When we look at new design and construction technologies, we evaluate them objectively and in terms of what will work best for the project. That said, we were excited to learn about the Prescient platform, which combines design software with off-site manufacturing of modular components, as it appeared to be particularly well-suited for urban multi-family and mixed-use development.
Following extensive discussions with the people at Prescient and other architects, engineers and construction companies who had used the technology, we decided it would be ideal for Markley Place, our 38-unit condominium project in Greenville’s historic West End. It gave us the design flexibility we wanted, with considerable advantages for the developer and our project partners.
Now, with Markley Place complete and its 38 luxury terraced condominiums selling briskly, we’re pleased to report that Prescient is everything it’s promised to be — a prefabricated structural system that’s changing urban mixed-use and multi-family development. To learn more about Markley Place, visit markleyplace.com.
Improved coordination for faster construction
Markley Place features 70,000 square feet of the Prescient system, sitting on a concrete podium and 20,000 square foot precast parking garage. The structure includes a skeleton of steel posts, with steel panels that add rigidity (it’s basically an old-fashioned Erector Set on a much larger scale).
The structure came together quickly, at a rate of two weeks per floor. Prescient trucked in the materials on an as-needed basis instead of in a single offload (a critical advantage, as this site, like most urban infill sites, lacked a laydown field for materials).
The system’s modular construction also reduced the crane time required, which cut crane costs by $500,000. Our construction partners built this five-story structure in less than eight weeks, followed by a quick MEP rough-in and easier conflict resolution.
Prescient’s AutoDesk REVIT module gave us a 3D view of the structure — an exact model of the built environment that reduced the time-consuming, costly on-site changes that plague most projects. The level of coordination the platform gave us also meant the developer could view the project online and participate in discussions between us, the engineers and project contractors.
Lower overall project costs with reduced risk
If you’re a developer looking at urban multi-family or mixed-use projects, then we suggest you look at the Prescient platform. The light-gauge steel structure installs faster than wood, concrete or traditional steel framing, for a lower cost per square foot and none of the litigation risk that comes with wood construction.
Shorter project schedules and reduced developer risk also mean that you can cut your insurance costs and finance less debt. When the project’s complete, you’ll have a better built environment for a lower cost — which is good news for you, your investors and the project occupants.
For more information, give us a call. To learn more about the Prescient platform, visit prescientco.com.
