufacturers of
thin brick, there is a wide array of brick
options available. The images shown in this
manual represent many of the available
color and texture blends. Brick corners and
edge caps are also available. Furthermore,
flashed blends such as light, dark, and
vintage flash and mixed blends are available
by custom order in minimum quantity
orders.
Advantages of brick-embedded concrete
include no flashing, lintels or weep cavities;
no efflorescence; and reduced construction
time.
Thin brick may vary in size and shade from
run to run and within each run. Bricks
should be blended from numerous cartons
on the job site. The color samples shown
here are only a visual guide for initial

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

concept, not for actual selection. The

ArchitecTs • Planners
Oldcastle representative will make available
more accurate color literature and samples
when requested.

OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

Images courtesy of Scott System, Inc.
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
A.24
 TREATMENTS
GALLERY OF FACADE

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
A.25

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

 OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
ArchitecTs • Planners
2 PANEL-TO-FOUNDATION DETAIL 3 COLUMN-TO-FOUNDATION DETAIL

OLDCASTLE
USE OF THESE DETAILS

Equus Design Group

The drawings and other information contained herein are illustrative only and neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle
Precast, Inc. makes any representations as to their fitness for any specific design or structure, and disclaim any responsibility for
techniques of application, correctness, interpretations, design methods, modifications or misapplications of these drawings and
references.

Since no specific project nor overall engineering responsibility is implied with the use of this manual and the information con-
tained within, neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle Precast, Inc. will be responsible for the failure of any designer to
properly design nor any contractor to properly construct any office building.

1 BELOW-GRADE PARKING FOUNDATION DETAIL

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A.26

1 INSULATED LOAD-BEARING PANEL 2 NON-INSULATED LOAD-BEARING PARAPET 3 NON-INSULATED LOAD-BEARING PANEL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

ArchitecTs • Planners
OLDCASTLE

Equus Design Group

4 DROP-IN BEAM SECTION 5 PRECAST CONCRETE BEAM SECTION 6 COPING DETAIL
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A.27

1 WINDOW HEAD DETAIL - NON-INSULATED PANEL 2 WINDOW HEAD DETAIL - NON-INSULATED PANEL 3 WINDOW HEAD DETAIL - INSULATED PANEL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

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Equus Design Group

4 WINDOW SILL DETAIL - NON-INSULATED PANEL 5 WINDOW SILL DETAIL - NON-INSULATED PANEL 6 WINDOW SILL DETAIL - INSULATED PANEL
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ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A.28

1 PRECAST CONCRETE COLUMN COVER DETAIL 2 CONTINUOUS SPANDREL GLAZING AT COLUMN 3 SPANDREL PANEL JOINT AT COLUMN

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

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ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS A.29

 STRUCTURAL DESIGN

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
S.1

Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

1 COLUMN SPLICE DETAIL 2 COLUMN-TO-FOUNDATION DETAIL 3 PANEL-TO-FOUNDATION DETAIL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

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Equus Design Group

USE OF THESE DETAILS

The drawings and other information contained herein are illustrative only and neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle
Precast, Inc. makes any representations as to their fitness for any specific design or structure, and disclaim any responsibility
for techniques of application, correctness, interpretations, design methods, modifications or misapplications of these drawings
and references.

Since no specific project nor overall engineering responsibility is implied with the use of this manual and the information
contained within, neither Equus Design Group, Inc. nor Oldcastle Precast, Inc. will be responsible for the failure of any
designer to properly design nor any contractor to properly construct any office building.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

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STRUCTURAL DETAILS S.2
1 INSULATED NON-LOAD BEARING SPANDREL 2 INSULATED NON-LOAD BEARING SPANDREL 3 SPANDREL-TO-COLUMN CONNECTION DETAIL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

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Equus Design Group

4 NON-INSULATED LOAD BEARING PARAPET 5 INSULATED LOAD BEARING SPANDREL 6 SPANDREL-TO-COLUMN CONNECTION DETAIL
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

STRUCTURAL DETAILS S.3

 1 INSULATED LOAD BEARING PANEL 2 INSULATED LOAD BEARING PANEL

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

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Equus Design Group

3 DROP-IN BEAM ELEVATION 4 DROP-IN BEAM SECTION 5 PRECAST BEAM SECTION
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

