Stories

DPR Celebrates topping out for new SRM Concrete Corporate HQ

Tree being raised during the topping out celebration
“The custom of raising a tree to commemorate the building’s topping out celebrates the construction process and is viewed as the first introduction of the building to the public..." said DPR Project Engineer, Sam Rowland. Courtesy of Skyler Herring

DPR Construction recently celebrated the topping out of SRM Concrete’s new corporate headquarters. Located on 40 acres of land just outside of Smyrna, Tennessee, the 84,000 sq.-ft., five-story concrete structure will serve as the home base for SRM Concrete. The building will include office space, a full-service cafeteria, a high-end workout facility, and a daycare for employee’s children.

“The custom of raising a tree to commemorate the building’s topping out celebrates the construction process and is viewed as the first introduction of the building to the public. It really honors the accomplishments of the construction team. The tree signifies that construction has reached its highest point without loss of life or injury, and it sends well wishes for the future inhabitants of the building,” said DPR Project Engineer, Sam Rowland.

The new corporate headquarters will include seven different concrete finishes, many of which will be shown off in the open atrium lobby. A monolithic grand staircase serves as the lobby’s main focal point, providing access to the second floor which features an outdoor amenity deck with green space, roof planters, artificial turf, and connected conference rooms.

Early morning slab pour
The new corporate headquarters will include seven different concrete finishes, many of which will be shown off in the open atrium lobby. Courtesy of Sam Rowland

One of the most distinguishing features in the building is that there are no 90-degree angles at any concrete location. All concrete structures are radiused at the corners which complement the cylindrical columns located throughout the building.

“To build a new home for one of our trade partners is a real honor, and to have so many unique concrete attributes allows us to really show the diversity and constructability of the material itself. What has been called a “Celebration of Concrete” by our design team, has really come to life with a lot of hard work and pre-planning between the DPR team, EOA Architects, Charter Construction and SRM Concrete. We are very excited and proud to be able to hand over the keys to a family legacy when this project is complete,” said DPR Project Manager, Matt Morren.

South side of the building
The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2021. Courtesy of Sam Rowland

Additional interior features include polished aggregate concrete floors and demountable partitions which provide the option for an open floor plan or individual offices as needed.

The building also includes several features to assist with sustainability and economic efficiency. The mechanical system will be supported by a geothermal system that includes a mechanical vault connected to almost two hundred 500-ft. wells, eliminating the need for electric re-heating. Additionally, the exterior of the building will be enclosed by a curtain wall system from floor to deck ensuring a maximum gain of natural light.

“The geothermal system will provide a long-lasting and sustainable heating and cooling system. This eliminates the need for a cooling tower and keeps a constant temperature in the building. The units during the summer months will push the heat back into the earth, and the units will receive heat from the earth during the winter months,” said DPR Superintendent, Bryan Adams.

The project is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2021.