Challenge

A global coloring company located in the Midwest retained Valdes Architecture & Engineering (Valdes) to provide architecture, engineering, and advisory services for the conversion of an existing warehouse into a regulated production facility. In addition to ISO-8 production areas, temperature-controlled storage, and product receiving/shipping functions, the client required dedicated cooler and freezer storage for 55-gallon drums containing various liquid and powder food ingredients. To safeguard this storage environment and ensure compliance with governing codes and standards, Valdes designed and specified a fire protection system tailored for low-temperature applications.

Solution

Valdes engineered a sprinkler system suitable for freezer conditions with interior temperatures ranging from 1–9°F. The design incorporated the requirements of the 2019 Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, 2015 International Building Code (with Wisconsin amendments), and adopted provisions of the 2015 International Fire Code. In addition, system design followed NFPA 1 (2012), NFPA 13 (2013), NFPA 20 (2013), and NFPA 72 (2013). Valdes evaluated hydraulic demands, freeze protection strategies, and integration with the building’s fire alarm and signaling systems. System modifications were coordinated with facility utilities and structural elements to maintain operability in subfreezing conditions while preserving compliance with FDA and USDA requirements for food safety.

Impact

By applying code-driven analysis and engineering expertise, Valdes delivered a compliant, reliable fire protection solution that minimized risk in critical freezer and cooler environments. The integration of NFPA- and Wisconsin-adopted standards into the design ensured constructability, streamlined permitting, and long-term operational reliability. This proactive approach reduced project cost exposure while safeguarding both personnel and stored product inventory.

Services

Structural

Mechanical

Electrical

Piping & Plant Layout