Par-Kut Security Buildings Protect the Academy

Posted on April 29, 2013 by shanek7@

Par-Kut International, Inc. was contacted by the security contractor for one of the military’s top academies to design, construct and deliver two complimentary high level ballistically protected security buildings. The new guard booth would have to blend in with site architecture as well as provide a high degree of protection for the security officers as this location is subject to regular and non scheduled security alerts. So the course was set for the security booth design to follow a colonial style of architecture while utilizing the safety of maximum security armored steel and bullet resistant glass.

Blending these design features into factory assembled security booths was nothing new for Par-Kut. The Michigan based firm specializes in built to order portable steel buildings and works with each customer on a site specific design to bet meet locational requirements. The Par-Kut Presidential Series provided the colonial style the site architect was interested in and that was further enhanced with a two tone paint scheme and the addition of limestone panels beneath the window line. Ballistically speaking, the guard booths were “armored up” with hardened steel plate in the walls, roof and doors, while all the windows were glazed with tinted, laminated bullet resistant glass matching the level of protection specified for the facility. All this was done within the confines of Par-kut’s 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility where all activities are completed prior to the security buildings being shipped out to the job site via flat bed truck.

During the initial stages of their process, Par-Kut prepares approval drawings which allow the owner and their design professionals and installing contractors to verify all their specifications are being met and coordinate other details such as locations for utility entrances, placement of doors, countertop arrangements and electrical items. Only after the owner’s representative signs and returns the approval drawings to Par-Kut, marked Approved for Fabrication, or, Approved as Noted, will procurement and production activity commence. This type of attention to detail illustrates the Par-Kut commitment to quality and has been the firm’s trademark since 1954. This military training academy went to Par-Kut for multiple bullet resistant security buildings, one large and one small. Fully equipped with heat, cooling, lighting and outfitted in protective bullet resistant materials, the guard booths were delivered and crane offloaded and put into service the same day.

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Climate Control for your Par-Kut Guardhouse

Posted on April 29, 2013 by shanek7@

Keeping the weather out and the security officer comfortable and alert is one of the primary functions of a portable security guardhouse. A factory assembled guard house from Par-Kut International is fully insulated in the walls and the roof with energy saving fiberglass. The standard Par-Kut guard enclosure or bullet resistant guardhouse includes a fan forced, thermostatically controlled electric heater. For larger security buildings and colder climates, the factory recommends the upgraded 4KW heater. For other even larger guard houses and security booths, a pair of the 4KW heaters can be used. Or, a combination of stand alone heaters and HVAC units can be installed. For example, in a guard booth that requires frequently open doors and windows, a stand alone fan force or baseboard heater can be located to provide spot comfort, in addition to the whole building HVAC system.

For smaller security guardhouses, through wall air conditioners and roof top, RV type a/c units are popular and convenient. The Par-Kut factory completely installs the air conditioners. Roof top units include the proper curb and through wall units have the properly framed opening. All electrical devices and HVAC systems are wired in accordance with the National Electric Code. Other air conditioner types include split pack systems which feature an indoor blower unit tethered to an outdoor condenser and much larger commercial roof top units that range in outputs from 24,000 BTU’s and up. Environments that are categorized as needing hazardous location electrical (oil refineries, for example) will require specialized “explosion proof air conditioners” and “explosion proof heaters”. Guardhouses in high traffic areas can also include fresh air intake fans, or exhaust fans to assure air quality.

Additional insulation in the walls and roof, and under the floor will improve the energy efficiency and comfort level in a guard house. A thermal break floor such as plywood and rubber tile over the standard steel plate subfloor also increases occupant comfort. Upgrading standard single thickness glass to insulated (dual pane) is one of the quickest ways to better the thermal characteristics of your security building. For summer time shading from the heat of the sun, increasing the roof overhang (canopy) is another climate control method.

Discuss your next guard building’s climate control needs with the sales and design staff at Par-Kut International when you request your next budgeting proposal and specification.

