Maximizing space and keeping the financial investment to a minimum while preserving design is no small feat. Today, it seems as though everyone wants more for less and it better look good. It’s a struggle to say the least and can be reminiscent of the saying: “you get what you pay for.” However, this statement can have a positive connotation when delivering a thoughtfully planned storage project.
Here are a few points to get you started with storage planning:
Make it portable with mobile storage solutions. We know that business, work or whatever you have going is chaotic. Plain and simple, it’s busy. Your stuff needs to be able to adapt with you. Keeping this in mind, plan storage accordingly. Assess what needs to be accessed and separate those items that are accessed often and others that are less frequently used. For example, nearly all my larger serving bowls are stored above my cupboards. It annoys me each time I need one and find myself beckoning for someone who isn’t as height-challenged as I to retrieve it. However, since I use them so infrequently, it’s a better use of space than to keep them stored in an easily accessible space where they would end up being “in the way.”
The same is true with commercial storage projects, whether it be a library, retail store or industrial applications. Mobile storage solutions are a great fit for commercial projects, especially where space is limited and frequent access to a large inventory of items are priorities. A mobile storage solution will provide extra space to open up the area or to add new inventory. High Bay mobile storage will allow for storage of infrequently used items, also freeing up space for the new design. 
Go green and not just the color. Find ways to reclaim resources and integrate environmentally friendly materials and design wherever possible. Keep in mind that everyone may be talking “green,” but not everyone is “walking the talk.” You will need to do a little research into whether or not the items you will include are really (or as my 9 year old would say, “for real life”) environmentally friendly. Find out what percentage of recycled materials are used in a product. If it’s less than 20%, keep looking. Also, determine if coated materials meet volatile emission standards to be considered “green.” It is also helpful to know if the vendor supplying your materials is certified “green.” Most vendors will be more than happy to share this information with you. If they aren’t, then it’s probably a good idea to look elsewhere.
Inporporate simple design into your project. A fancy knob
or pull is interesting, but a sleek, hidden drawer pull is a useful, yet understated option. Instead of ornate detail, try to minimize it. It’ll add to the longevity of the design scheme. Here’s a picture of my childhood home from the 1970’s. At the time, big brown and green flowers were the pattern of the day. I’m sure it was lovely when my parents hung that wallpaper. Heck, they probably even had friends over who gushed at how breathtakingly fabulous it was. Flash forward 40 years and…not so much so. I’m not saying be completely cautious or bland. Rather, choose your accents carefully or be the target of a blog years later. (and yes, this is my dad and the infamous brown flowered wallpaper. circa 1979)
Instead of expensive, custom-built pieces, why not consider a storage solution using modular pieces with standard components? It can still look cool or funky, but without the “less than cool” price tag. Investigate the options when considering shelving to window treatments. Most manufacturers will provide a plethora of standard sizes to meet the needs of most projects.
Use the right planning tools! Whether you’re looking at a storage project through the eyes of a designer or architect, Spacesaver has numerous planning tools to make the job easier.
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Configura, an architectural software allows you to create 3D models of storage layouts, quickly and accurately
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A wide variety of materials including many “green” options are available on most products. See Spacesaver's commitment to the environment here.
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Design and planning assistance, including ADA and building code guidance included in product specifications and/or through direct customer service
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Cost effective storage solutions for all budget sizes. Get a customized look at a standard product price.
Maximize space. Minimize financial investment. Mobilize your design options.
When you begin to plan for storage there are some key things to keep in mind to help you along the way. We thought that, with our sheer volume of storage installations and years of expertise, we should share some insights when it comes to planning for storage. So here it is...
GROWTH
1. Growth - Planning now for growth will accommodate your future storage needs.
ACCESS
2. Access to storage – How will you access your storage and how often will you access it? This will dictate whether you need a mechanical assist or powered solution.
Ask yourself the following questions to determine your requirements for people accessing your storage area:
Security needed?
Number of people using the storage?
ADA requirements needed?
Will the storage be centralized? (Who will be using it and is it easily accessible?)
Space availability – This will also determine the type of storage solution. (i.e., – mobile or static shelving type storage)
WORKPLACE TRENDS
3. Consider workplace trends while planning for storage. Collaborative work environments aren’t going away. Storage is meant to hide stuff and to keep a space clean. It can also act as a wall for collaborative spaces while adding beautiful aesthetics to a room (wood, acrylic, bamboo or fabric end panels are available.)
