In the dynamic world of construction, RWC Systems stands out as a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and precision. Specializing in complex wall and ceiling installations for large projects, RWC Systems continuously evolves its methodologies to stay at the forefront of the industry. This article delves into the innovative tools and practices that RWC Systems employs to execute its jobs with unparalleled efficiency and accuracy.

How RWC Systems Uses Technology to Revolutionize Walls and Ceilings Installation

The Power of Mobile Job Boxes

A major component of RWC Systems’ technological advancements are the mobile job boxes. These units, each equipped with an internet-connected computer, multiple monitors, and all necessary software, are strategically placed on every floor where RWC operates. The mobility of these job boxes allows them to be relocated as needed, ensuring that crucial information is always within reach.

Traditionally, construction information was stored in a central office trailer, often located far from the actual work site. This meant workers had to spend valuable time traveling back and forth to access necessary data. The introduction of mobile job boxes has revolutionized this process. Now, information is readily accessible, drastically reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Additionally, supervisors and foremen are equipped with iPads, further enhancing information mobility. These devices are used for time entry, sending RFIs, and reviewing specifications and drawings, making the entire process more seamless and efficient.

Pre-Fabrication: Speed and Efficiency

Another significant technological advancement at RWC Systems is the use of pre-fabrication for exterior walls. For large-scale projects, RWC constructs exterior wall segments offsite in bulk, to standard sizes and dimensions. These pre-fabricated panels are then transported to the job site and installed using a mini crane system.

This method has proven to be exceptionally efficient. By constructing panels offsite, RWC can control quality and production speed, leading to faster installation times on site. The mini crane system allows the team to install over 20 panels a day, far outpacing traditional construction methods. This approach not only speeds up the construction process but also minimizes on-site labor and reduces potential disruptions.

Precision with Laser Layout Systems

In projects involving intricate and curved wall designs, traditional layout methods often fall short. To tackle these challenges, RWC Systems employs advanced laser layout machines. These machines transfer CAD drawings directly to the floor, providing precise layout lines for complex designs.

The laser layout system is particularly effective for projects with curves and complex perimeter walls, where traditional tape measures and pencils would be impractical. Once provided with the CAD drawing, the laser layout machine calculates the exact geolocation of each point and generates the layout accurately. This ensures that the construction team can follow the intricate designs with precision, resulting in high-quality installations that meet exacting standards.

Conclusion

RWC Systems’ commitment to technological innovation sets it apart in the construction industry. By incorporating mobile job boxes, pre-fabrication techniques, and laser layout systems, RWC has significantly enhanced its efficiency, accuracy, and overall project execution. These advancements not only streamline operations but also contribute to higher quality outcomes, reinforcing RWC Systems’ reputation as a leader in walls and ceilings construction.

As technology continues to evolve, RWC Systems remains dedicated to adopting new tools and methods that will further improve the efficiency and quality of its work. The integration of these advanced technologies is a testament to RWC’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to excellence in the construction industry.

We are excited to share that RWC Systems has been awarded the canopy framing contract for the highly anticipated Oakridge Phase 1A Project. This achievement marks a significant milestone for our company as we contribute to one of Vancouver’s most transformative developments—the Oakridge Center Redevelopment.

The Oakridge Center Redevelopment: A Landmark Project

The Oakridge Center Redevelopment is set to redefine Vancouver’s urban landscape, transforming the historic Oakridge neighborhood into a vibrant, mixed-use community. The redevelopment project is a massive undertaking.

Once completed, Oakridge Center will be more than just a shopping mall; it will become a thriving urban hub featuring residential towers, retail spaces, office buildings, and public parks.

As part of this redevelopment, the Oakridge-41st Avenue SkyTrain Station on the Canada Line is also undergoing significant upgrades. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility, increase capacity, and seamlessly integrate the station into the surrounding developments. The most notable architectural feature of this station will be the new canopy, designed to create a visually stunning and functional entryway to the station.

RWC Systems’ Role in the Project

RWC Systems has been entrusted with the critical task of framing the canopy, which is set to be one of the architectural highlights of the Oakridge redevelopment. Our involvement in this project is a testament to our expertise in complex construction projects, particularly those requiring innovative solutions and meticulous attention to detail.

The canopy at Oakridge Center is not just a structural element—it is a statement piece. Designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, the canopy will serve as a welcoming gateway to the Oakridge-41st Avenue Station and the new rooftop public park. Its unique design will feature sweeping lines and modern materials, creating a striking contrast against the urban environment while providing shelter and shade for commuters and visitors.

Our work on the canopy framing will commence in October 2024, and we are fully committed to delivering a structure that meets the high standards of design and durability required for this landmark project. The canopy will be a key feature in enhancing the user experience of the station, offering both practicality and beauty in its design.