STRUCTURAL DETAILS S.4

 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

OLDCASTLE
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Equus Design Group ArchitecTs • Planners

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The responsible management of energy and
environmental resources is the greatest challenge
in the building industry. Labels such as
“environmentally friendly” or “green” are not just
catchy marketing phrases at Oldcastle. We
believe in maximizing opportunities for long-term
sustainable development with our products.
According to the World Commission on
Environment and Development, sustainable
development is development that meets “the
needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.”1 Sustainable design is the art of
designing buildings that do just that by
conserving energy, water and resources without
polluting either indoor or outdoor environments,
and using resources without depleting or
damaging them.
Sustainable buildings are good for the
environment and for the people who occupy
them. Precast concrete is the best sustainable
material on the planet for whole building
systems. Oldcastle incorporates sustainability
principles and concepts in the design of office
buildings and related facilities consistent with
budget constraints and customer requirements.
SUSTAINABLE PROPERTIES OF
PRECAST CONCRETE
Sustainable properties of precast concrete include
the following:
Resource Efficient
Concrete is made from three of the earth’s
most abundant resources:
Water
o
o
o
Stone, sand and gravel aggregates
Cement which is predominantly
limestone, the most abundant
mineral on earth
Furthermore, concrete can also include
recycled components such as fly ash, slag
cement, and silica fume, all waste by-
products from power plants, steel mills,
and other manufacturing facilities.
Ecologically Preferable
Compared to logging for wood products
and iron ore mining for steel production,
the extraction from the earth of aggregate
and limestone is the least disruptive to
land and the fragile ecology that it
supports; and aggregate and limestone
quarries can be restored to nature
reserves, parks and other recreational,
commercial or residential uses.
Furthermore, concrete minimizes
construction waste and can be recycled.
Highly Durable
Concrete actually gets stronger with age.
It can take years, even decades, for
concrete to fully hydrate and reach its
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
highest strength. The Pantheon in Rome, a
ArchitecTs • Planners
concrete building circa 180 a.d., is still in
use. While most modern buildings are not
expected to last as long as the Pantheon,
the longer the life span of the building, the
OLDCASTLE
more sustainable benefit it has.
Recyclable
Concrete can be crushed and reused as
Equus Design Group
aggregate in new concrete mixtures
particularly for infrastructure projects such
as roads, sidewalks, and bridges, as well as
for environmental erosion control. The
ASTM definition of coarse aggregate
includes crushed concrete, and the
definition of manufactured sand includes
crushed concrete fines. The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the Federal
Highway Commission encourage the use of
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
SD.1
recycled concrete. Furthermore, the steel
used for its reinforcement, normally
obtained from recycled steel, can be
recycled again.
Energy Efficient
o The thermal mass of concrete saves
energy in buildings by reducing
temperature swings. The mass of
the concrete stores heat during the
day and releases it slowly for night
heat; similarly, the coolness stored
during the night helps to reduce air
conditioning loads during the day.
o Concrete has low energy
requirements for its production.
o Concrete has low transportation
energy costs because it is generally
produced locally.
Excellent Indoor Air Quality
The quality of the indoor air is crucial to
workers health and well-being. Building
owners are increasingly demanding “green”
buildings that minimize the type of
pollutants that lead to “sick building
syndrome.”
Precast concrete has extremely low
emissions of the type of off-gassing
substances that plague many buildings
with “sick syndrome.” Precast concrete is
also one of the best building materials
available to inhibit or prevent mold growth.
Concrete is non-organic and mold requires
moist organic nutrients to grow.
Furthermore, the low permeability rating of
precast concrete inhibits the penetration of
mold spores from the exterior.
Concrete alone cannot achieve goals of
reducing indoor air pollutants. Designers
must carefully choose low volatile organic
compound (VOC) materials such as carpet,
partitions and paint; and engineers must
carefully design the mechanical systems
for appropriate levels of ventilation and air
Building Envelope
The building envelope includes everything that
separates the interior of a building from the
outdoor environment including the roof, walls,
windows, doors, and other closures.
circulation. But, in conjunction with these
design choices, precast concrete is by far
the best building material to achieve
beneficial indoor air quality.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE
A 1995 U.S. Department of Energy study of 1,227
buildings nationwide shows the estimated annual
energy consumption of all U.S. office and
professional buildings was as follows:
30% Lighting
25% Space Heating
16% Office Equipment
9% Water Heating
9% Space Cooling
11% Other
Sustainable buildings are energy efficient. Office
buildings consume operating budgets as fast as
they consume energy. Accordingly, well-informed
building owners look for bottom-line savings in
energy efficient building design and technologies.
Factors which shape the energy performance of
buildings include the following:
o Exterior Walls
Oldcastle’s precast concrete
sandwich panels, consisting of an
exterior wythe of concrete (typically
2”-3” thick), an inner layer of rigid
insulation (typically 2” thick), and an
interior wythe of concrete (typically
6”-8” thick), are an ideal product for
energy conservation. The concrete
walls include the thermal mass
properties that absorb and retain
heat and the insulation provides low
thermal conductivity (high R-value).
o Windows
Energy efficient windows include
options such as low conductance gas
(e.g. argon gas) between the panes
of glass, and low-emissivity (low-e)
coatings to suppress heat flow.
o Roofs
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
White or reflective roofing helps
ArchitecTs • Planners
reflect heat and keep buildings cool;
and roof gardens add valuable/
useable space while providing
energy efficiency.
OLDCASTLE
o Foundations and Basement Slabs
Insulating both foundations and
basement slabs is important for
Equus Design Group
energy efficiency.
o Air Leakage Control
Air leakage is one of the greatest
areas of heat and energy loss. Air
leakage typically occurs around
windows, doors and building joints.
Precast concrete panels are
extremely efficient at reducing
potential sources of air leakage
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
SD.2
 artificial lighting. Effective daylighting, energy
efficient light fixtures and controls, and task
lighting can help to significantly reduce
building energy costs.

