Vert Evolution Apartments
Woodland Hills, CA
Category: 2022 Mixed–Use Developments, Unique Installation Challenge
Designer: Urban Architecture Lab with Ariel Fox Design
Starnet Member:
Universal Metro
Starnet Preferred Vendors:
ARDEX, Armstrong Flooring, C/F Data Systems, LLC, Futura Industries, Johnsonite By Tarkett, Mannington Commercial Carpet, Mannington Commercial Resilient, RFMS, Spec-Intel, Starnet Multi-Family by Engineered Floors, Xpress Global Systems
Project Strategy
Universal Metro, Inc. was asked by Urban Architecture and McCormick Construction to design-build a major, mixed-use development project to meet a GMP budget. The project combined the local flair of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering easy freeway access and luxurious living in the heart of the city. Universal Metro helped Ariel Fox Design to design luxurious spaces with a standard multi-family budget, but high-end-looking finishes. The goal was to maximize the natural light to create beautiful functional spaces. The design was accentuated with premiere fitness studios, dog play, and wash areas, rooftop terraces, and community spaces.
From the inception of the project to the design-build and interior finishes installation, Universal Metro worked tirelessly to provide cost-effective, timeless, and forward-trending finishes. The task was to create an incredible palette of flooring finishes that allowed the project to remain within budget yet be visually spectacular. The team went through over five budget renditions of finishes before finally deciding on a combination of Starnet products, including Engineered Floors and Mannington, as the lead finish manufacturers.
Unique Installation Challenge Strategy
This mixed-use development project was installed at the height of the pandemic. Universal Metro was challenged with the installation of over 432 units while following all of the Federal, California, and Los Angeles County mandates. Of all the trades our ceramic crews were the most challenged as each mechanic had to install showers on their own with no helper in the room due to the 6' social distancing requirements. Our efficiencies were cut by over 20%, and thus we were challenged on how to meet the schedule, while at the same time maintaining the cost efficiencies of the job, staying on a schedule, and installing 432 units profitably and with quality due to the unique vertical subway tile installation.