WHAT ARE YOU STORING
4. Items or media stored – This will also dictate how your items will be stored and what type of storage will be required (i.e., environmental requirements for museums.)
BUDGET
5. Budget ($) available – Provide a cost effective solutions now with the ability to upgrade or expand later
Questions?
Give us a call today at 800.255.8170!
Spacesaver Corporation. Dedicated to solving your storage issues.
It’s only been a few days since NEOCON 2012 concluded and I’m still in awe. Thousands attended. There were so many things to see, to do and to experience during the 44th year of this event that it is difficult to summarize.
If you haven’t attended before, NEOCON is more than just exhibits. It’s inspiration in many forms. Lots of great ideas, hands-on demonstrations and certainly giveaways made this year’s event a huge success for designers, vendors and the general public.
Some of this year’s noteworthy exhibits included:
Spacesaver and LogiTag’s Stockbox exhibit and live demonstrations were a good combination to highlight how the patent-pending, RFID-based device has streamlined inventory management for healthcare. Watch Spacesaver’s own Milissa Rick and Kim Fuhrman demonstrate the latest storage solution at NEOCON this year.
Our parent company, KI’s exhibit of Lightline, a mobile, lighted glass wall, was one of the more unique applications. Lightline maximizes natural light with no visual breaks because it’s engineered seamless, i.e. not needing vertical posts.
New furniture design captured the interest of event attendees as well. A favorite of yours truly was the Interactive Diamond Bench by NunoEric LLC. It’s definitely furniture for the playful at heart or art, however you look at it.
Another interesting feature of NEOCON appears to be the vendor bag giveaways. Apparently, this is something that is expected each year. The designers provide bags that feature the newest textiles or design with little or no corporate identification. It’s a nice way to hold all the other trinkets handed out at the event, but also allows for a little artsy flair while wandering around the exhibit hall.
I also heard there was an exhibit featuring a man clad solely in green spandex. I missed that one, but am not sure that I really missed out on anything.
My father used to say, “If you’re leaving hungry, you only have yourself to blame” after family gatherings. It rings true for NEOCON as well. If you attended this year and somehow weren’t inspired then you only have yourself to blame.
NEOCON. Inspiring through furniture, textiles, flooring, storage and architecture.
If you were not able to attend this year, be sure to put it on your calendar for 2013.
I usually find inspiration just about everywhere! Anyone who knows me personally, and is familiar with my work, would have a hard time arguing that I am not a creative individual. From my graphic and web design skills, to photography to fashion, or to just looking for different inspiration in my surroundings.
For this blog I wanted to share my passion for design, but this time around, I've seriously hit a roadblock. I tried to go around it, "ERR", no go! I've tried to go over and under, "ERR"! FINALLY, I was able to just move it by looking at the source and finding the inspiration right HERE!
Julie Weber! Yup, Julie Weber is my source of inspiration! Julie is our resident "Green Queen", a gal who is creative by nature, passionate about the environment and a provider of some of the most informative blog posts we've got to offer. How could I possibly compete?!? I have put together this roundup of some of her best to showcase the information that she has been able to provide the community. With the addition of some design related blog posts that I find inspiring!
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BIM Software and the Integrative Design Approach
...Why is early collaboration important when building a “green” building? Planning upfront creates a better flow of communication, more room for innovation, and often times more opportunity for cost savings.... |
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Green your Spacesaver Mobile System with LED!
...As a rule of thumb (green thumb, that is) you can take big or small steps as you begin your sustainable journey... |
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Reflections on the Biosphere
...all these concepts, goals...whatever, must work together to create a single living environment... |
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Who says library shelving and lighting can’t be designer?!?
...due to the nature of the building design the use of light is a critical design element. To ensure the book stacks dovetail with the principal design concept at Seattle Central Library, the static shelving systems throughout the library are decked out with translucent acrylic materials... |
In addition to those posts, take a look at this video. An introduction to how Spacesaver has adopted Revit Software and BIM environment with mobile shelving and other storage models.
These models are available to download through spacesaver.com in the Design Resources and on AutoDesk Seek. Please don't forget to register for updates if you are interested in ensuring that you have the latest and greatest models.
I hope you find "Bringing Design Back!" as inspiring as I do!