Mechanical and Ventilation Systems

Strategies for energy efficient mechanical and
ventilation systems include:
o Ventilation Air Management
o Energy Efficient Equipment
o Waste Heat Recovery
o Digital Climate Controls
o Use of Renewable Energy Systems

because there are few joints; and
concrete has excellent
characteristics for preventing the
passage of air and moisture.
Solar Heat Gain
Water Efficiency
There are several strategies to create water
resourceful developments:
o Low-Flow and Automatic Shut-Off
Fixtures
o Water Efficiency Landscaping
o Rain Water Collection & Distribution
(Water “Harvesting”)
Oldcastle Glass®, www.oldcastleglass.com, o Recycled Treated Waste Water
can provide additional information on the
variety of best glass choices to meet the Renewable Energy Systems
owner’s needs and contribute to the There are an increasing number of
sustainable aspects of design. renewable energy choices that help to
protect the environment and contribute to

OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM

Solar heat gain contributes to the need for Precast concrete also is generally a light color sustainable development.

high cooling loads, one of the greatest
consumers of energy. The higher the solar
gain, the greater the energy consumption.
Building orientation, shading devices, and
(high-albedo) which helps to reflect solar
radiation to reduce cooling loads. Dark
colored materials such as roofs, paving and
walls cause an effect called “heat islands,” a
ArchitecTs • Planners
o Geothermal – use of the relatively
constant temperature of soil or
surface water as a heat source and

light reflectance characteristics of office
buildings can help to control the amount of
solar gain.
OLDCASTLE
growing concern in urban and suburban areas sink for a geothermal heat pump to
where temperatures are higher than rural provide heating and cooling for
areas because the surfaces capture solar gain. buildings.
Light-colored precast concrete roof pavers,

Equus Design Group

The orientation of a building on the site
contributes heavily to its ability to offset solar
gain. Rectangular buildings placed in an east-
west orientation will have the least amount of
glazing in the direction of the morning and
afternoon sun and the most amount of glazing
on the north and south facades. The north
façade receives very little sun and the south
face can be controlled with shading devices
and, to some extent, solar control glass.
and roof garden waterproofing systems are
products available from Oldcastle to help
reduce the “heat island” effect.
Lighting and Daylighting
Light fixtures in office buildings are a big
energy consumer. Through proper design,
including glass selection and shading devices,
natural light from windows (“daylighting”) can
be used to significantly reduce the amount of
o Solar – use of the sun’s energy and
light to provide heat, light, hot
water, electricity, and even cooling,
for buildings. Strategies include:
- Photovoltaics - the conversion
of sunlight into electricity from
semiconducting materials,
now commercially available as
roof panels and even roof
shingles.

