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Waukesha County Expo Center

OBJECTIVE:

Out with the Old

Built in 1972, the Waukesha County Exposition Center Arena complex features 21,000 SF of year-round heated and air-conditioned meeting and exhibit space. It includes a domed roof, stage, three meeting rooms, kitchen, two balconies, staff offices, and box office. The primary heating and cooling system were original to the building and at 48 years of service life, was in dire need of replacement. Strang partnered with Waukesha County to improve the Expo Center’s overall HVAC and mechanical systems, all of which contributed to increased efficiency and cost savings.

This project’s challenges can be summed up in one sentence—how can we cost-effectively update the mechanical systems of this old, round building? The Waukesha Expo Center is a taxpayer-funded, public entity, so it was crucial that we keep the budget on track. Any mechanical solutions had to be carefully managed and tracked.

The previous gas-fired equipment was not only inefficient but included parts that were verging on obsolete. Replacements were no longer available and needed to be custom fabricated—another facility cost. It is difficult to make an old system cost-effective, which meant Strang had to jump in from the beginning of the project to offer Good-Better-Best solutions that meet this challenge. Our team helped set a budget and was there to provide solutions to the surprises that inevitably arise when working with old systems.

The shape of the building itself also offered a unique obstacle. The Expo Center is a round building that required large gluelams (glued laminated timbers) for the structure of the concrete walls. This meant that the existing mechanical systems were kept in a pie-shaped room with gluelams running down at steep angles. It was up to the Strang team to find a system that would both fit into the space and meet the needs of Waukesha County. This called for a perfectly sized hot water boiler plant and pinpointing a custom air handling unit that would fit into the space just right.

SOLUTION:

Maximized Design

Ultimately, Strang replaced the existing heating and air conditioning equipment that served the main arena building with a new, automated, and energy efficient system. This included a new boiler plant, air handling units, and air-cooled condensing units. The budget, existing facility systems, and unique shape of the building were all kept at the forefront of the design while efficiency and temperature control were maximized.

U.S. Geological Survey WMA Office

Awards

IIDA Wisconsin

Award of Excellence - Work under 5,000 SF
2023

OBJECTIVE:

Fresh Fit-Out

When the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water Mission Area (WMA) moved across town to the USDA Forest Products Lab building, they partnered with Strang to renovate the old, outdated 3rd floor into a fresh and collaborative space.

The USGS’s goal was to fit the space out to make it as comfortable and healthy for staff as possible. This project started at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, so health concerns were as important as giving staff a physically comfortable space. The USGS also sought to use this office space as a place to celebrate sustainability, local materials, and the outdoors—all things that are at the core of their organization. Finally, this space needed to fit multiple work styles within a small area. Technology, collaboration zones and acoustical planning were all important elements to creating a productive space.

SOLUTION:

Health and Wellbeing

Concern for the comfortability, health, and wellbeing of their employees was at the forefront of this design. One example is outside air exchange system. This allows for a quicker exchange of fresh air which helps keep the space’s air clean and allows easier breathing. To further address COVID concerns, workspaces were also placed at 120-degree desk clusters and removable acrylics barriers were placed between desks. These can be easily removed later to further increase the open office feel.

Collaborative Planning

A main challenge of this space was its small square footage. The USGS has multiple offices throughout the US they work and communicate with. Employees required the ability to work (and use visual and audio technology) from multiple locations within the small office. Strang designed multiple areas to meet this need, including the standard office desks, a “kitchen” gathering area, a small collaboration zone in the middle of the office, and a larger collaboration zone at the back wall.

With so many employees required to fit into the small space, proper acoustics was also a top priority. Strang ended up designing the space for employees to have easy communication with neighbors, while retaining the ability for private conversations. Acoustical panel ceiling clouds were hung throughout the space and felt acoustic hung panels served double purpose as an interesting visual with their decorative laser cut design. A white noise sound masking system was also installed in the space. These devices hung around the office help control background noise by emitting a frequency similar to human speech, leading to greater speech privacy.

