Design, Location, & Materials
The construction project at Lake Travis faced numerous challenges due to its design and location, with each building perched on the cove’s edge and only accessible through limited entry points. This restricted access complicated the delivery of scaffolding and equipment essential for the work. The uneven terrain further complicated the erection of scaffolding for the seven buildings and the careful sequencing required for sandblasting and painting steel, as well as installing new IPE sunshades. Power washing and staining the existing wood siding necessitated the use of boom and scissor lifts at street level and scaffolding on the lakeside. Given the fluctuating costs of IPE, all wood was ordered early, prepped, stained, and stored at the
Chamberlin office in Buda before being transported to the site. The presence of residents required strict scheduling; daily and weekly plans were shared to ensure homeowners were informed about ongoing work, preventing any unwelcome surprises, such as encountering workers while exiting their showers. To protect the Design, Location, & Materials garages during siding sealing, access was restricted, and cars in parking lots had to be relocated to avoid damage. The sequencing of work was critical,
as tasks on one building could impact adjacent units—pressure washing could mist nearby surfaces, and sandblasting could disrupt sealing and painting efforts. Weather conditions, particularly wind, played a significant role in the scheduling, as did the upper-temperature limits for applying paint and sealers. Originally, the plan was to work on two buildings simultaneously, but the complexity of the tasks necessitated staggering the scopes, resulting in work on Building F while simultaneously addressing different aspects of Building D, bypassing Building E entirely. Careful precautions were taken to protect windows from damage, although some glass was inevitably affected and subsequently replaced with specified materials. Overall, the project required careful coordination and adaptability to meet both the structural and logistical challenges presented by its unique location and the needs of the residents.
Unusual Techniques
The construction project required the use of unusual techniques to navigate the
complexities of the site. Sandblasting the I-beams proved particularly challenging due to their proximity to siding, glass storefronts, and metal flashing, needing meticulous care to protect all adjacent surfaces from damage. The scaffolding was erected and dismantled in stages, first allowing for the installation of IPE sunshades at the upper levels before being lowered to facilitate work on the IPE at the lower levels. Each building, with its several condos featuring balconies and divider walls, required the scaffolding to be carefully customized to accommodate these unique architectural elements. This intricate approach underscored the project’s demand for precision
and adaptability in the face of its unconventional construction challenges.
Final Appearance
The final appearance of the renovated buildings was nothing short of stunning, leaving homeowners delighted with the results. The transformation breathed new life into the property, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and revitalizing the entire community. Each detail, from the freshly painted surfaces to the newly installed IPE sunshades, contributed to a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty. The sense of satisfaction among the residents was palpable, as they embraced the refreshed ambiance of their surroundings, a testament to the thoughtful renovation that had rejuvenated their homes.
Timeliness of Completion
The project was completed within the original timeline of 200 days, a remarkable achievement considering the complexities involved. Excluding the punch list items, all work was finished on schedule, demonstrating the team’s commitment to efficiency and proper planning. This timely completion not only met the expectations set at the outset but also ensured minimal disruption for the homeowners, allowing them to enjoy their revitalized living spaces without unnecessary delays. The adherence to the timeline stood as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the renovation process.
Safety First
The project was completed within the original timeline of 200 days, a remarkable achievement considering the complexities involved. Excluding the punch list items, all work was finished on schedule, demonstrating the team’s commitment to efficiency and proper planning. This timely completion not only met the expectations set at the outset but also ensured minimal disruption for the homeowners, allowing them to enjoy their revitalized living spaces without unnecessary delays. The adherence to the timeline stood as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the renovation process.
