Medical Office Building at Avion Park

When Highwoods Properties first envisioned this 6-story medical office building, they wanted it to stand out. They desired to cap the building with an impressive screenwall that would stretch up to 30’ above the 6th floor. This would easily screen rooftop mechanical equipment but also presented a challenge as it would have to withstand hurricane force winds from the nearby Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.

Walter P Moore and the design team used digital modeling and analytical tools like BIM to evaluate construction and support options that would resist high winds while allowing for the placement and maintenance of rooftop equipment without requiring large connections in the wall itself. The team ultimately chose to use hollow structural steel (HSS) members and welded joints which allowed the cladding system to connect tightly to the framing keeping to overall wall depth thin. The result is an impressive facade that can be easily recognized by patrons.

The facility also includes a 4-level design-build parking garage – completed by Finfrock – for 900 cars which is connected to the office building at multiple levels. Walter P Moore worked closely with Finfrock to provide a seamless connection between the two independent structures.