Castaic High School (Castaic, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
William S. Hart Union High School District,
Kemp Bros. Construction

Location:
Castaic, California

Year Completed:
2020

Project Value:
$ 1,123,944

Architect:
Ruhnai Runau Clarke

Awards / Acknowledgements:
Starnet Design Award Recipient – Bronze Winner Education

Products / Strategic Partners:
Altro, ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring Inc., Flexco Floors, Tarkett | Johnsonite, Tarkett Centiva

Project Summary


Spanning 256,230 SF, a new, state-of-the-art high school campus was built from the ground up over a majestic 58 acres. This seven-figure project included five classroom buildings, an administrative building, a science (STEM) classroom and library building, a gymnasium with locker rooms and training spaces, a performing arts building, a full-service kitchen / food service building, and a maintenance building.

Focused on the health, well-being, and performance of students, educators, and staff, this project utilized a framework from the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) to ensure that energy, community environmental, and social goals could be achieved.

With performance, sustainability, and maintenance strategies in mind, this project featured a combination of both hard and soft surfaces, including wood and other earth-inspired textures from Armstrong’s Natural Creations LVT, as well as Standard Excelon and Raffia VCT from Armstrong. In areas where sound and performance were both deemed critical, like administrative offices and the library, Powerbond Carpet from Tarkett Soft Surfaces (Tandus) was used. Large-scale carpet patterns made a dramatic impact in these open space environments, and in smaller areas, like classrooms, different patterns were used side-by-side to add texture and dimension. Slip-resistant finishes from Altro enhanced the wellness and use of the sports therapy rooms, and rubber moldings from both Johnsonite Tarkett and Flexco complimented a wide variety of paint and other trimmings throughout each building.

While the flooring design inside each space was primarily comprised of earthy textures and gray toned finishes, the rolling foothills which surround the campus provided a uniquely Southern California backdrop. Large windows extending from the floor to the peak of each high ceiling brought in the soft brown tones of the high desert and bright blue skies. This open-air concept further reinforced the pursuit of wellness for students, teachers, and staff, while conscientiously recognizing how the environment outside can compliment the design inside.

Unique Installation Challenge:
Every large project poses its own unique challenges, but this is especially true when a project spans multiple years and a pandemic is added to the mix.

Contracted in 2017, we began our work on site in 2018 as the first building was turned over to us. Portions of this project were released on a building-to-building basis, and as buildings were made ready for us, we were coordinating material procurement, logistics, and labor to ensure that we didn’t hit any snags between phases. As such, material left over in one building couldn’t go missing between phases, as it could be critical square footage in the next building. Dye lots needed to be tagged, tracked, and stored accordingly to ensure cohesiveness between each install. And, the same labor team needed to balance demands of other projects with this schedule, as their familiarity of the site and scope was critical to field team communication and consistency in workmanship.

Beyond the logistical challenges this posed, the design and color schemes for the high school were completely changed half-way through the project, as the new high school redefined its identity and school colors. The new design forced additional scheduling delays, but we worked with the design and construction teams to ensure that finishes previously sourced could be maximized in the field before the new design scheme was incorporated into the remaining buildings.

After an unexpected rainy season pushed schedules even further in 2019, we navigated both design and unforeseen delays with trade partners to mitigate price escalations and freight burdens.

With less than a year until completion, the pandemic added an additional dimensions to this project. Working with the general contractor, we derived much of our COVID-19 response from the needs of this project, navigating new compliance requirement with substantial completion in our sights. Enlisting PPE and social distancing in the field, our team completed this project with new safety regimens in place, all while maintaining a consistent results. When students and teachers are able to return, a beautiful campus awaits.

USC Wellness – General Hospital (Los Angeles, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
USC Engemann Student Health Center

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2014

Project Value:
$ 355,040

Architect:
Chu + Gooding Architects

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring Inc.

Project Summary

Vision:
“Historic Wellness”. Re-use of the Historic USC General Hospital, (built in 1926) and sitting vacant for the inability to be earthquake retrofitted in a fiscally responsible manner. Convert the first floor space into a non-acute care Wellness Center to provide Healthcare to the underserved local community with the concept of “wellness related activities and information.”

Design:
Design with modern day neutral color palette products to incorporate the 85 year old beautiful terrazzo wainscot and other stone finishes and add a splash of color to invigorate wellness in the visitors to the Wellness Center tenants: YMCA, Arthritis Foundation and ADA. The project includes way-finding, exterior jogging trails, fitness areas, a dance studio, pilates stations and exercise rooms.

Construction:
Retrofitted concrete slabs from over 85 years of use and varying heights and transitions with Ardex K-15 and Feather Finish. Installed Armstrong Linoleum with heat welded seams in patterns and colors to tie in existing architectural beauty. Creative use of Armstrong Chroma Spin in layouts that tie in the various athletic and healthcare needs of the patients and tenants.

