Case Study: Multi-Tenant Industrial Mall

The new Granval Warehouse in Woodstock, Ontario, spans nearly twice the size of a football field and stands out as one of the largest and most innovative multi-tenant warehousing projects in the region.

Located just minutes from a rapidly growing stretch of Highway 401. This 100,000-square-foot facility is strategically designed to house 10 individual spaces for 10 tenants. Each space supports diverse functions, including warehousing, distribution, and operations.

Why Choose Tilt-Up Construction?

Early in the planning process, the team selected tilt-up construction as the method for building the load-bearing walls. The owners valued its flexibility, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Structural load-bearing tilt-up panels eliminate most exterior columns and piers, leading to significant cost savings. Their design flexibility allows for customized building aesthetics that align with the owner’s vision.

A column-free interior creates an unobstructed exterior wall, maximizing usable space and enhancing visual appeal. Casting the tilt-up panels on-site minimizes construction joints, reducing maintenance needs.

Using concrete as the primary building material ensures long-term durability, lowers maintenance costs, and adds lasting value to the investment.

“Unique to this project was that the construction site was located across the road from Tilt Wall’s head office,” says Len Overbeek. Tilt Wall’s co-founder and business development manager. “We were able to use local crews to really make a permanent impression on our hometown, Woodstock.”

Ready, Set, Tilt!

The Granval Warehouse project showcases the unique processes that make tilt-up construction a preferred building method.

After receiving approval, construction began with the first-floor pour on October 15, 2019.

Less than a week later, the Tilt Wall team created concrete forms directly on the floor for the wall panels, incorporating openings for mechanical systems, windows, and doors. Workers positioned metal and galvanized frames, weld plates, and rebar in place. These support structural connections, joists, and beams.

Once the framework was ready, crews poured and cured the concrete. They then added a layer of extruded polystyrene insulation (R-20) before applying a second concrete layer, forming a durable “sandwich” panel with insulation inside and concrete on both outer surfaces.

By early December 2019, crews lifted the first wall sections—each standing at the full height of the warehouse—into place. The project incorporated over 54,000 square feet of tilt-up panels.

Temporary braces kept the panels steady until crews installed the structural steel and decking. Workers sealed select panel joints, while exterior panels received a protective stain for lasting durability. Inside, they applied a smooth darby texture to the panels.

Problem? Tilt-Up Opportunity

The building’s front façade had large door openings that posed challenges during panelization and lifting. To tackle this, the Tilt Wall team used temporary “legs” poured into the forms, improving maneuverability. Once the panels had been lifted, the legs were removed.

Efficiency Mode Is Always On

The Multi-Tenant Industrial Mall owner was extremely pleased to see the project completed in spring 2020. They now anticipate long-term energy efficiency and operational savings from this high-performance design.

To find out more about this multi-tenant industrial project, read our complete project profile here.

Want to learn more about Tilt Wall’s construction services? Contact us today!