Scott Builders Creates a Flagship Building for the County

Scott Builders delivers an innovative and remote administrative building for the County of Forty Mile No. 8.

In the quiet, windswept prairie of Foremost, Alberta—forty minutes from the nearest gas station(they have a gas) and hours from a city—you'll now find one of the most striking municipal buildings in the province. Circular, full of character, and built to withstand southern Alberta's extremes, the new 12,000 sq. ft. The County of Forty Mile No. 8 administrative facility is more than an office. It's proof that great design and construction belong everywhere, not just in urban centers.

The Challenge: When Ambition Meets Reality

The County's vision came with a series of significant challenges that would test every aspect of Scott Builders' expertise:

Unique Circular Design

The building's fully circular design, centered on a curved council chamber, posed unique technical challenges. With no straight lines or right angles to work with, project teams had to meticulously adapt designs and workflows. From curved drywall and radiused brickwork to shadowed overhangs, every detail required creativity and precision. Site Superintendent Jeff Fox summed it up: "The geometry made every day unique—but I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Remote Location Logistics

The project site in Foremost was situated 40 minutes from the nearest gas station and miles away from key supply chains. This isolated location eliminated on-demand access to materials, tools, and resources, requiring extensive logistical planning and precision timing. A missed delivery or timing issue could jeopardize progress and compromise quality.

Operational Continuity Requirements

The existing county office remained fully operational throughout construction, requiring seamless integration between old and new buildings. Utilities and systems had to align without disrupting ongoing county services to the community—all while maintaining COVID protocols in tight quarters.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Pandemic-era supply chain disruptions created delays and forced teams to rethink traditional construction sequencing. Critical materials simply weren't available when planned, demanding innovation to maintain progress.

The Solution: Precision Planning Meets Creative Problem-Solving

Scott Builders tailored its approach to overcome these challenges by leveraging technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to collaboration:

Enhanced Pre-Planning and Coordination

Weekly scheduling meetings with subcontractors, consultants, and teams ensured every stage was mapped out in detail. This collaborative approach kept all stakeholders aligned on timeline and scope, particularly as supply chain challenges necessitated frequent adjustments. Every resource had to be planned days—or weeks—in advance.

Innovative Construction Techniques

For the curved design, Scott Builders employed wind-bearing steel stud construction with structural Q-deck, enabling precise on-site customization. This method accommodated the building's radiused elements while maintaining structural integrity.
To address extreme temperatures and high winds, the team implemented innovative measures such as sprinkler systems to keep concrete workable during heatwaves reaching 100°F. When extreme heat threatened to cure the concrete too fast, they deployed these on-site systems to maintain workability.

Adaptive Construction Sequencing

Material shortages required the team to adapt their approach, constructing sections out of traditional order when necessary. These strategic pivots ensured continuous progress even when core components were delayed—proving that flexibility is crucial during uncertain times.

Seamless Integration

The operational challenges of connecting new and existing structures were handled with precision. Critical systems like utilities and HVAC were interconnected without disrupting the County's day-to-day operations, despite tight quarters and operational restrictions.

Built for the Long Haul

• 12,000 sq. ft. wind-bearing steel stud construction, integrated with a structural Q-deck system
• Fully circular layout with comprehensive rain screen exterior
• Designed to handle southern Alberta's high winds and extreme temperatures
• Seamlessly connected to the existing government office for shared utility systems

Results That Matter

Despite the project's complexity and unprecedented challenges, Scott Builders delivered remarkable outcomes:

•  On-Budget Delivery:  7M project delivered within budget
• Timely Completion: Finished in 17 months (May 2021 – October 2022) despite logistical, weather, and supply chain challenges
• Architectural Impact: A circular-radius design with comprehensive rain screen exterior now stands as a striking municipal landmark
• Zero Operational Disruption: The existing county office remained fully functional throughout construction
• Client Satisfaction: The County expressed strong satisfaction with both the building's quality and Scott Builders' performance under pressure

A Statement That Stands Apart

Why put this much effort into a project few will ever drive past? Because the people who do see it—county residents, staff, council members—deserve a space that reflects their importance. Because good design and construction should show up everywhere.
The County of Forty Mile No. 8 office is now a local landmark, a testament to bold thinking and even bolder execution. It proves that when a client says, "Can we build something extraordinary—even out here?" Scott Builders answers, "Absolutely."
Ready to turn your vision into reality?  Contact Scott Builders.