Featured Project Volvo Campus Ridgeville, South Carolina Scroll To Back Scroll Intro By the Numbers Vision Elements Experience Challenges Innovations Results Team Members News More Leading innovation in the Lowcountry Originally a timber farm, the Volvo Ridgeville Campus combines multiple buildings to create an all-in-one experience for technology, innovation, and education. Location Ridgeville, South Carolina Client Berkeley County Government Volvo Project Type Industrial Base Building Key Partners Albert Kahn Associates Camp Hall LS3P Associates LTD McMillan Pazdan Smith Architects Awards & Certifications LEED Gold USGBC Carolinas Leadership Award, Advancing Sustainable Technologies Project, 2022 By the Numbers By the Numbers By the Numbers By the Numbers By the Numbers Confidential CONTRACT VALUE 18 months SCHEDULE 157,000 SQUARE FEET 2021 YEAR COMPLETED 5,300+ SQUARE FEET OF SOLAR PANELS Vision Vision Vision Vision Vision Client Goals Volvo selected Ridgeville for its prime location as it sits between the large industrial areas of South Carolina and the port city of Charleston, the perfect spot for manufacturing and innovation. Design Vision Brand consistency throughout the campus is a priority for Volvo and it was achieved through highlighting form, function, and efficiency in the design. Construction Focus With stakeholders across the globe, HITT focused on ensuring every feature of this large campus was built properly the first time. We utilized multiple construction management platforms to coordinate across trades and make the close-out process more efficient. Elements Elements Elements Elements Elements Chilled Beams To keep consistent with their other buildings worldwide, Volvo wanted this campus to be both quiet and efficient—something not typically found in manufacturing. They decided to use chilled beams to cool their building—a system typically used in European facilities—as an alternative to typical HVAC systems. The system includes a heat exchanger with hot- and cold-water sources that allow the building to be heated and cooled. Environmental Aspects There are wood features and green walls throughout the campus in alignment with the simple, yet clean brand. HITT worked with Garden on the Wall, a vertical garden installer, to install multiple green walls and aid in brand consistency. Video Wall HITT installed a large video wall in the Training Center building which is used to train Volvo dealerships on how to sell their brand. This element was featured on multiple news outlets when highlighting the innovation of the training center. The HITT Experience The HITT Experience The HITT Experience The HITT Experience The HITT Experience HITT worked tirelessly to ensure the projects achieved Volvo's European quality standards despite pricing challenges. The team offered value engineering solutions that saved more than $1 million for Project Jakob and more than $3M for Project Bil. By acting as a trusted advisor, HITT ensured the successful delivery of the projects within budget. THE HITT EXPERIENCE Solutions Solutions Solutions Solutions Solutions Unique Challenges, Smart Solutions Ambitious projects require carefully constructed solutions. Challenge #1 Due to the pandemic and global travel restrictions, Volvo’s service workers were not able to be onsite, which impacted project closeout. Solution Volvo entrusted HITT to onboard new service workers to ensure successful project close-out in their absence. Challenge #2 Volvo specified Swegon air handlers for the project, but after placing the order, it was discovered that the energy recovery wheel was not Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) listed. Solution HITT worked with Underwriters’ Laboratories, submitting multiple documents to obtain approval for the air handler. The entire process took more than six months. Challenge #3 Volvo uses cutting-edge fire safety systems in their facilities. The fire-rated, insulated metal panels and roofing requested by the client were five times more expensive than the original proposed items causing budget concerns. Solution HITT identified an alternate system with similar performance ratings at a significantly lower cost. This gave Volvo confidence in employee safety while also saving the project money. Sustainability The facility is a premier example of sustainability featuring solar panels, EV chargers, and an intricate “pond-fed” irrigation system. Robotics The facility features a technologically-focused foundation for robotic simulations to create a simulated working experience for Volvo employees. The Results A flagship US headquarters for Volvo with multiple stakeholders required intricate planning, constant collaboration, and a shared vision every step of the way. The campus is used to train all US-based Volvo employees on the procedures and processes of working at Volvo. Wooden elements were featured throughout the space to align with Volvo’s brand and aesthetic history. A simulated work environment (SWE) allows employee trainings to be even more interactive and connected. With options for growth and expansion, this large campus currently features three distinct buildings centered around a stunning water feature. Executives Executives Executives Executives Executives Key Team Members Ryan Bixler Executive Vice President Atlanta Josh VanScoy Vice President & Office Leader Charleston News & Insights News & Insights News & Insights News & Insights News & Insights News & Insights View All Insights R&D Microlearning: Robotics Learn from Research and Development (R&D) Senior Associate and Robotics Lead Dr. Viktor Orekhov, PhD, as he takes us through ... Insights Welcome to HITT’s R&D Microlearnings Microlearnings are now in session! Hear from our Vice President of Research and Development (R&D) Megan Lantz as we dive ... Related Related Related Related Related You may be interested in... Four Seasons Houston Toro Toro Red Bull Let's chat. Work With HITT Learn More