How do you build a modern office on unstable clay soil? That was the challenge Devco brought to Scott Builders in Grande Prairie—and one we solved through smart engineering and early collaboration.
Their vision: a three-story, 36,660 sq. ft. workspace with contemporary features and a bold curved roof. The result: a striking, functional building delivered on time, on budget, and built to last.
Every construction project brings its own complexities—and Devco Building 5 was no exception. The 2.6-acre site presented the region’s characteristic clay soil, demanding a thoughtful structural strategy to ensure long-term stability.
Meanwhile, the design—led by Devco and Fuse Architecture + Design—called for modern architectural details, including a curved roofline and specialized finishes. Coordinating the materials and sequencing to meet these high design standards required precise planning at every step.
This project’s success began with a smart decision: Devco brought us in early under a CCDC #5 construction management contract. That gave us the opportunity to offer constructability insights during design, streamlining execution without compromising vision.
To address the soil conditions, we implemented an innovative crawl space foundation. By building with a 2–3 foot space below the main floor, we allowed the clay to expand and contract naturally—without impacting the building structure.
“This allowed the soil to expand and contract naturally without impacting the structure.”
— Cliff Huber, Business Development Manager
Early collaboration with the design team meant we could coordinate every detail—from sourcing specialized materials to executing those signature curved elements that define the building’s modern character.
Devco Building 5 was completed in August 2015, delivering exactly what the client envisioned: a modern, functional workspace their team could take pride in. The 36,660 sq. ft. facility was completed just shy of the original budget, despite its complexity.
Most rewarding? Devco was so satisfied with the experience, they recommended us for their next major project: a $40M medical center. That kind of trust and repeat business is what we strive for on every build.
Today, Building 5 stands as a key feature of Grande Prairie’s commercial landscape—an example of how smart solutions, strong partnerships, and great planning deliver lasting value.
Devco Building 5 showcases what we love about construction management: turning challenges into innovation through early collaboration and open communication.
At Scott Builders, we believe great workplaces start with great partnerships. Whether you're tackling tough soil conditions, ambitious designs, or tight timelines, we’ll work with you to bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and built to last.
Ready to start planning your next workplace project?