Install:
Universal Metro estimated, budgeted, procured, and installed all floor products on the project: Armstrong Heatwelded Linoleum, Armstrong Chroma Spin VCT, base cove, and Ardex underlayments.

 

Joshua Medical Center (La Palma, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Joshua Medical Center

Location:
La Palma, California

Year Completed:
2017

Project Value:
$ 694,550

Architect:
Visioneering Studios

Products / Strategic Partners:
Amtico, ARDEX Americas,
Armstrong Flooring Inc., Dal Tile,
Gerflor USA, Tarkett | Johnsonite,
Mannington

Project Summary

Vision:
The Joshua Medical Center job was a coordination effort of many different Starnet vendor teams and materials. Specified by Visioneering Studios in Irvine, Universal Metro was chosen to install Ardex K-15 & GS-4 underlayments in combination with Gerflor resilient, Amtico LVT, Armstrong LVT, Mannington carpet, Johnsonite base, and ceramic from Daltile. This project was a Medical Office Building repurposed to be used as a Medical Center Clinic in the City of La Palma, CA. Joshua Medical Clinic is comprised of a team of physicians and PAs that base their success on their patients’ long-term good health. They believe in personalized and comprehensive health care, through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Our team at Universal Metro installed patient rooms, physical therapy rooms and corridors that enabled the Joshua Medical Center to have a seamless feel to their caring healthcare perspective. One of the major challenges that we had at the Joshua Medical Center project was dealing with the various elevations on the existing wood substrate. Considering the unique flooring design proposed, which included curvatures and circular patterns, we decided to engineer a system to remediate the existing wood substrate conditions with application of Ardex primer, topped with Ardex GS-4 in various thicknesses, ranging from 1/8″ to 2″ depths. Consequently, Mannington sheet vinyl was installed on a smooth and flat substrate resulting in an unique design and an authentic finished floor. Another challenge was to install flooring while the facility was at full operation. With that regard, we closely followed a phasing plan in order to keep the business unaffected. The finished project was inspiring as you can see in the photos.
 

Providence Little Company of Mary (Torrance, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Providence

Location:
Torrance, California

Surface Area:
146,000 SF

Year Completed:
2015

Project Value:
$ 821,925

Architect:
Providence Corporate Real Estate

Products / Strategic Partners:
Amtico, Antron Carpet Fiber, ARDEX Americas,
Burke Flooring, Henry Adhesives, Mannington

Project Summary

Vision:
“ 90 DAY MIRACLE”. Refresh the Providence Healthcare, Little Company of Mary campus in the City of Torrance within a 90 day window, in order to use the available hospital matching fund budget before it expired.

Design:
Required use of Mannington Products as part of the Providence Healthcare buying group program. Developed a plan and design to refresh and maximize the five floors (approximately 150,000 square feet) of this healthcare facility using a $1.6 million dollar budget.

Construction:
Managed the process and installed half of the $1.6 Million dollar project that had to be completed within 90 days in an active running facility. Limited shutdown time with multiple trades from Universal Metro, Inc. working alongside another firm, Golden State Flooring, to complete the project. Attended Daily Meetings and Weekly Strategy Meetings.

Install:
Universal Metro estimated, budgeted, procured, and installed 50% of the floorcoverings, approximately 75,000 square feet of the project, including: Mannington Antron carpet tile, Mannington Biospec, Amtico with a special pattern, Mannington base cove, Ardex Rapid Moisture systems and underlayments. Rory Schneider the project manager for Providence stated in the closeout meeting, “the work you have done in the past 90 days is truly a miracle, thank you.”

 

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

The 90 day miracle was born out a special meeting of the following: Providence Project Managers, Providence Design Team, Universal Metro Leadership, Golden State Leadership, LCOM Facilities Team, LCOM Administration and the Mannington Representatives As the team was already in full throttle with their EPIC conversion they were skeptical that any work above $200,000 could be fit into the schedule, let alone 1.6 million. Universal Metro stepped in and partnered with Golden State Flooring (Steve Gaydos) our prior VP. Providence felt comfortable that if any two companies could team up and complete the remodel it would be our partnership (formed from 20 years of friendship). The local Mannington team in tandem with UMI and Providence Design worked to source materials that were available and materials that could be made quickly to keep the production moving. Design flair was achieved with Mannington Scena Carpet tile and Amtico in a three size interplay. The basement moisture levels were solved to using Ardex Rapid as the moisture mitigation system. Daily site and weekly strategic meetings were key in creating space available in a full census hospital. The EPIC director managed all the access to the space needed to work days, nights and weekends.