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Booth Painting Options

Posted on April 29, 2013 by shanek7@

For superior appearance and longevity, Par-Kut International provides each galvanized portable steel building it creates with a paint finish applied by our professional staff. The most basic, default paint finish provided is DuPont Imron polyurethane, which is better than many competitor’s upgraded exterior paint. Additionally, Par-Kut offers more than 50 standard colors in their regular palette. If there is a special color that you or your architect wants applied on your guardhouse, Par-Kut can easily match just about any solid color. If your tastes are for something a little more special, your Par-Kut guardhouse or security building can include multi – color paint, stripes, factory applied graphics and even metallic colors. Alternately, a guardhouse from Par-Kut can have one color on the body of the booth, another on the window frames and yet another on the roof.

The high build finish coat of paint on a factory assembled Par-Kut building is guaranteed to satisfy the need for a quality product whenever a security booth or guard shelter is required. For durability, it is important to remember that the paint goes over a welded single structure that features flow coat galvanized steel tube frame and galvanealed steel wall, roof and ceiling panels. The zinc rich coatings on the skeleton, walls and roof of the building provide for superior paint adhesion and are self- healing in the event of an abrasion.

Whatever color or colors are desired on your guard house, trust Par-Kut to apply the finish in a professional manner that will provide a durable and attractive finish.

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Security Booth Vision

Posted on March 21, 2013 by shanek7@

What’s your Security Booth Vision?

Maximum visibility and 360 degree views are critical to the purpose of a security booth, security building, guard house or guard booth. Factory assembled Par-Kut brand guard houses include windows in all four sides. Standard security booths from Par-Kut afford the maximum view available in a portable building due to the tubular steel frame. A built-to-order Par-Kut guardhouse can include as much, or as little glass as you wish.

Enhancements to visibility can be seen in multiple security booth designs. For example, a solar tint can be included and will reduce glare and eye fatigue for the officers manning the post. If the guardhouse is elevated, the windows can be fabricated such that the top is tilted or angle out, which will allow for downward viewing. Likewise, Par-Kut has built guardhouses with windows in the roof and in the floor! Windows with lower bottom sills are also available to allow better visibility for people seated. Additionally, the entire guardhouse can be on a tower or platform to increase field of view.

Vision for Security

The shape of a guardhouse can also be modified to suit a particular location, including a window up high in a restroom wall to allow for a line of sight that allows officers time to anticipate arrival of vehicles or pedestrians. The restroom window, or other “occasional” windows, are generally covered with a blind or shutter or are glazed with one way glass for privacy when required.

While on the subject of glass, insulated glass helps keep windows clear of condensate while helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the booth. Climate and location can also require storm or hurricane resistant (laminated) glass and high level security locations can be upgraded with bullet resistant glass. The various types of glass allow a full field of vision and provide safety and comfort for the officers manning the guardhouse.

security booth

security booth with windows flank restroom

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Toll Booth Features and Popular Options

Posted on March 1, 2013 by shanek7@
security building

toll booth

When specifying a toll booth for collection of money, there are some important considerations. For starters, is the location going to require 24/7 staffing? If so, you may need to include a restroom facility in one of the toll booths at your plaza unless there is already one close by. Also, if it is a full time operation, there should be some thoughts to additional creature comfort items such as anti fatigue mat flooring, adjustable height shelving, ventilation and/or a positive pressure air handling system. A security concern for ‘round the clock operations may call for bullet resistant construction and special cash handling features such as transaction drawers and floor safes.

The outward appearance of the Par-Kut toll booth can be plain or architecturally enhanced. However, the built in features will always include a rugged and safe welded steel frame, insulated walls and roof, tempered safety glass windows, solid welded steel rain proof roof, built in countertop with drawer, factory installed electrical system per the National Electrical Code, and polyurethane finish paint in color of choice. In the simplest toll booth scenario, such as parking at a special event, the attendant simply works out of the open door. For scenarios with less frequent transactions and for colder climates, a sliding window that can be opened only as needed is typical.