© 2006 Oldcastle Precast

SD.3
 - Passive Solar Heating, Cooling
and Daylighting – design
features such as building
materials that absorb and
slowly release the sun’s heat,
like concrete.
- Solar Hot Water and Space
Heating and Cooling – use of
the sun to heat either water
or a heat-transfer fluid in
collectors to provide energy-
efficient hot water and hot
water heat.
o Biomass – plant derived organic
matter available on a renewable
basis, including dedicated energy
crops and trees, agricultural food
and feed crops, agricultural crop
wastes and residues, wood wastes
and residues, aquatic plants, animal
wastes, municipal wastes, and other
waste materials – all used to
produce a variety of fuels including
the liquid fuels ethanol, methanol,
biodiesel, and gaseous fuels such as
hydrogen and methane.
o Fuel Cells – use of hydrogen (the
third most abundant element on the
earth’s surface, where it is found
primarily in water and organic
compounds) to produce heat and
electricity for buildings.
LEED™
™ CERTIFICATION
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) green building rating system is
administered by the U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC), a coalition of building industry leaders
working to promote buildings that are
environmentally responsible, profitable and
healthy places to live and work.
LEED certification is typically voluntary, yet there
are increasing numbers of tax benefits and/or
grants being offered for green buildings. Many
U.S. government agencies and some states and
localities are mandating that LEED requirements
be met, and some are even requiring LEED
certification for public buildings.
While civic pride for building “green” can bring
some satisfaction to building owners, tangible
economic benefits that come from certification
will generate the most enthusiasm. For example,
meeting many of the green building practices that
lead to LEED certification can result in energy and
cost savings over the life of the building.
Furthermore, workers in LEED certified
environments can have increased productivity
translating directly into company profits.
The Oldcastle Precast Office Building System can
help owners and designers achieve LEED
certification. The LEED rating system divides
credits and prerequisites into five categories:
Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy & Atmosphere
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation and Design Process
Prerequisites and credits are based mostly on
established governmental or trade group
standards. The number of points a project earns
determines the level at which a project can be
certified. The certification levels are Platinum,
Gold, Silver and Certified.
Compliance with LEED prerequisites and
obtaining LEED credits can be obtained through:
o Recycling concrete (particularly applicable
to roads, parking, sidewalks, and fill
materials)
o Construction waste management (precast
concrete is very efficiently produced with
little waste)
o Use of pervious concrete pavement (to
reduce stormwater runoff)
o Optimizing energy performance of the
building envelope (Concrete’s thermal
mass is a benefit)
o Using regionally produced concrete
products (Oldcastle has plants in most U.S.
regions)
LEED certified professionals should be included on
the design team for each project in order to
determine the potential for maximizing concrete’s
many sustainable benefits.
RESOURCES
There are numerous programs available for
designers and owners to learn more about energy
conservation and high performance building
design. A listing of some of the available
resources includes:
1. Report of the World Commission on
Environment and Development to the United
Nations General Assembly, 1987, www.un.org/
documents/ga/res/42/ares42-187.htm.
2. U.S. Green Building Council –
www.usgbc.org
3. Using Concrete to Maximize LEED™ Points,
Martha VanGeem and Medgar L. Marceau,
Concrete International, pgs. 69-73, November
2002.
4. “What is Green Building, and Why Does It
Matter?” Anne Balough,
www.concretenetwork.com
5. Environmental Council of Concrete
OFFICE BUILDING SYSTEM
Organizations - www.ecco.org
ArchitecTs • Planners
6. Ecological Carrying Capacity Effects of
Building Materials Extraction, Dr. Robert
Paehlke, Natural Resources Canada, 1993.
7. Sustainable Development Alternatives for
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Speculative Office Buildings, Center for
Building Performance and Diagnostics, School
of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University,
Pittsburgh, PA, April, 1999
Equus Design Group
8. U.S. Department of Energy -
www.eere.energy.gov
9. Sustainable Buildings Industry Council -
www.sbicouncil.org
10. Energy Star - www.energystar.gov
11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency –
www.epa.gov/heatisland/about/index.html
© 2006 Oldcastle Precast
SD.4