Creating Sustainability

The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it—sustainability and the outdoors are integral values of their organization. Strang celebrated these ideals through the use of natural and sustainable materials as much as possible. This included using linoleum floor tiles (instead of luxury vinyl tiles) and custom work tops from the local Menominee Tribal Enterprises for desks and conference room tables.

The use of wood is also a strong feature throughout the space. These wood accent walls are not only visually appealing but are used to hold acoustic panels. They also serve as a workable surface to tack things up. Further cementing the biophilic design, plants are abundant throughout the space. Lastly, a digital “whiteboard” was added to an entire wall using a greyscale satellite image of the Yukon Territory from the USGS’s own photo cache as a background. This impactful image, wood accents, sustainable materials, and the incorporation of water blues and forest greens throughout the space all celebrate the ethos of the USGS and their connection to nature.

USGS National Wildlife Health Center Master Plan & Space Planning Modernization Study

U.S. Geological Survey WMA Office render

OBJECTIVE:

In Modernization

In support of USGS goals, Strang was contracted to study the feasibility of consolidating the various USGS entities and programs in the Madison, Wisconsin area onto property already owned by the USGS and currently occupied by the National Wildlife Health Center (NWSHC). The Strang team reviewed and validated the National Wildlife Health Center modernization study while developing multiple approaches for their space planning program over the next 10-15 years.

The key goals of the USGS Madison Consolidation Feasibility Study were to:

SOLUTION:

Phased Planning

Strang has a longstanding relationship with USGS and has been providing guidance on their space planning for over a decade. Strang used planning tools, including guided discussions and workshops to generate three phasing scenario concepts for review and approval by the USGS’s science and facilities staff. This modernization study is intended to supplement the 2016 Master Plan. This study addresses the NWHC’s concerns for providing a complete program and concept design that will meet all campus planning objectives including, but not limited to site utilities capacities, design, parking, vehicle and pedestrian flow, service access, secured access, and storm water management.

Phasing and planning options were developed to assure no adverse impact to ongoing operations, including site utilities and access to, from, and between all facilities. The first phase starts in the current parking lot, nearest to the existing buildings. This allows subsequent construction traffic to be concentrated away from NWHC operations. As the team developed project cost estimates to best suit the phasing needs and funding constraints, the three phased approaches provide USGS and the NWHC with options in selecting a path forward that meets their current need while aligning with funding opportunities.

The space planning study will help USGS and NWHC focus on right sizing the various spaces. The number of labs and holding rooms and the sizes of each have been adjusted based on anticipated program needs. Two major deviations from the previous program were identified. This includes the reclassification of many labs from BSL-3 to BSL-2. The site has been able to push more of the work out of the BSL-3 spaces. To protect against a reversing of this trend and being faced with too little high containment labs, some BSL-2 labs and support spaces were identified to be configured and detailed for conversion to BSL-3. The updated program requirements provide an appropriate increase to the operational area of the NWHC, expanding research capabilities, and verifying ongoing compliance with containment regulations. The program has more flexible lab space and expansion of diagnostic facilities. This space planning study will take USGC through to the next 10-15 years.

USDA Forest Products Laboratory

OBJECTIVE:

On-Call Service

Strang’s history with USDA Forest Products Lab extends back to 1967 to the design of a wood chemistry laboratory and has continued throughout each decade with an entrance remodeling, a condition survey of buildings 39 and 40, a boiler replacement, a five-year IDIQ contract from 2011-2016, and a current, on-going IDIQ. Our projects have included dozens of renovations, analysis, evaluations, designs, campus planning and system replacements.

