We were hired by UPM – Forestal Oriental to carry out the Detailed Design and Construction Management of two new and important forest nurseries: one for Research and Development in Paysandú, and the other for Production in Durazno, with an estimated capacity of 15 million seedlings per year.

We provided technical assistance from the initial stages, participating in the development of the preliminary design, the engineering definitions and the estimation of the construction budget. Our work was divided into two main phases:

Stage 1: Basic design and detail engineering

• Infrastructure and buildings: We designed a total of 6,300 m² of buildings, including offices, sheds, substation and irrigation house, with their corresponding architecture, structures, sanitary and electrical (HVAC). We also designed the soil movements, internal roads and accesses.
• Production systems: We designed the greenhouse structures, which covered 35,000 m² of gothic type and 16,000 m² of retractable roof. We also designed the concrete beds, the system of rolling tables and rails for seedling transportation.
• Facilities and services: We were in charge of the design of the irrigation water system (including recirculation and intake from a stream), the climate control system with hot water heating, and all utility networks such as potable water, sanitation and electrical distribution.

Stage 2: Construction management

• Manage procurement and contracting, from the preparation of specifications to support in the negotiation of contracts.
• Coordinate and supervise all works on site, performing physical and schedule control.
• Ensure quality control during execution.
• Manage project documentation and closeout of all engagements.

This project represents a decisive step in the sustainable development of the forestry sector in Uruguay.