High end toll booths will incorporate motor assisted adjustable height countertops, multiple empty conduit raceways or channels for integrators’ use during installation, built in drainage for melting snow and ice, stainless steel or plastic laminate counters and cabinets, Low E energy efficient tinted glass, window shades and more. Toll booths can also be modified with exterior lighting to assist with night time transactions and camera preps for security.

Par-Kut toll booths are regularly engineered for coastal wind zones, hurricane prone areas and also for seismic activity. Contact the factory with your particulars to obtain a proposal for the factory assembled toll booth that you need for your facilities soon.

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Bi-Level Security Building

Posted on February 28, 2013 by shanek7@

Pre-Built & Fully Equipped Guard Stations & Inspection Booths

Par-Kut International portable steel buildings are welded galvanized steel construction and withstand years of physical and environmental abuse. Our bi-level inspection security building / security booth is a unique design featuring an internal stairway and upper and lower inspection stations for security officers to interview both truck drivers and passenger car drivers.

security building

Security Buildings

Standard features and options for our bi-level security buildings include sliding windows and doors, built in wiring raceways, climate control, specific task level lighting, 360 degree windows, insulated double steel panel construction, and crane lift-ability for ease in installation and possible future moves.

security building

Security Buildings

Bullet resistant construction, enhanced architectural designs, built in restrooms, special exterior and interior lighting, stainless steel countertops, anti fatigue flooring, UPS systems, and custom shape and movable counters, window shades and tinted glass are some of the construction options offered to provide additional safety and comfort for security personnel.

security building

Security Buildings

In addition to the built to order units described above, many attractive designs and sizes are available with some standard models in stock.

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Control Booths

Posted on January 12, 2013 by shanek7@

Par-Kut portable steel buildings are the most durable and well built control booths available to the market. Solid, single unit welded steel Par-Kut control boothsand enclosures house employees and sensitive equipment in all types of locations around the world!. Whether the need is to control access, control an operation, control traffic flow or simply maintain control of a temporary entrance at a construction gate, a PAR-KUT booth can meet your needs.

control booth

Control Booth Photo Compliments of Twinkle Co.

Applications include industrial loading racks, process control pulpits, dredge and crusher cabs, refinery testing cabs, and loading dock or visitor gate security officer shelters. Windows can be glazed with impact resistant plastic glazing to protect from flying debris from shredding or crushing operations and can also be sloped for downward viewing of operations.

control booth

Par-Kut Control Booth

Durable control booth buildings from Par-Kut International provide relief from the elements for employees and have a solid reputation for long service life in just about all types of businesses. Sound deadening options are available for extremely noisy areas. For secure storage, Par-Kut offers custom cabinets and shelving configurations. Electrical options in control booth units include explosion proof electrical devices, positive pressurization, additional outlets, as well as the creature comforts of heating and cooling. Additionally, Par-Kut builds shelters for machinery, equipment and industrial inventory.

Control Booth Resources: parking booth | parking control | safety control

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Toll Booth Blog

Posted on January 5, 2013 by shanek7@
Toll Booth

Toll Booth

Here is a toll booth blog article from Par-Kut International. Toll booths designed specifically for efficiency, durability and operator comfort and safety are the number one concern for Par-Kut International, Inc. Since 1954, Par-Kut has been manufacturing portable steel buildings for revenue collection and can be found in thousands of locations across the country. Bridges, tunnels, airports, parking facilities, recreational parks, stadiums and arenas all use Par-Kut toll booths.

Whether your need is for a single point revenue collection booth, a multiple booths at a toll plaza, or an exit or entrance at a parking lot or garage, Par-Kut buildings will meet your needs. From the most basic, standard PAR-KUT booth, to the glass to glass corner PARVUE model, to the curved designs of the CENTRY and CURVUE brands, and up to the colonial style PRESIDENTIAL model, there is a style and size of toll booth guaranteed to meet your budget, style and locational requirements.

All Par-Kut buildings are of single unit welded galvanized steel construction and are factory finished in customer choice of color and have factory installed doors, windows and electrical systems. For collection of tolls or parking fees, a booth can include transaction windows, Dutch doors, floor safes, money drawers, bullet resistant glass, exterior lighting, revenue control wiring raceways, preps for cameras, etc.