Projects Completed:

Campus Projects Master Plan
Facility Assessments
Heat Exchanger
B1 Chilled Water Plant
B1 Chilled Water Plant
B4-B15 Roof Replacement
Laboratory Design

Fume Hood Replacement
Bridge Connection Design
Window Replacement
USGS Office Design
Courtyard Design
Steam Condensation Repair
Forest Service Fire Test Fume

NRS Grand Rapids, MN Roof Upgrade
B34 Column Repair
B29 Arches
B1 Library Planning
Sanitary and Storm Sewer Evaluation and Design
B33 Window Replacement

SOLUTION:

Building 34 & 50

Lab renovations in Building 34 included replacement of all wood casework, epoxy tops, and fume hoods. Electrical raceway was salvaged, re-painted, and re-installed to support the new users. Utility upgrades include converting the exhaust system to VAV and waste and vent piping that had deteriorated from heavy acid use. Upgrade finishes were provided throughout. Strang designed for the replacement of failing direct buried steam and condensate piping from the campus steam system to Forest Products Labs Building 50. The new design included proper expansion compensation within a new buried concrete steam box conduit.

Steam Pit

Strang also provided engineering design and documentation for a steam replacement project. This project was done in collaborations with the Department of Facilities Development and Management for the State of Wisconsin. One of the buildings on the Forest Products Laboratory’s site is served from a steam pit tied to the UW-Madison Walnut Street heating plant. The existing 180 PSI steam and pumped condensate return from the steam pit was originally routed underground and direct buried to the building.

Over the course of 10 years, the pumped condensate piping developed a leak from inappropriate piping, insulation, and thermal expansion compensation. As steam condensate leaked underground, it further degraded the steam piping and insulation. The project included evaluation of piping, insulation, and structure of the steam pit, and installation of new concrete box conduit.

HVAC System

An additional project of special note is Strang’s work with Johnson Controls to convert the existing HVAC system of FPL’s Building 33 and 34 to use variable volume supply and exhaust. Strang provided complete load calculations, VAV selections, exhaust fan re-work, and control sequences as part of a performance contract through Johnson Controls, Inc.

Over the course of 10 years, the pumped condensate piping developed a leak from inappropriate piping, insulation, and thermal expansion compensation. As steam condensate leaked underground, it further degraded the steam piping and insulation. The project included evaluation of piping, insulation, and structure of the steam pit, and installation of new concrete box conduit.

Nova Urgent Care Facilities

OBJECTIVE:

Building a Prototype

Our client is a developer that specializes in urgent care medical clinics. Strang completed a prototype facility to be used on site locations throughout the US for urgent care. The client wished to use a prototype design so that it could be re-used. Projects throughout the country have local building styles and codes that require subtle variations to the protype building. Our prototype was developed to allow these changes to be incorporated into the building without changing its trademark look. The modular design allows for changes including mirroring and additions that double the square feet in order to include multiple procedure rooms.

Our design objective was to develop a prototype facility with curb appeal that can be used in every state with only minor variations to meet local code requirements.

SOLUTION:

Super Nova

Strang developed a prototype building with standard room sizes and room adjacencies to provide the owner with the best fit option for a specific site. The prototype utilizes exterior fiber board with cultured stone wainscoting and a custom awning system consisting of steel tubing and cedar slats. The design allows for easy configuration changes in length and width with minor alterations to patient and staff traffic flow.

Dane County Job Center Solar Arrays

OBJECTIVE:

The Power of the Sun

The scope of the project was to incorporate a renewable energy generation system in the form of a solar PV array to offset the energy consumed at the Dane County Job Center, thereby taking responsibility for energy used in service to the County operations. A study was prepared at the New Holland Pavilions and Job Center, and given the year-round activities at the Job Center, resources were devoted to this site study.

SOLUTION:

Economic Energy Use

Strang is intimately familiar with this facility. We have completed a top to bottom building condition report followed by an extensive renovation of all mechanical and electrical systems, ceilings, and lighting in the areas related to this facility. We have also replaced the roofing and designed the solar array covering most of the roof surface. Strang’s advanced energy modeling capabilities led to informed decisions throughout the entire design process.