Katie Lowell - Storage Enthusiast
Dear CNO,
What if…..your already scarce nursing staff could spend two-and-a-half more hours every 12 hour shift, focusing on patients; instead of running around the fifth floor like a chicken with their head cut off looking for a gauze pad?
What if…..your floor, wing, or entire healthcare system could go a straight 270 days without a hospital acquired infection?
What if…..your storage process could reduce traffic in patient rooms by as much as 75 percent?
Guess what….. IT’S HAPPENING!
Just ask the hospital operated by ThedaCare in Appleton, Wis. They achieved the goals mentioned above by re-evaluating their current storage system and incorporated a new type of storage that puts 85 percent of the most frequently used supplies steps from the patient bedside.
The numbers don’t lie, and it certainly helps to look good when you have to report to the CFO every month. How much would you give to report statistics like ThedaCare did? While ThedaCare was creating their impressive stat sheet, they also achieved patient scores above 90 percent for overall satisfaction. The juice is proving it’s worth the squeeze as ThedaCare experiences huge returns on their investment. By combining a new approach to patient care and redesigning the patient floor with a few unique innovations, ThedaCare has:
- Lowered the cost of care by 21 percent
- Reduced the length of patient stays by 17 percent
- Produced 100 percent compliance in nearly all quality measures
With all the wasted efforts nurses are facing, Spacesaver saw an opportunity to try and help better the system and made it a priority to study how your staff can spend more time delivering direct patient care. The results of this study produced CoreSTOR™ patient server. Here are some of the specific problems that were solved by developing a new way of storing supplies:
1. Keep clean linens from being confused with soiled linens
2. Eliminate time spent “hunting and gathering” by nurses
3. Eliminate in room traffic and interruptions in patient rooms
4. Reduce hospital acquired infections
Within all of these problems lies one key solution: Decentralization. Think about it; all of your nurses probably have one centralized supply room that they use on the floor, which necessitates hunting and gathering. By eliminating centralization and incorporating supplies directly inside and outside each patient room, you are essentially solving all four of the aforementioned problems.
ThedaCare tested the CoreSTOR patient server in one wing of their hospital system and experienced tremendous returns both financially and in the delivery of patient care. They are now requesting additional installs into other parts of their hospital.
CoreSTOR has been designed to build a decentralized nurse station inside and outside of each patient room, reducing in-room traffic, optimizing floor plans and room design to best serve the patient. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Jamie Dunham, a lead nurse on the pilot project, Transforming Care, at ThedaCare hospital in Appleton, states her point of view,"If they (nurses) have what they need, they don't have to leave the patient constantly and apologize." Dunham also said, "They are still tired at the end of a shift, because nursing is demanding work, but they have [more] satisfaction with the work that they do. In nurse surveys, the satisfaction rate has jumped 68 percent.”
Read more about what hospitals in Minnesota are doing to spend more time with patients...
As more healthcare systems implement this storage idea into their facilities, a streamlined process is created for a more comfortable work environment – and most importantly – improved patient outcomes.
Kacia Gillette - Storage Enthusiast
CoreSTOR Patient Server Hooks Attention From FOX News
Watch the full video below to learn what all of the buzz is about.
If you are unable to see this video click here.
Video Credit : Fox News - Collaborative Care, Primary Care 12:35
Read the full ThedaCare case study or download this Transforming Patient Care with Storage Kit here...
Learn more about how point-of-need healthcare storage can greatly increase efficiencies, minimize unnecessary in-room patient interruptions, and reduce hospital-acquired infections.
When you think of a library, does this stereotypical image come to mind? Rows and rows of shelving filled with books, dimmed lighting due to the structural masses of the book stacks? I know you’ve seen it and more than likely you have experienced it.
Did you know that rows and rows of bookstacks and lighting can actually work together to be the total solution with design at the top of mind? Great examples of this exact solution can be found at Seattle Central Library, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Fleet Library, University of California – Berkeley, East Asian Library, just to name a few.
What’s so great about this solution is you are able to utilize designer lighting, such as Bartco Lighting, and be able to incorporate it right into the cantilever shelving. It doesn’t have to look like an afterthought, nor does any of the wiring need to be showing from the power source to the lights. Being able to incorporate the wiring into the brackets with raceway frames provides the clean and sophisticated look.
To further enhance the importance of the lighting to pass-through the rows of book stacks, custom end panels can be designed to finish off the shelving. Two great examples of this can be found at the Seattle Central Library and RISD Fleet Library.
