Alachua County’s Northwest Brand Tax Collector’s Office faced its greatest challenge in ensuring the structure can withstand interior wear and tear, and external natural elements, in order to serve the community for at least 50 years. To achieve this, the team ensured that the highest-quality materials were utilized for the exterior of the building. This meant that special attention was paid to the installation of thermal and moisture protection measures. To enhance the climate control, Fox Blocks ICFs were used. The double insulation of Fox Blocks controls the temperature and reduces heating and cooling costs. Additionally, the durability of Fox Blocks will ensure this space is in great condition for years to come, even with the high-volume traffic throughout the office.

The tax collector’s office vision was accomplished, creating an innovative, ecofriendly design to not only serve the public, but also to act as a meeting space for employees and visitors. The office’s welcoming environment boasts ample natural light, while retaining climate control. This goal was achieved through innovative use of retractable “garage door” style dividers in the break room, which allow for the penetration of natural light even while closed. Another complex aspect of this building was aligning the vision of the department directors to the practical project designers’ plans. To address this, the team included the department directors to the design meetings, which allowed for easy incorporation of input into the construction, making for a happy client throughout the entire construction process.

Location: Gainesville, Florida

Industry: Light Commercial

Size: 16,624 sq. ft.

ICF Use: 6,696 sq. ft.

Cost: $3.9 Million

Total Construction: 50 Weeks

ICF Installation Time: 20 Days

Contractor: Oelrich Construction

ICF Installer: Ryan Bitzer, Turning Leaf Construction, LLC

Architect: Joseph B. Walker, Walker Architects

Forms Used: 8” Core and Fox Bucks

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