This site was first evaluated for energy consumption, and the rooftop was evaluated for support of an array that would work alongside the existing electrical infrastructure. Based on the options offered, a solar array of 170kW would yield the most favorable solution. Our design team targeted 226,000 kWh per year of potential energy savings. In dollars, this translates to $25,000 per year. This represents significant savings to the county. Across a useful life of 20 years, this equates to $500,000. With a project cost of $500,000, the project cost is a wash.

In terms of sustainability, this project took responsibility for on-site energy use by on-site generation using the mighty power of the sun. Fossil fuel consumption was displaced with light as a non-polluting power source. The project is also nestled in a residential neighborhood and by locating the array on the roof of an existing structure, the project had no impact on the neighborhood’s aesthetics, noise, and carbon pollution.

New Holland Pavilions at Alliant Energy Center

Awards

InBusiness Commercial Design Awards

2015

OBJECTIVE:

Dairy & Livestock Showcase

For over 100 years, the Alliant Energy Center Campus has served as a hub of activity for the farming and ranching community, ultimately growing to support world-class livestock and equine events. This multi-use facility was designed to replace the site’s former 12 aging agricultural barns.

The largest challenge was to design two state-of-the-art multi-purpose pavilions totaling over 290,000 SF which could be constructed in 5 months to avoid interrupting the campus’ two largest annual events, the Midwest Horse Fair in April, and the World Dairy Expo in September. Eleven existing stand-alone buildings needed to be demolished and site remediation needed to occur within this same timeframe.

“Strang, Inc. has been a presence for over 25 years on the Alliant Energy Center Campus...because of the excellent design team and project approach that was presented. It is evident to me...that you have incorporated all of the state-of-the-art technology to assist in the design process and communicate with your clients.”

Eric Urtes, Executive Vice President, Corporate Service, M3 Insurance Solutions Inc.

SOLUTION:

Prefabricated Configuration

The New Holland Pavilions are widely recognized as the most advanced multi-purpose pavilions in the country providing world-class 290,000 SF space for a wide range of national livestock, equine, and athletic events.

To meet schedule needs, a modular approach to constructing the pavilions was employed. Demolition and site remediation work began first, working from the west end of the site to the east end. New construction immediately followed working from west to east just behind the demolition. The construction was completed on time and both the Midwest Horse Fair and World Dairy Expo events occurred without interruption and on schedule.

Pavilion 1 is a 90,000 SF building that includes nearly 8,000 SF of pre-function space. The remaining 80,000 SF provides ample space for livestock stalls, wash bays, and restrooms with showers. Pavilion 2 measures 200,000-SF, allowing additional space for livestock stalls, restrooms, and the 20×12 walk-through BouMatic Milking parlor. The new milking parlor includes two 2000-gallon milk tanks, a new energy-efficient chiller system, touch point and SmartControl meters for cow side management, and evolution pulsators.

The Pavilions also feature a state-of-the-art innovative pressurized ventilation system that draws clean fresh air from the building and distributes it evenly and with consistent velocity over the entire floor. Air is exhausted through overhead door openings and side wall vents providing year-round comfort. The result is improved air quality and comfort control applied to livestock and staff.

The building envelope and structural system were developed for economy and speed of construction, utilizing prefabricated and modular techniques, but not at the expense of aesthetics. The large scale of the pavilions allowed for custom prefabricated configurations creating unique and attractive forms at a very reasonable cost.

Unique project features include:

An automated 24-stall milking parlor
Over 500,000 SF of site development (over 13 acres)
290,000 SF of enclosed building (over 6 acres) under roof
30’ wide covered canopy along north and south walls
Stormwater from the roofs is all being drained underground
Site access to both pavilions from all four sides

WiscNet

OBJECTIVE:

Collective Collaboration

WiscNet is an organization that provides research and education networking services to public and private higher education, K-12 school districts, libraries, municipalities, and hospitals throughout Wisconsin.

WiscNet was looking to expand its workplace and showcase its strong brand identity. The goal was to have a collaborative and cooperative office that would connect its 25-member staff and organizational members. They desired a fresh, contemporary space that would create opportunities for the community to grow ideas and share strategies while maintaining a feel that was uniquely theirs.

