Ordinarily, function is the sole consideration in the design of an industrial mezzanine. That’s what makes the pair of free-standing mezzanine structures in Waikoloa, Hawaii, so special. Constructed for the West Hawaii Sewer Company in the summer 2009, these two units go above and beyond in terms of appearance…and their good looks were achieved with little more than a splash of color.

Both mezzanines were designed and manufactured by Panel Built Inc. of Blairsville, GA. The smaller unit is 17’-3” x 24’ with a 12’ clear height. Its columns are 7” x 7” x ¼” tubular steel, supporting a maximum load of 26,235 lbs. The larger structure measures 51’ x 41’ and has a 15’ clear height. Utilizing 10” x 12” columns, it carries a maximum load of 54,350 lbs. Sitting atop the bigger mezzanine’s deck are a pair of small, aluminum-sandwich-panel-clad modular buildings, also designed and built by Panel Built Inc. Similar in size and style, one of the buildings is used as a Motor Control Center while the other serves as a Control Room/Plant Office.

WSI International, LLC, of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, was the general contractor on both projects. Erection services were handled by Kona Kau Construction Services & Supplies Inc. of Kailua-Kona, and Dorvin D. Leis Co. of Kahului. The smaller one was built first. With a construction schedule lasting approximately five weeks, it was completed in June. The larger unit took eight weeks to assemble. It was completed in August.

The colorful mezzanines have Royal Blue beams and joists, Fire Engine Red columns and Safety Yellow railings. The railing color was a standard safety-related pick but the other two colors were based on customer preference, given the option by Panel Built. All of the painted components feature factory applied powder coat finishes. Used in conjunction with them was galvanized steel decking and molded fiberglass floor grating. The latter was produced by McNichols Co. of Tampa, FL.