When the Dole Food Company began planning for a state-of-the-art distribution center and headquarters in Miami, they quickly found that THERMOMASS was the only insulation system that could meet their requirements for safety, energy efficiency and fast construction.

Dole's Fresh-Cut Flowers headquarters is an award-winning 328,000 square foot facility that combines 250,000 square feet of “near-zero” refrigerated space with 78,000 square feet of corporate offices, spread out over nearly 18 acres.

“This is a one of a kind facility,” said Tony Burke, owner of the Tower Group, general contractor for the project. “To my knowledge there’s nothing else like it in the world.”

Dole required a fast-track schedule for the Miami facility, so The Dennis Group presented tilt-up. By choosing tilt-up and insulated concrete sandwich panels, they were able to meet that demanding schedule.

“Usually it takes almost two years to finish a building of this size.” said Aaron Baker, project manager. “By utilizing the tilt-up construction method, we were able to finish it in half that time.”

Panels for the refrigerated space were insulated using the THERMOMASS Building Insulation System insuring a successful project for the contractors and the owner.

“By already having the insulation placed in the panel, we saved time immediately,” said Baker. “In a non-insulated panel job, a sub-contractor has to come in and add insulation after the panels are in place. This just adds more time and money to the project.”

“With THERMOMASS insulated panels, the construction time is decreased because you’ve eliminated an additional step. The insulation is already in place.”

Rob Rosche of the Dennis Group agrees, “What the owner is getting is an insulated wall that is quick, cost-effective and goes up all in one piece.”

Cost-effectiveness and speed are not the only benefits of a concrete insulated sandwich wall. Durability and energy efficiency come into play as well. The THERMOMASS insulated panels provided the Dole Fresh-Cut Flowers facility with both durable walls and energy efficiency.

“We tested the facility’s refrigeration system and the low-temperature area did not lose one degree in temperature over a 24 hour period,” Burke said. “I believe that this is a direct result of the THERMOMASS Building System.”

“This was my first time using the product and I’ve been very pleased with it. I’m sure that we’ll use it again.”

This project was awarded a 2003 "Tilt-Up Achievement Awards" by the Tilt-Up Concrete Association.