Located within the epicenter of Charleston, South Carolina’s fast-growing I-26 corridor, the South Carolina Research Authority’s (SCRA) Applied Technologies Center is a hallmark office structure within the vibrant, self-sustaining community of Nexton in Summerville.
The three-story structural steel structure, which rests atop a geopier foundation with shallow concrete, is clad in an array of Old Savannah brick, Trespa architectural panels, ACM, and curtainwall glass. It provides the applied research company and multiple tenants with over 78,000-SF of space. Custom interior decorative Trespa panels, ceramic tile flooring, and custom pendant lighting enhance the lobby and office/conference room corridors, which each boast an open ceiling structure. A monumental staircase accents the lobby, which is also adorned by a free-standing custom orchid sculpture. Multiple high-tech conference areas, each surrounded by glass walls, are named after branches of the U.S. military (Army Room, Marine Room, etc.) to pay homage to SCRA’s clients and personnel, many of whom dutifully served. The main conference room, which overlooks the lobby, features a state-of-the-art flat panel television system. The high-tech system is capable displaying nine separate programs (in a grid-like structure) or a single program as one display for the highest level of visual impact.
Design and construction of the Applied Technologies Center highlights the talent of the design-build team dedicated to providing a high standard for sustainability, an innovative construction management approach and highly-detailed schedule control. Choate Construction’s attention to the needs of the client while expertly balancing the jobsite activities and schedule yielded the delivery of the project on time, within budget, and with best-in-class quality.
2015 ENR Southeast, Merit Award for Office / Interiors / Mixed Use Category