KEPHART is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to our clients, so when Mortenson, the developer of Revival on Platte, approached us with their groundbreaking modular construction concept for this community, we were eager to embrace the challenge. Located in Denver, Colorado’s Stadium District, this 200-unit multifamily community is a testament to the transformative potential of modular design. Utilizing prefabricated panels from BLUvera, Mortenson’s sister company, Revival on Platte, exemplifies how modular construction can be innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable. KEPHART is proud to have been involved in this highly coordinated effort to deliver a first-of-its-kind community in the Denver metro area.
BLUvera’s Innovative Modular Approach
BLUvera’s innovative modular approach offered a solution to Denver’s tight labor market. With structural panels, floors, interior walls, and fully finished exterior walls fabricated off-site, BLUvera streamlined the construction process, saving both time and money. The prefabricated panels—complete with windows, doors, mechanical, and plumbing—have reduced on-site construction waste and decreased the number of subcontracting crew members needed from 12 to 15 to just five.
Leveraging Technologies
When KEPHART started working on this project and assumed the role of Architect of Record, another architecture firm, BASE4, had already completed the design of the studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. KEPHART was responsible for designing and coordinating the remainder of the building, including the exterior architecture and detailing, the concrete podium, and the vertical circulation. Designing using BLUVera’s premanufactured panels, complete with mechanical and electrical infrastructure, presented unique challenges and opportunities to employ KEPHART’s coordination and QC process.
KEPHART worked closely with BASE4, collaborating on their model by leveraging the Autodesk Construction Cloud platform and Autodesk BIM Collaborate (ABC) Pro. We had already begun transitioning to cloud-based model design when this project started, but this was our first fully cloud-based project, allowing for more real-time coordination with other consultants and MEP professionals.
Unique Challenges
One of the primary challenges was the sheer size of the BLUvera panels. Measuring up to an impressive 40 feet wide by 10 feet tall, these oversized components required careful planning to minimize visual impact and ensure seamless integration into the building. KEPHART strategically positioned panel joints to align with cladding changes and concealed them on non-street-facing elevations. To achieve our design intent, we incorporated innovative materials like Dryvit’s NewBrick, a lightweight, energy-efficient engineered brick that replicates the appearance of traditional masonry without the complexity, weight, and cost.
The building’s proximity to high-voltage power lines presented additional challenges. However, the modular nature of the BLUvera system, in conjunction with Dryvit’s panelized finish system, allowed us to devise a solution that allowed the Mortenson construction team to utilize cranes on the west side of the site away from the power lines, enabling safe installation without encroaching on restricted zones.
A topping-out ceremony was held for Revival on Platte in August to celebrate the last structural beam going into place. The community is expected to be finished by Q1 of 2025.
Pioneers in Modular
As the team here at KEPHART reflects on this pioneering endeavor, we are proud to have played a role in this first-of-its-kind multifamily community. The coordination with BLUvera and Mortenson demonstrated KEPHART’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, continuously evolving our design and construction processes to better serve our clients and the communities where we build. Revival on Platte stands as a testament to our ability to navigate the frontier of modular construction, paving the way for more efficient, sustainable, and innovative built environments.