Learn more about RWC’s involvement with the Oakridge Centre Redevelopment project from our previous update here.

RWC Systems is excited to announce that we have been awarded the contract for the Douglas College Envelope Renewal Phase 3 Project in Coquitlam. This project represents a continuation of our work on the Douglas College campus, where we have been involved in vital infrastructure improvements to ensure the longevity and functionality of the college’s facilities.

The envelope renewal project, managed by Scott Construction, is focused on a comprehensive assessment, remediation, and upgrade of key buildings on the campus. This project will address Building A/B and the Daycare Facility, targeting a range of objectives crucial to the overall health and efficiency of the structures. These objectives include fixing existing envelope issues, remediating damaged stucco and other affected areas, implementing energy-efficient upgrades, planning for future resiliency, and executing aesthetic enhancements that will improve the visual appeal of the buildings.

This phase of the project is scheduled to begin in August 2024, marking another step forward in the ongoing effort to modernize and protect the campus. Our team at RWC Systems is dedicated to ensuring that this work not only meets the technical requirements but also contributes positively to the environment and the community at Douglas College.

Douglas College, particularly its Coquitlam campus, plays a critical role in the educational landscape of the region. As such, maintaining and improving its facilities is of utmost importance. Our involvement in this project underscores our commitment to providing high-quality construction solutions that serve the needs of educational institutions and their communities.

Stay connected with us for more updates on the progress of the Douglas College Envelope Renewal Phase 3 Project, and thank you for your continued support of RWC Systems.

RWC Systems is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the steel stud and drywall scope for six stations on the Broadway Subway Project. This major project, spearheaded by TransLink, aims to extend the Millennium Line from VCC-Clark Station to Broadway and Arbutus, significantly enhancing Vancouver’s rapid transit network.

The six stations we are proud to work on include:

Great Northern Way – Emily Carr
Mount Pleasant
Broadway-City Hall
Oak-VGH
South Granville
Arbutus

Our scope of work is extensive and covers various critical aspects of the stations. This includes the construction of parapets, soffit framing, street-level structures, Emergency Exit Buildings (EEB), concourse levels, and platform levels. We are also responsible for the delegated design of the steel stud framing and supports, ensuring that the structures are both robust and aesthetically pleasing.

In terms of scale, our team will be handling approximately 190,000 square feet of boarding and 120,000 square feet of metal framing. This is a significant undertaking that will require meticulous planning and execution. One of the notable challenges we will face is integrating the existing underground Broadway Canada Line Station with the new Broadway-City Hall Station, a task that demands precision and coordination. Additionally, the timelines and construction schedules for each station have yet to be finalized, presenting further complexities that our experienced team is prepared to manage.

We are proud to contribute to the development of Vancouver’s transit infrastructure and look forward to delivering high-quality results for the Broadway Subway Project. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through this exciting venture.

For more information about the Broadway Subway Project, visit the TransLink project page.

This project builds on our extensive portfolio of work on SkyTrain stations, including:

As one of Vancouver’s premier walls and ceilings contractors, RWC Systems is proud to share an update on our pivotal role in the construction of the New St. Paul’s Hospital. This landmark project, situated on 18 acres just east of Vancouver’s downtown core, represents a significant step forward in healthcare accessibility for the residents of Vancouver. Upon completion, the campus will boast a 2 million square foot acute care hospital alongside a connected Clinical Support and Research Center, forming a world-class medical and research hub unparalleled in Canada.

New St.Paul’s Hospital Video Update

RWC Systems has been entrusted with a crucial phase of the construction, focusing on the interior and exterior infrastructure critical for the hospital’s functionality and comfort. Our responsibilities span the installation of steel studs, drywall, and acoustic ceilings across various parts of the hospital, specifically:

The interior of Podium levels 1 to 3,
Exterior walls on levels 1 to 11, and
The East Tower Interior of Levels 6 to 11.

This comprehensive task covers over 3.1 million square feet of framing, 1.7 million square feet of drywall, 429,000 square feet of acoustic ceilings, and the installation of over 4,200 doors and windows. To meet these ambitious targets, RWC has deployed an extensive team, with approximately 100 personnel on site at any given time and up to 30 people working on each floor.

Innovation and efficiency are at the heart of our operations. RWC has revolutionized the construction process for the exterior walls through an innovative prefabrication method. By assembling large sections of the exterior walls offsite and then quickly installing these panels on site, our team can install over 20 panels a day—significantly outpacing traditional construction methods. This approach not only enhances productivity but also plays a crucial role in keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

Furthermore, RWC is committed to integrating new technologies into our construction processes. We have transitioned to a completely paperless execution, with job boxes set up on every floor. These boxes allow personnel to access drawings and 3D models, facilitating a seamless flow of information. Additionally, the use of mobile tablets enables our team to access crucial information on the go, further boosting our efficiency and productivity.