Share your needs with the Par-Kut factory to develop the specifications and layout for the best booth for your particular project. The Par-Kut sales team will work with you to determine what is required for your location and can provide assistance when it comes time for obtaining building permits.

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Prefab Office and Prefabricated Office Applications

Posted on December 23, 2012 by shanek7@
in plant office

Par-Kut In Plant Office PSO-003

Par-Kut International Inc. produces built-to-order portable steel buildings that serve as a prefabricated office , known as prefab office or  in plant office in many industrial duty locations. The prefabricated office unit can be a simple lunch room, conference room, or simply an environmentally controlled quiet area or break room for employees. Sound deadening features can be included in the Par-Kut modular in plant office for further relief from noisy plant environments.

prefab office

Pa-Kut prefab office

The prefab office designs from Par-Kut can include custom window and wall configurations, including floor to ceiling glass, curved or angled walls for improved sight lines on operations and even cut outs in the floor to allow for mounting controls or instruments to monitor nearby processing and quality control. A Par-Kut prefabricated office can always be lifted with a fork truck or crane and can be further modified for permanent mounting on an elevated platform or suspension from overhead.

Control points and scale operations can be easily facilitated with a heated and cooled Par-Kut modular in plant office. All factory installed electrical devices, including HVAC, lights, outlets, and circuit breaker panel are all provided in accordance with the National Electric Code and are located to satisfy code and customer requirements.

prefabricated office

Par-Kut prefabricated office

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Energy Saving Guard House

Posted on December 18, 2012 by shanek7@
Guard House with a 4KW heater

Guard House with a 4KW heater with optional Vandal guard

Securing facilities in places with changing weather conditions requires a climate controlled guard house, guard booth, guard shack or guardhouse. You can purchase your next security building with specific energy saving options which enable you to minimize costs associated with seasonal heating and cooling bills.

While even the most basic Par-Kut Guardhouses include 2” insulated walls and a 4” insulated roof, those areas can be beefed up by specifying extra insulation or a specific R factor during the sales process. However, unless you are to upgrade the glass in your security building to insulated (dual pane), if may not be worth the investment in thicker insulation. There are many energy saving options with glass these days. From basic tinted, to insulated, to tinted Low E insulated; there are options to suit both energy and architectural needs. Furthermore, many building jurisdictions actually require energy efficiencies that can only be achieved with the use of these high tech glazing options.

air conditioner heater in a Par-Kut guard shack

thru-wall combination air conditioner heater

In regard to the floor of your security building, you can specify an insulated base and/or add plywood over the steel subfloor. Perhaps add rubber tile, which also can reduce foot fatigue for your officers if they spend a lot of time on their feet. If you elect to stay with the standard tread plate floor you can self install anti-fatigue mats, or have these added to your security booth at the Par-Kut factory.

Par-Kut’s standard sliding steel doors are insulated. If sliding windows are required for transactions, checking ID’s, etc., you can upgrade to insulated glass for those sliding windows and then eliminate any non essential sliders to cut down on possible drafts. In older guardhouses, the weather strip and caulking around doors and windows should be checked annually.

The federal government is pressuring States to update their energy codes. Energy codes are part of building regulation and Building regulations are issued by the state. The Model International Energy Efficiency Codes (IECC) limit the amount of power that can be consumed in lighting fixtures. This means LED or high efficiency fluorescent lamps are required. Heating and Cooling equipment is also subject to power use limitations, requiring most equipment to have energy efficiency ratings (EER). Electric unit heaters are essentially 100 efficient since they have miminal losses in converting power to heat.

Your security building can be built with upgrades for energy efficiency simply and professionally by the booth builders at Par-Kut. Whether you need to upgrade to meet local building code requirements, achieve or exceed state level requirements, or you wish to provide a more comfortable environment for your employees, Par-Kut can make the necessary modifications and provide it for you.

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