Orndorf & Associates, Inc.

Old City is bursting at the seams with single-family developments. Cantilevered homes with wide windows and few interior walls are becoming the norm, making it difficult to incorporate lateral systems without disrupting the interior layout. O&A had to get creative with the Adagio II project by JKRP Architects, where the design called for the intersection of a moment connection, cantilevered beam, horizontal x-bracing and column splice all in one. With construction trends allowing for fewer lateral elements, O&A finds ways to design for stability while staying within the architectural confines.

A lot of behind-the-scenes work has gone into Drexel's CAT building in recent months. Renovations and infrastructure improvements will bring new wet research laboratories to the department of chemistry and IExE. O&A partnered with Nalls Architecture to install high-grade stainless steel supports for air ducts (pictured here from a recent site visit) and mechanical units throughout the building that will make these changes possible. University City is booming, and upgrades to existing buildings and infrastructure play an integral role in continuing the area’s forward progress.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center at the Plymouth Meeting Mall officially broke ground yesterday to the delight of kids throughout the greater Philadelphia region. O&A worked with Darlow Christ Architects to provide structural engineering services for the new learning and entertainment complex, which will be the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.

In honor of AISC’s Steel Day, here is a variety of steel elements working in unison to frame out the new M&M Physical Therapy building in Columbus, NJ. Partnering with McGillin Architecture, O&A utilized long span joists running the width of the building to eliminate the need for interior column bays and allow for a more flexible architectural layout in the underlying space. Cold formed steel trusses cap the front end of the building, which is due for completion along with the remainder of the Homestead Plaza retail center in the coming months.

Extensive shoring work is being used throughout this addition to a single-family home in Narberth, PA. O&A worked with Sarnacki Architects to breathe new life to this beautiful home that dates back to the early 1900s. Wood girders in place of existing exterior bearing walls will help create an open transition between the old and new interior. Incorporating a modern design into old framework is challenging, and unexpected existing conditions often emerge. Thorough structural detailing and coordination has allowed O&A to properly address on-site issues and keep the project moving forward.

The addition and renovation to the Camden Academy Charter High School by Garrison Architects is shaping up nicely. Upon completion, the building’s footprint will nearly double in size, offering new classrooms, offices, and a cafeteria as part of a state-of-the-art learning environment for the city’s students. Structural design by O&A yielded a system of steel moment frames, masonry load-bearing and shear walls, and detailed foundation work to tie together the new and existing buildings. We are proud to be involved with Camden’s continued effort to upgrade its growing Charter School Network. #orndorf #structuralengineering #renovation #camden #construction