SOLUTION:

Community Within

WiscNet underwent a master planning effort to determine the best fit for their new workplace. The result of that study placed them at the University Research Park in Madison within a 10,000 SF tenant suite. They chose this location for its proximity to bike paths, programmable outdoor space, and the opportunity for future growth.

The design goal was to create a fresh, contemporary, work environment that would also engage people socially. The completed design includes neutral finishes with branded pops of color that help create a vibrant workplace. Structured and spontaneous collaboration is integrated into the office plan through a mix of zones that provide employees with choices: private meeting spaces, open collaborative areas, one-person enclaves, and a work café outfitted with relevant technology. The Strategic Technology Lab provides another zone for heads-down development of both software and hardware, creating an efficient workstation in the open work area.

The floor plan optimizes natural daylight, with a 20’ living wall in the main entry offering a unique indoor/outdoor connection. The interior space was planned on a 45-degree angle to maximize daylight penetration and provide exterior views from the open office. To bring natural daylight into the core of the building, 13 skylights were strategically placed throughout the space and the 14-foot ceiling was left exposed and painted bright white. In addition to the skylights, three Solatubes provide natural light to the 20-foot living wall in the lobby and reception area. Frameless glass systems were used on the face of private offices and meeting spaces to allow further access to light and to enforce the open office aesthetic.

Strang designers worked closely with WiscNet leadership to create a fresh, contemporary, social working environment. This space re-centered focus on the organization’s mission and values. WiscNet features a “Community Within” approach that focuses on flexible, personal, user group, and virtual interaction (i.e., real-time web, voice, and video functionality). We created a branded office environment that supports each of these types of work now and well into the future.

Venture Investors Office

Awards

International Interior Design Association (IIDA) WI Awards

Office under 9,999 SF Award of Excellence

2022

OBJECTIVE:

First Impressions

Venture Investors is a Madison-based venture capital firm that works closely with some of the nation’s leading researchers and clinicians. Strang partnered with them to create a new 1,435 SF office space that provides a subtle, yet impactful first impression.

Venture Investors’ goal was to “wow” investors, clients, and other users of the space. Additionally, the office desired a professional, modern, and clean working environment. With Strang’s help, the existing tenant space was reworked and refreshed to include tasteful and deliberate design details that leave a lasting impact.

SOLUTION:

Small Space, Large Impact

Strang’s main project challenge was working within the parameters of a small space. Feature elements in the space had to purposefully serve as both visually impactful and functional—every detail needed to count.

A primary example of the interplay between form and function was the L-shaped form that wraps from the office walls to above the reception desk. While offering an aesthetic visual, it also serves functionally as the doorways into the offices. This required our design team to custom design both the doors and door frames so that they appeared to be a seamless part of the L-shape. We continued this feature throughout the office creating a visual rhythm as you move deeper into the space.

Design Dialogue

Another key objective for this space was creating a dialogue between each separate design element. Offices traditionally aren’t visible from the main building corridor, but this office suite offers an extended view into the space from the corridor. The relationship from the corridor to the suite is parallel to the wooden door feature, complimenting the desk to the door, and the outside to the inside. The wooden L-shaped ceiling feature runs in a continuous line to the custom doors, further drawing visitors into the office.

The front entry desk design mirrors the ceiling waterfall effect, forging a strong dialogue between the desk down low and the large feature above. Like the doors, a desk is a necessary element to any office reception desk, but with our purposeful design, it blends seamlessly into its environment while adding a dramatic effect.

Down to the Details

At 1,435 SF, this office packs quite the punch into every square foot. Maximizing the space while keeping the design clean, modern, and open, meant every detail was designed to make an impact on users. The rhythm and flow of the user’s experience and visuals were considered before they even step into the space. Often the simplest forms can be deceiving—but like this project, it takes a clear design point of view and understanding of the space to achieve both function and beauty within simplicity.

