An unusual project from the beginning, the Farm Practice Lab became incredibly challenging as the project design developed. The Vet school program required two specimen labs, reception area, office space, conference room, locker room, garage parking of four vans, and a seventy foot cattle run through the building. The new addition was located adjacent to the existing large animal holding area, to allow for efficient registration and discharge of patients, specifically horses, cows and bulls. The safety of the medical staff and the animals was of the highest priority.

Upon completing a schematic design that satisfied all of the clients requirements we were again challenged with a myriad of existing conditions that each presented there own special problems. The soil on the site was old fill and was not suitable for support of the new structure. The original structure overcame this problem by utilizing friction caissons for its structural foundation. The existing caissons dictated that our building not disturb the soil around them yet we needed to connect directly to the existing building. In addition to the caisson restrictions, an existing 60" storm water drain pipe traversed directly across the building footprint just 12" below the new additions finished floor level. Through careful design, and engineering an acceptable solution was achieved.

A unique feature of the building is the pedestrian bridge entrance. The location of the addition is what is normally considered the rear of the school. The users desired a "landmark" for clientele to easily distinguish where they should go to check in their animals. The steel and concrete bridge accomplishes this objective in a sensitive yet interesting manner, to the satisfaction and delight of the Vet school administration.

First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Front Elevation
Front Exterior View
Side Exterior View
Front Lobby
Front Lobby

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Spotlight Project -
The University of Georgia
Farm Practice Lab Addition *