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At the Seattle Central Library, due to the nature of the building design the use of light is a critical design element. To ensure the book stacks dovetail with the principal design concept at Seattle Central Library, the static shelving systems throughout the library are decked out with translucent acrylic materials to make the most of natural light that shines through the building’s glass envelope. Another option to allow light to pass through is to have perforated steel end panels to finish the shelving, which can be found at the RISD Fleet Library. With the proper coordination between two product suppliers and making sure to accomplish the goals of the application, a successful installation of the bookstacks and lighting can be fully integrated.
Perforated end panels can be seen on the right side of the image.
RSID images provided by Pitwill & bowtoo on Flickr
Katie Lowell - Storage Enthusiast
Download this kit that includes just a some of our custom options that we can provide you to making your shelving designer. Additionally learn more about cantilever shelving and the different organizational options to store more than just books. Click here to download this kit.
No one in their right mind thinks library bookshelves are cool. I mean never. Right? Well, if you see the Seattle central library you’re apt to change your mind, and in the most severe cases, feel the urge to schedule an appointment with a shrink.
But before you fall into the insane concept that a bookshelf is cool, let’s put things in perspective. This particular library is one of the coolest buildings on the freaking planet. Here’s the link if you’ve never seen it.
And whether you bother to click on the longest link known to man or not, let’s just agree that boring wasn’t written into the architectural specifications when it came to bookshelves at this phenomenal work of art. Instead, they had to play off of the use of light since it’s a critical design element of the award-winning building design.
To do that, the static shelving systems throughout the library are decked out with translucent acrylic materials to make the most of natural light that shines through the building’s glass envelope. The acrylic end panels and canopy tops create an especially stunning effect when natural light is combined with custom overhead lighting on each shelving unit. The cutting-edge, upbeat look and feel is also captured from all angles, including upper levels of the facility.
Just be sure you’ve got quick access to your psychotherapist ’cause these bookshelves are crazy, man, crazy.
Mike Grennier - Storage Enthusiast
The business value of Building Information Modeling (BIM) was recently placed under the microscope by McGraw-Hill Construction, with their findings detailed in a 52 page SmartMarket Report published in 2009. You can get the full report in the BIM Special Section of their website, or you can continue reading below as I try to summarize some of the highlights:
Three BIM tidbits immediately jump out of their report:
- Almost 50% of the industry is now using BIM
- All BIM users plan significant increases in their use
- Majority are experiencing business benefits directly attributable to BIM
This should catch the attention of those that may be skeptical about the BIM paradigm shift, and/or answers to those asking the questions about who is using BIM and whether or not they are receiving any real business value from their investments. This information does not show that trend is simply upward; it shows that the trend is on a rocket ship! The full use and acceptance of BIM is on track to become an industry standard in HALF the time it took AutoCAD.
Additional findings point to the facts that companies are reaping higher ROI on their BIM investments, even during the lean economic times:
- Two-thirds of BIM users see positive ROI on their investment
- 93% of BIM users believe there is potential to gain more value in the future.
BIM is also being seen as a way to get a leg up on the competition:
- Half of the users are offering new BIM services to their clients
- Two-thirds say BIM is providing the ability to maintain repeat business
The caveat of BIM comes in the form of productivity improvements gained through the efficiencies it provides; primarily from clash detection, resulting in a reduction of errors and change orders.
The themes of productivity and profitability are taking shape in the BIM business case.
Spacesaver has embraced the BIM movement, and has created Revit models for the BIM process.
You can download and take advantage of the Spacesaver Revit families for several products. Visit the Spacesaver Design Center, for your Revit needs!
Storage Solved!
Ronald Chisholm, P.E. - Storage Specialist
McGraw Hill Contruction, 2010: www.bim.construction.com "Who's using BIM, and Where Are They Getting the Real Business Value?"
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The United States Armed Forces is clearly the “LeBron James” of worldwide military forces. LeBron made an interesting and debatable decision recently. He chose to give up a considerable amount of money to team up with two of the strongest, most talented players in the NBA.
When you boil it down, LeBron made a business decision; a carefully calculated business decision. Military personnel make similar business decisions (as well a highly strategic, tactical and operational) decisions all the time. Wouldn’t you feel better about making a business decision that offered you two All-Star teammates, as well?