 

Hoag Hospital – ECU & Imaging (Newport Beach, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Hoag Hospital,
Kemp Brothers Construction

Location:
Newport Beach, California

Year Completed:
2012

Project Value:
$ 387,365

Architect:
RBB Architects

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring Inc.,
Dal Tile, Tarkett | Johnsonite

Project Summary

Vision:
Develop a modern ER and Imaging Department within the existing structural confines of a working ER and Imaging Unit. The Design: Extensive use of a wood looking vinyls combined with borders of solid vinyls to create a rich and warm look combined with the functionality and clean ability of self-coved and heat welded vinyl.

Construction :
The 650,000 contract began in 2007 and was completed in December of 2012. Universal Metro worked hand in hand with Kemp Bros. and the hospital. The hospital stated that the team answered the question – “How can I keep the hospital in operation serving patients, avoiding disruption to the daily routines of the campus during construction?”

Install:
Universal Metro estimated, budgeted, procured, and installed all floor coverings on the project: sheet vinyl, heat welding, resilient tile, ceramic tile, porcelain tile, carpet, carpet tile, base cove (millworks for design element), Ardex underlayments, Ardex MC moisture mitigation systems Johnsonite Base cove.
 

One Santa Fe (Los Angeles, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Berkshire Communities

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2016

Project Value:
$ 1,051,000

Architect:
KTGY

Products / Strategic Partners:
American Marazzi, ARDEX Americas,
Dal Tile, J + J Flooring Group,
Tandus Centiva

Project Summary

Vision:
One Santa Fe is situated on the east side of the Art District in Los Angeles and is part of a district-wide initiative to revitalize the area. The modern building counter-balances the industrial feel of the historical elements surrounding the site. The architect created a community that meshes small living with commercial and retail space that allows for ease of living. The products used were intended to mimic the simplicity of the building and allow for the space to flow from inside-out. Our installation recommendations were toward products with color that create a cohesive and functional space while adding a timeless element that will set a precedent for future buildings.

Hoag Hospital – Sleep Center (Newport Beach, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Hoag Hospital

Location:
Newport Beach, California

Year Completed:
2010

Architect:
H. Hendy Associates

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Daltile,
Henry Adhesives, Tarkett | Johnsonite

Project Summary

Vision:
The Judy & Richard Voltmer Sleep Center at Hoag Hospital was custom built with eight private bedrooms to conduct extensive sleep studies. Each room has a private bathroom and is designed to feel like a high-quality hotel from the floor and wall décor to the Ralph Lauren linens.

 

KidZone Christian Preschool (Santa Fe Springs, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
KidZone Preschool

Location:
Santa Fe Springs, California

Architect:
Mimi Snowden Design

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Burke Flooring,
Dal Tile, Tarkett | Johnsonite

Project Summary

Vision:
Four Square Church’s New Children’s School and Ministry Building aims to create spaces capable of “educating hearts and mind for eternity” in its Kids Zone.

The environment flourishes with safe, secure, and fun products created in an oceanic theme. From the waves in the exterior fountain to the blue glass mosaic waterfall, the colors and patterns pop with fun and vibrancy. The natural curiosity and creativity of children expands with the porcelain tile cut into a surf and sand motif and is highlighted by a glow in the dark safety tread system. This developmentally appropriate project was completed in the fall of 2008 and houses both a pre-school and Sunday school programs.
 

Santee Education Complex (Los Angeles, CA)

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Project Description

Client:
Los Angeles Unified School District

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2004

Architect:
HMC Group

Awards / Acknowledgements
Starnet Design Award Recipient

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Burke Flooring, Tarkett | Johnsonite, Roppe

Project Summary

Vision:
The design of this innovative facility reflects the industrial surroundings it is located in. The linear circulation in and in between the four buildings of the facility are similar to the flows of the adjacent railway, while the landscaped edges of the grounds meander like the nearby riverbed. Inside the buildings, Universal Metro installed flooring products from Azrock, Burke-Mercer, and Roppe.

 

 

Pasadena City Hall – Seismic Upgrade & Rehabilitation

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Project Description

Client:
Pasadena City Hall

Location:
Pasadena, California

Year Completed:
2008

Project Value:
$ 392,790

Architect:
Bastien and Associates

Products / Strategic Partners:
Armstrong Flooring Inc., J + J Flooring Group,
Tarkett | Johnsonite

Project Summary

Vision:
Pasadena City Hall is one of the finest examples of the California Mediterranean style. It is the dominant building in the Pasadena Civic Center, which is a complex of government, institutional and cultural buildings that epitomizes the City Beautiful movement.

Since its opening on December 27, 1927, Pasadena City Hall has remained one of the most distinctive public buildings in the United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Universal Metro’s work on the building’s restoration project earned it a StarNet 2008 Design Award in the Enviromental Achievment Category.