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CHICAGO — You could attempt to design-build a laundry system or build new utilizing such a concept, but a process lacking guidance can be a unique challenge.
By following some simple guidelines (based on a cubic-foot analysis) that will promote a competitive acquisition environment for systems and construction, the design-build process will be more complete and less complicated.
Design Considerations
Arrange the laundry plant production flow in a U pattern or a straight line. The design should permit an open flow without any major partitions or rooms in between. Areas such as ancillary support systems, linen rooms, offices and spare-parts storage should be located on the exterior of the workflow.
Equip the laundry with environmental systems that provide air movement, heating, air conditioning, lint collection and air cleaning.
Any overhead storage rails should be approximately 16 feet high, and there should be a 10-foot clearance when monorails and associated monorail loads are transferring/moving.
Concentrated loads and vibration of laundry systems, including ancillary support systems, usually require special pits, drains and other structural considerations, either floor-mounted or roof-mounted.
Locker rooms, toilets and shower areas should be directly accessible from the soiled- and clean-linen processing areas.
Design the washing chamber for the cart-washing system so that complete physical separation of soiled/clean loading/unloading can be maintained.
Housekeeping closets that can appropriately store equipment and chemicals should be located on the clean and soiled sides of the laundry, as well as located in other areas such as offices and near bathrooms.
Determine the number of loading docks by evaluating the timing and motion of deliveries, types of vehicles utilized, etc. Dock design should always take into account the proximity to both clean and soiled operations of the laundry, as well as environmental considerations that are both internal and external to laundry operations.
Make sure that vehicle-loading areas have ample lighting and drainage systems to accommodate every vehicle that can be utilized. At a minimum, at least two loading-dock locations would be required for both soiled and clean linen.
Do not forget commercial delivery requirements for textiles and chemicals. Depending on processing workloads, a separate loading dock may be required for chemical areas.
And I refer you again to the laundry design construction components that are essential to completing a project successfully.
Estimating Design-Build Project Costs
Finally, for new laundries with new equipment, your costs can be estimated using $115-$145 per square foot for design and construction and $45-$60 per square foot for equipment purchase and installation (including design).
Be mindful that these costs may vary depending on efforts to purchase best value vs. conventional methods.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Matt Poe at [email protected].