Airstream, home of the iconic silver bullet, added new space to its Jackson Center, Ohio plant to improve experiences for its team members and customers. The expansion allows the company to continue to grow by increasing production of its travel trailers and number of team members, and consolidate multiple production facilities into one location.

The manufacturing space layout is specific to Airstream’s production process; offices, break rooms and restrooms are located throughout with the intention of minimizing walking times in order for team members to maximize their breaks,.

The administrative part of the addition includes a two-story office building with training center, and a one-story heritage center. The heritage center is open to the public and houses Airstream exhibits and artifacts.

The addition is mostly steel framed. Some internal break rooms were built with CMU walls and precast plank roofs to be used as severe weather refuge areas. Structural challenges included designing for future flexibility and material handling, and roof supported cranes. The team also designed for a 120 ft long joist girder and a two story entrance with clerestory glazing.