When you select a partner to supply storage solutions for your military operations, be sure to evaluate the entire team you are selecting to be a part of. Sure, everyone calls themselves the “leaders” and will claim to be “All-Stars”, but when it comes time to perform will they be the “teammates” they claimed they would be?
The question that looms the airways for sports radio talk shows is still, “Did LeBron do the right thing?”
If you can't see the video, click here.
Simple - Yes and No. (OK, not so simple but let me explain).
LeBron did the right thing by surrounding himself with the best talent. LeBron, Wade and Bosh could go down as the most powerful sports trio of all time. They could be mentioned in the same conversations as Troy Aikman, Michael Ervin and Emmit Smith; or Lou Gehrig, Earle Combes, & Babe Ruth; and even James Worthy, Magic Johnson, & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It’s not hard to believe how teaming with the best can lead teams and organizations to elite levels.
So, what’s the perfect trio in storage?
First, it starts with you – the customer and end-user. Your input to the team is critical in the outcome of the project. You know your operations and processes better than anyone. You are not just buying a shelf, cabinet or weapon rack; you are determining how efficiently you want your business to run.
Next is your local Spacesaver dealer – true storage experts. Not sure who that is? Simply click this link to find out. They would love to join your team. And once they join, they aren’t going anywhere. No trades or free agency here. From the initial space consultation (free of charge) to installation and beyond they will be right behind you every step of the way to ensure you are completely satisfied with your Spacesaver storage systems.
And lastly is Spacesaver – the manufacturer. We listen to your needs and storage issues and translate that into innovative storage solutions that the three of us can apply to your business and win the war on storage and give you the space you need to accomplish your objectives.
So where did King James go wrong? Because he turned this decision into the overblown media frenzy with a 1-hour, prime-time television special on ESPN, he spoiled many of the relationships he had in Cleveland and perhaps farther. Relationships aren’t just important for a team, or a season, or a project; they are important aspects of life.
Spacesaver would not be company we are today if we did not create and retain the great relationships we have with our customers and our local dealer network. We are continually working on making them stronger and stronger. And as we do, our teams (with you) will become stronger and stronger. From our engineers, to our storage consultants all the way up to our executive team, these relationships exist and continue to help us help you.
So when seeking storage solutions that best match the objectives of your mission, be sure to team with the best. The last thing you want is anyone asking if you did the right thing.
Video provided by NBAChrisPaul on YouTube.
Brad Tusing - Storage Specialist
The Chargers Get Organized in San Antonio
Do you remember the school locker rooms of yesteryear? I do, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed (and jealous) right now as I walk through the athletics facility at Winston Churchill High School in San Antonio, TX.
Yes, I said F-A-C-I-L-I-T-Y… These are educators serious about sports, and serious about keeping things organized, all-the-while pumping up the moral of the student body. Like as serious as individual sport “cages” where uniforms and accessories get stored in, you guessed it, Spacesaver Mobile Storage Systems. A storage system specifically designed for this facility and it's use.
Not just focusing on the football program, the kids in here are getting ready for other sports like Tennis, Baseball, Basketball and Gymnastics – and those programs have their own space to keep their stuff! All the gear - the uniforms, bats, balls, rackets, helmets, pads, supplies, trophies, endorsement deals, pro contracts…. Wait, maybe not those last few – but all the rest for sure.
Then of course, there’s the Football team’s equipment storage; custom end-panel graphics, just like in the individual sport cages, along with custom shelving and bins to accommodate EXACTLY what they store; the helmets are dry because they’re on racks to keep them that way, the pads are organized because they’re in suctom cubbies to keep them that way, the cleats and shoes are in bins and boxes – because they stay organized that way – these systems were custom built to accommodate this facility and it’s commitment to athletics.
So now you’re thinking, “man, they sure have a lot of storage in this place” – well, sure they do – but it doesn’t take up half as much space as standard sports equipment storage – and that means more space for the important stuff like playing fields, courts, stadiums and most importantly - students.
I know, I know – “they tend to do things bigger in Texas” and all that – but in this case, “they’re doing it in a smaller footprint and with more organization than ever”.
O.K. so it doesn’t roll off the tongue, but it works for me - and it works for the Churchill High School Chargers.
David Potter - Storage Specialist
Interested in learning more about Spacesaver's athletic storage solutions? Take a look at our downloadable Athletic Storage Lookbook. See how K-12, colleges, universities and PRO teams are storing their athletic storage with Spacesaver. Click here.