Strang Offices

Awards

LEED Gold Certification

Strang Madison Regional Office

2020

WELL Gold Certification

Strang Madison Regional Office

2020

American Society of Interior Design (ASID)

Bronze Design Excellence Award for Contract – Office/Corporate 9,999 SF and under

Strang Milwaukee Regional Office

2019

International Interior Design Association (IIDA) WI Awards

Strang Waukesha Regional Office

2018

OBJECTIVE:

A Culture of Collaboration

When we got the chance to design our own space, it was the perfect opportunity to bring Strang’s own culture to life within our future offices. At Strang, providing a comfortable, safe, and efficient work environment for our staff is of the highest priority. Our offices were designed to encourage safe collaboration, promote teamwork, and enhance professional growth. Our Madison office is located on the second floor of the Gebhardt Building.

Our company mission and culture are an invaluable part of our ethos. We are proud to be able to showcase these values through the very environment we work in.

SOLUTION:

Working WELL in Madison

Strang’s office was designed to optimize versatility and flexibility with the ability to accommodate client/internal meetings, VR demonstrations, and BIM technology sessions. With the various break-out areas, meetings have the option to be formal or informal, engaging people in a social working environment where spontaneous meetings occur routinely.

Branded elements were captured throughout Strang’s office spaces with a nod toward our company’s heritage. For example, a custom digital wall covering was designed to showcase past archival projects. This wall showcases the firm’s history while simultaneously acknowledging a future vision.

Employee well-being and comfort were key considerations, and our space was designed with WELL Building standards in mind. We are proud to say that our office has been awarded the first WELL Gold Certification in Wisconsin. This prestigious distinction was awarded through the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard™, a performance-based certification system for measuring features of the built environment that impact human health and wellbeing.

Strang’s Madison office earned this recognition based on seven categories of building performance— Air, Water, Light, Nourishment, Fitness, Comfort, and Mind. With expansive glass windows across the suite, each employee has a view of the natural surroundings. Ergonomics also come into play with sit and stand desks. It is a great honor to be recognized for our efforts within our own Madison offices and to demonstrate how Strang provides thoughtful design centered around employee health and wellness.

Waukesha Growth

When designing Strang’s first regional office, our objective was to create a space that reflected our history, values, and sense of community. A major part of the design influence focused on the material finishes we use with clients every day: metal, wood, concrete, and glass. Our team strived to keep costs in line and accommodate the ever-changing needs of a growing staff. To maximize versatility, permanent walls were limited to encourage collaboration throughout the space. Our designers also identified furnishings that were easy to reconfigure and adaptable.

With the open concept, there is almost an unlimited number of configurations for the staff to work with. The engaging entry sequence leads directly into the workspace, eliminating the need for a formal reception area. Intuitive wayfinding directs visitors to the open spaces and eventually leads them into the kitchen, workroom, and conference room. Areas are defined by differing finish materials, floor patterns, and ceiling grid layout. Each workstation is equipped with a 6’ x 6’ full height-adjustable surface, also featuring adjustable height-screens, ergonomic chairs, white boards, and pin-up space.

Branded elements were captured throughout the Waukesha space with details like a custom digital wall covering of Strang archival blueprints. This parallels similar design elements in the Madison office. The blueprint wall also reiterates the foundational design concepts of the AEI industry and showcases projects that were the building blocks for our firm.

Location: WI

Out with the Old

Maximized Design

Awards

Fresh Fit-Out

Health and Wellbeing

Collaborative Planning

Creating Sustainability

In Modernization

Phased Planning

On-Call Service

Building 34 & 50

Steam Pit

HVAC System

Building a Prototype

Super Nova

The Power of the Sun

Economic Energy Use

Awards

Dairy & Livestock Showcase

Prefabricated Configuration

Collective Collaboration

Community Within

Awards

First Impressions

Small Space, Large Impact

Design Dialogue

Down to the Details

Awards

A Culture of Collaboration

Working WELL in Madison

Waukesha Growth