OVER 3 DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

Problem
This was renovations and additions to a vintage middle school building with structural upgrades and complete replacement of MEP systems. The building was old enough that it did not have air conditioning or modern IT infrastructure, or adequate space for either of those systems. As-built information was aged and incomplete, and existing conditions above ceilings and below floors were not known until demolition was under way. A way had to be found to accommodate students during the construction period. The project had to meet a specific budget as determined by the bond issue that funded it.

Electrically, new systems included a utility power service, power distribution systems including an emergency standby power system, site and building lighting and control systems, IT backbone infrastructure with new a MDF for the entire campus; intercom, paging, clock and mass notification system, integrated intrusion detection, access control and video surveillance systems, and a fire detection and alarm system.

Mechanically, new systems included a staged central boiler plant, a central chiller plant, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, ductwork and piping, a direct digital control system, a fire sprinkler system, and all new plumbing.

Solution
This required detailed coordination with the design team at early design levels to establish space requirements for equipment rooms, equipment areas and pathways through the building for utilities. Since most of these systems were not present in the original building, this represented a lot of real estate to be carved out of existing space, or added outside the building.

We provided design narratives, drawings, and specifications throughout the design process to be used by Contractors and estimators for pricing on a running basis, to make sure that the design directions did not run over budget. We participated in construction cost reviews at several stages.

During the end stages of design and beginning stages of construction we provided a lot of on-site presence to review existing conditions as they were revealed. Conditions were often contrary to record documents, and we had to adapt our designs to work within or around limited spaces or, if necessary, relocate equipment and utilities onto the roof. 

To accommodate students and staff during construction, we designed separate site power, IT, communications and fire alarm services for temporary classroom, restroom and office buildings.

Results
The project was constructed with no unusual impacts on schedule and budget, considering the number of unknown conditions in the existing building. We managed to offset the impact of unknown conditions by producing thoroughly complete design documents in the first place, and by being available and agile enough to address field conditions in a timely manner.