Axis 28 Apartment Building

Axis 28 is a five-storey wood-frame apartment building with a total floor area of nearly 100,000 sq. ft. The development includes 80 units, offering a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom suites designed with shared kitchen and living spaces. Each floor also features a shared laundry facility to support day-to-day living.

The building is designed with both functionality and security in mind. Residents have access to an elevator and four stairwells, and each unit includes a private patio that also provides access to furnace and storage areas. A full card-access security system is installed throughout the building, including individual bedroom entry. Smart door locks are integrated with the heating and cooling system, using occupancy sensors to automatically adjust to energy-saving mode when spaces are not in use.

The roof system features a torch-on SBS membrane with four-foot parapets, while the exterior combines acrylic stucco, Hardie panels, easy trim, custom-profiled metal siding, and aluminum composite panels to create a durable and modern finish.

Construction was completed in phases to meet strict occupancy timelines. Phase 1 began in late 2018 and included the middle portion of the building with 20 units. With student housing as the primary focus, meeting the fall 2019 move-in deadline was critical, and the phase was completed in late August, right on schedule.

Phases 2 and 3 followed immediately after, each similar in size but delivered within a tighter timeline to meet the fall 2020 intake. Careful planning and coordination were essential to maintain progress and ensure each phase was completed on time.

Axis 28 is a strong example of how thoughtful design, phased construction, and careful scheduling can deliver a large-scale residential project while meeting the specific needs of its tenants.

Tags: Wood Construction

New Build

Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction recently completed a 5 storey wood frame apartment building in Lethbridge, Alberta, dubbed Axis 28.

This project was a major milestone for construction in Alberta, as it was one of the first wood buildings to be built in Southern Alberta over 4 stories, following the approval of such buildings under the Alberta Building Code.

The team at Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction was proud to be a part of this innovative project, which showcases the potential for wood construction in Alberta.

Project Details, Challenges and Solutions

Project Details

Challenges and Solutions

Scope of Work

Subtrades

Project Details

Project Type: New Build

Sector: Commercial

Location: Lethbridge, Alberta

Timeline: Original estimated timeline for each phase was 12 months. Due to some start delays, we completed phase one of the project within 9 months and phase two within 10 months.

Total interior and exterior renovation, new millwork and finishes throughout the sales
floor, and a new ACM panel and stone work on gas station exterior.

Timeline Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges of this project was the tight timeline. The Axis 28 apartment building needed to be completed in time for the fall semester, so there was a degree of pressure to meet these deadlines.

Throughout the construction process, there were numerous setbacks that threatened to delay the project.

However, Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction was able to work with the sub trades and suppliers to bring on additional workers and expedite material deliveries, ultimately achieving the owner’s deadlines and completing the project in time for the start of the school year.

In order to streamline the construction process and meet the tight timeline, Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction took a proactive approach by pre-framing the walls in sections off site while the foundations were being poured.

This allowed the team to frame the building nearly twice as fast. Pre-framing is just one example of the innovative techniques that Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction uses to ensure the success of their projects.

Scope of Work

The scope of the work on the building included the incorporation of a number of special materials and features to enhance its functionality and safety.

One example of this is the installation of a sound suppressive mat over the plywood floors, followed by the pouring of a layer of gypcrete on top of the mat to provide an extra level of soundproofing for the tenants – particularly busy college students who may require a quieter living environment.

Additionally, due to the tall height of the building, it was necessary to install lightning rods on the roof and ground them with copper cabling beneath the foundation to protect against potential electrical hazards. These safety measures are essential in any building, but are especially crucial in a wood frame structure where the risk of fire is higher

Subtrades

For the subtrades, Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction primarily worked with trusted partners that the company enjoys a previous relationship with.

In a few cases, specialty trades were brought on, such as the crew that installed the sound suppressive mat and gypcrete topping. Working with reliable sub trades is crucial in ensuring the success of a project, and Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction has built strong relationships with a variety of sub trades in the Alberta construction industry.

Key Takeaways

Overall, the 5 storey wood framed apartment building in Lethbridge was a successful project for Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction.

The team was able to meet the owner’s deadlines and complete the project on time, despite numerous setbacks and a tight timeline.

The use of proactive measures, such as pre-framing the walls off site, allowed the team to work efficiently and meet the owner’s needs. This project is a proud testament to the capabilities of the Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction.

Connect With Southwest And Midwest Design & Construction

Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we rely on our 40 plus years of experience to get the job done right.

Want to learn more about how we can help with your next design and construction project? Contact the team at Southwest and Midwest Design & Construction with our convenient online quote request form. A member of our staff will be in touch to discuss project details and the next steps.

Axis 28 Apartment Building