As soon as possible. The earlier a project is designed for our system, the more advantages there are in time and cost savings. Ideally, Prescient would be involved during conceptual design to ensure maximum benefits of our integrated platform, but we work with projects that are already as far as design development and enable significant time and cost savings.

Using the Prescient platform is pretty simple. First, design as much of the main structural walls to the grid as possible using our Revit plug-in. A general rule of thumb is to have all exterior, demising and corridor walls as well as stair and elevator shafts on the grid. Other Prescient walls are often needed within a living unit in order to accommodate the maximum span criteria (20 feet in private spaces, 12 feet in public spaces) of the structure. Second, design units and structural elements to stack vertically. Last, leverage the information contained in the structural model — available as early as the schematic design phase — to fully integrate MEP systems into the structure. Design for value and constructability as you go and eliminate the need for costly redesign.

Prescient’s structural system is designed for seamless integration of all MEP systems. The BIM model produced by our software is a replica of what gets built so proper planning leads to highly predictable installation of MEP systems. Specific information on dimensional guidelines related to our trusses and panels is located on our Technical Information page.

All plumbing wet walls should be built into infill, non-structural walls. Vertical plumbing lines (such as main waste lines, fire sprinkler risers, etc.) cannot penetrate the top track of Prescient’s wall panels. Additionally, having all plumbing located in non-structural walls makes for more efficient construction sequencing.

Prescient’s structural system is designed to handle nearly any typical exterior enclosure system.

Prescient’s system can be installed on concrete slab-on-grade foundations, elevated concrete podiums or structural steel composite deck structures.

No. The system is flexible and can accommodate nearly any rough opening.

Yes, but not extensively. Prescient’s structure depends on lateral bracing in the exterior walls of the building. We will work with you to evaluate the best way to balance the architectural intent of the design with the structural realities of the system.

Prescient’s maximum is 13’-6”, but this may need to be reduced for lower levels of the building depending on the number of floors. Generally our floor/ceiling assembly is 20 inches thick. Therefore, if 9’-0” ceiling heights are desired, the building should be designed for 10’-8” floor-to-floor.

Stair and elevator shafts are constructed from Prescient panels and posts and are integral to the rest of the structure. These shafts are designed to allow for higher fire ratings dependent upon the construction type of the project. There is no need for concrete or masonry cores.

Prescient has developed a standard connection detail for supporting balconies. These supports need to be attached to posts within the system and, therefore, need to be on the 2-foot grid. However, the balcony itself does not necessarily have to be on the grid. You can find a detail of this connection in our resource section.

Many. However, Prescient strives to keep the number of different grids (to create building elements at different angles to each other) to as few as possible in order to keep the structure as standardized as possible. The more building that is on the grid, the more cost effective the project will be.

Yes. The most efficient use of Prescient’s system is to design the entire building to the grid. However, if special architectural features are desired, we can accommodate this with on-site framing that is connected to the grid-based structure.

Sometimes. As is the case with other structural systems, when a building gets very long or has an unusual shape, it will require one or more expansion joints. Prescient’s engineering team will advise the project team early on about the need for expansion joints and will provide specific details on how to incorporate them into your project.

Prescient will work with the MEP engineers and subcontractors as necessary to coordinate the location, size and weight of all rooftop equipment. We have standard details and methods for incorporating the supporting structure for mechanical equipment. Getting these kinds of issues resolved early in the design phase of the project is always helpful.

Yes. Prescient engineers our system from the transfer slab (foundation, podium, etc.) up. The project engineer of record is responsible for engineering the attachment of our structure to the transfer slab as well as other structural components to the project that are not connected to our system.

Yes. Prescient system trusses have been designed to work with wide-flange steel beams. When this is the case, our team will help with the layout of the structural beams and columns required in order to support the bearing wall-lines of the structure above.

Yes. Prescient has details on how to handle these situations. Generally, we try to align the structure on the floors below to accommodate these steps in the building in order to minimize the need for transfer beams.

Prescient’s floor and roof trusses are flat. Tapered insulation systems are used to create roof slope.

Yes, Prescient’s projects often have pitched roofs. Most of these types of roof trusses are not manufactured by Prescient, but we will coordinate the supply and installation for you project.

Yes, a thin fabric or a sound mat are required as a pour stop for the layer of Gyp-crete poured on top.

Yes, but it is an extra cost and is not part of Prescient’s scope. A 1-inch-thick layer of Gyp-Crete can be poured on top of our metal deck

Prescient’s buildings are generally classified as type IIA, IIB or IB construction depending on occupancy type, floor area and number of floors. We work with the design team on each project to help determine the best construction type to use.