Freestanding Chain Puzzle System during frame-up and the finished project.
Automated Parking Solution Creates New Opportunities
This project is a textbook example of how an automated parking system allowed the architect to fundamentally reshape the future of this property.
The final outcome is a hybrid system with 56 surface spaces (including ADA-required spaces) and a 76-space chain puzzle automated parking system. To make the point, take a look at the Google Maps view. You will notice that the 76-space mechanical garage, the building indicated on the left, has a similarly sized footprint as the 24-car island in the parking lot. 3X the vehicles in the same space!
System Details
- Standalone Chain Puzzle System
- Tandem, Four-Level
- Capacity: 76 spaces
- Footprint: 93′ (L) x 41′ (W) x 26′ (H)
Since the property is bordered by the school campus and a hillside, upward expansion is the only available variable. Thus, it is a perfect match for an automated parking solution!
With added parking spaces gained by the automated system, the structure is able to increase housing units and offer an outdoor recreation area to their hard-working teachers.
Automated Parking From the Inside Out
Structural Steel Construction for Chain Puzzle Parking
SilMan Automated Parking systems are focused on supporting the unique vision of architects and developers serving dense urban environments. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest hurdles for our field teams is the scarcity of space to perform the work. After all, automated parking was created precisely for this circumstance.
Tight quarters within small dark spaces impact every aspect of installation, including the staging of materials, sufficient lighting, transport routes for mobile equipment, and team member safety. This is particularly true for our steel construction team. It also means that project photos are similarly limited: shallow sight lines and low light.
In 2021, however, our team participated in a unique project: a freestanding chain puzzle system.
This project provides an opportunity to get a clear view of the inner framework of a chain puzzle system from the ground up! Moreover, the story behind the project is an innovation: affordable housing for the faculty and staff of a public high school district.
Chain Puzzle Installation Scope of Work
A concrete foundation was provided by the General Contractor, so on day one a blank canvas greeted Team SilMan to perform their magic.
The installation was executed by our in-house Mechanical and Electrical trade teams.
- Steel Construction: Installation of steel structures, steel roofing, corrugated deck
- Mechanical – Millwright: Installation of mechanical devices including motors, chains, and sprockets
- Power: Primary electrical power, PLC cabinets (2)
- Electrical: Energize equipment, controls, and commissioning
Steel Structure Photo Gallery
Work in Progress During Installation of a Freestanding Automated Parking System
Unhindered views of the steel construction that support a parking solution. The images also show the early mechanical elements in place.
[Select image for full-screen viewing.]
Photo credit: Mike Watchers, Scott Cully, and Tyde Biggerstaff.
As we prepared these photos, the cleanliness and safety protocols in place on the project site caught our eye. Thanks to field leadership Tyde Biggerstaff (millwrights), Justin Neely (electrical), and the ever-watchful eye of safety manager Mike Watchers, we stood by our safety motto to “send our team home safely, each and every day.”
And if you noticed the gray skies: Locally known as “June Gloom,” the marine layer is an iconic characteristic of Spring in coastal California.
Urban Housing and Education Innovation
Jefferson Unified High School District takes a proactive stance
The parking project is one aspect of a dynamic new impulse by the Jefferson Unified High School District (JUHSD), which funded the project through a bond measure in 2018.
The initiative provides low-cost housing for teachers and staff members. Housing prices in the area are near the highest in the nation. This forces educators to purchase or rent homes long distances from the school. Unsurprisingly, this has led to high turnover. The housing project is expected to become a powerful tool to attract top talent for the district.
JUHSD is located in San Mateo Country and serves Daly City, Brisbane, Pacifica, and the town of Colma. This story was covered by a local ABC affiliate.