The construction of the New St. Paul’s Hospital is a monumental undertaking that will continue to unfold in the coming years. RWC Systems is proud to contribute to a project of such importance and scale, and we are excited about its positive impact on healthcare provision in Vancouver and beyond. We believe that our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and quality will ensure this project’s success and set new standards in construction practices for healthcare facilities across Canada.

Stay tuned for more updates on the New St. Paul’s Hospital project and other initiatives from RWC Systems as we continue to build the future of healthcare infrastructure in Vancouver.

By Travis Sloat, Director of Construction at RWC Systems

The significance of selecting the right drywall contractor must be balanced in large commercial projects. My extensive journey through the construction industry, culminating in my role as Director of Construction at RWC Systems, has given me insights into the pillars of exceptional construction: quality control and seamless operations.

The Pillars of Quality in Construction

Quality Control as the Foundation

Quality control is the foundation of exceptional construction work. At RWC Systems, we’ve built our quality control process to ensure it’s not just a phase but the essence of every step of our construction process. This rigorous approach ensures the conditions are correct, the right materials are used, tolerances are maintained and each phase follows the correct sequence. Our foremen, supervisors and a dedicated quality control team are pivotal in this process, equipped with direct access to the latest drawings and specifications through connected devices, ensuring they have the right information at their fingertips.

Embracing Technology for Efficiency

The traditional method of referring to plans and specifications located away from the actual construction site are inefficient and outdated. Recognizing this, we’ve integrated mobile-connected workstations on our job sites, on the floor where the work is being done This innovation allows for real-time access to project information, dramatically reducing the time wasted on information retrieval and significantly minimizing errors. These field office job boxes, equipped with internet-connected computers, are strategically placed close to the work areas, ensuring seamless access to the most current project details.

Specialization and Expertise

Quality in construction is not just about following plans but understanding the intricacies of each task. To this end, we employ trade specialists who possess deep expertise in their respective areas, such as framing, taping/finishing and specialty products. These specialists oversee the quality control in the field, ensuring it meets our stringent standards. In instances of workmanship not meeting RWC standards, our dedicated deficiency teams step in immediately, rectifying issues before they become deficiencies that our customers need to track. This approach saves valuable time for our customers without needing to track lengthy deficiency lists to close out projects.

Continuous Improvement

Our quest for excellence is ongoing. We continuously refine our quality control checklists that cover every conceivable aspect of our work, from material handling and layout to door frames and ceiling installations. This exhaustive attention to detail ensures that we preemptively address potential issues, maintaining a flawless execution standard.

Operational Excellence for Competitive Advantage

Innovative Construction Methods

In a mature industry, RWC Systems prides itself on innovation. As an example, our process of prefabricating exterior wall panels off-site, delivering them just in time, and developing work plans efficiently that utilize various tools and equipment to accommodate a wide variety of conditions has received acclaim for its speed and quality, demonstrating our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Optimizing Manpower

Our field superintendents play a crucial role in ensuring that we have the right people, with the right skills, on the right project, at the right time. This dynamic resource management allows us to adapt to the evolving needs of each project, ensuring that our workforce is skilled and aligned with the specific requirements of the task at hand. Our field superintendents work with our installers to constantly improve and ensure that our apprentices stay on track to develop the standard of the RWC ways. Our foreman and site superintendents are reviewed every quarter to ensure constant improvement and that we give our customers the highest standards. Our business leadership meets with our foreman and superintendents every quarter to get their feedback on what we can do to improve.

Cultivating a Unique Culture

At the heart of RWC Systems is a culture we call the “RWC Ways.” This culture emphasizes professionalism, respect, communication, and problem-solving. It’s visible on every project site and characterized by our team’s drive to excel and collaborate. Our approach to recruitment and retention focuses on aligning with individuals who embody these values, ensuring that our team is not just technically proficient but also a pleasure to work with.

Collaborative Progress

Our proactive approach extends to handling Requests for Information (RFIs). We believe in proposing solutions alongside any queries, accelerating the decision-making process and keeping projects on schedule.

Helping our partners on-site achieve their goals ensures that we meet ours. Meeting the schedule is one of the most important requirements of any project, and this collaborative spirit is not just about avoiding delays; it’s about contributing to a constructive, solutions-focused project environment.

Choosing the right drywall contractor is more than a matter of assessing technical capabilities. It’s about finding a partner committed to quality, innovation, and a positive project culture. At RWC Systems, we embody these principles, setting us apart as a leader in the construction industry. As you navigate the selection process, consider these facets to ensure your project not only meets but exceeds expectations, laying the foundation for success that lasts far beyond the construction phase.