In the construction field, the term integrated design refers to taking a holistic approach to the design and construction of buildings, recognizing that building systems are interdependent and each design choice has an impact on the functionality of the system.
Integrated design requires close communication and coordination between designers, engineers, contractors and building owners early on in the project planning process. By factoring in architectural, structural, and mechanical considerations during the schematic design phase, integrated design can offer significant cost and energy savings over a building’s service life.
Building material selection is an important aspect of integrated design. High performance materials, such as insulated wall panels, can be incorporated to reduce the demands on heating and cooling systems. For example, a distribution center built with insulated wall panels and a limited number of east-facing and west-facing windows will require less heating and cooling than a building with an abundance of south-facing windows. The well-insulated building will require fewer ducts and registers than a similar size building with a less insulating envelope, which can lead to cost savings during construction.
Integrated design encapsulates these eight principles:
- Emphasize the integrated process.
- Consider the building as a whole.
- Focus on the life cycle of the structure.
- Encourage design disciplines to work together as a team from the start.
- Conduct relevant assessments to help you determine requirements and set goals.
- Develop tailored solutions that yield multiple benefits.
- Evaluate solutions.
- Ensure that requirements and goals are met.
Integrated design is essential to building sustainable communities, with buildings that last longer and cost less to maintain. County Prestress & Precast’s concrete construction products, such as our insulated wall panels, are specified by project leaders who value integrated design. Insulated wall panels offer thermal benefits, energy efficiency, disaster resistance, and other advantages that impact the project from multiple design perspectives.
Use our insulated wall panels to practice integrated design for your next project by contacting our Customer Service Team.
