At Think Architecture, we understand that delivering exceptional projects requires more than just great design—it demands strategic decision-making to ensure that the client’s budget and goals are met without compromising on quality. The Red Sky Apartments, a visionary mixed-use development in Sandy, Utah, serves as a prime example of how value engineering plays a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes.
Primary Goals of Value Engineering for Red Sky Apartments
For the Red Sky project, the primary goal of the value engineering process was to reduce overall construction costs while preserving the integrity of the building design and the unit count. This required a careful balancing act: ensuring that cost-saving measures did not detract from the livability and appeal of the apartments, all while remaining compliant with zoning requirements and building codes.
Balancing Cost Savings with Quality Enhancements
In the value engineering process, our focus extended beyond immediate cost reductions. We aimed to maintain the quality and functionality of the spaces, ensuring that future residents would enjoy a comfortable and appealing living environment. For instance, while we sought cost-saving options for the developer and contractor, we were equally committed to preserving the building’s aesthetic and functional integrity, ensuring a high standard of living for residents.
Strategic Design Adjustments: Cost and Quality Benefits
During the value engineering process, several key design elements and materials were refined to benefit both the developer and future residents.
Interior Amenity Spaces
These were pared down to create more intimate, resident-focused areas. This reduction in scope allowed us to allocate resources toward higher-quality furniture and finishes, enhancing the overall living experience without inflating costs.
Building Footprint and Layout
By slightly reducing the building footprint, we were able to create a more inviting secondary lobby at the south end of the building. This adjustment not only improved the building’s aesthetic appeal but also facilitated the creation of a utility/electrical equipment yard, which was architecturally screened to blend seamlessly with the building’s design.
Addition of a Unit
We added an additional unit to the top floor, capitalizing on the building’s layout to offer another apartment with stunning mountain views. This change provided the developer with an extra revenue-generating unit while enhancing the living experience for future residents.
Long-Term Operational and Maintenance Savings
Value engineering also considered the long-term operational and maintenance costs, ensuring the project’s sustainability and efficiency. For example:
Pool Deck
The size of the pool deck was reduced, which will lower long-term operational and maintenance expenses. This adjustment doesn’t just save costs but also aligns the amenity offerings with the needs of the residents.
Fitness Room
The fitness room was scaled back to better match the anticipated resident population. This decision will reduce the initial purchase cost and ongoing maintenance of exercise equipment without compromising the quality of the fitness amenities available to residents.
The Bottom Line: A Win-Win for Developers and Residents
Through the value engineering process, Think Architecture was able to deliver a project that meets the developer’s budgetary constraints while maintaining the quality and appeal of the Red Sky Apartments. This balance benefits the developer’s return on investment by controlling costs and ensuring a marketable, desirable living environment. Simultaneously, residents will enjoy a well-designed, functional, and comfortable community that supports their lifestyle, with lower long-term living costs due to the strategic operational and maintenance savings.
At Think Architecture, value engineering is more than just a cost-cutting exercise; it’s a thoughtful approach to creating sustainable, high-quality developments that benefit all stakeholders involved. The Red Sky Apartments is a testament to how we blend innovative design with smart, strategic decision-making to deliver outstanding results.
To get a quote from our Utah architects, contact Think Architecture today.