Award of Merit: Higher Education/Research
This $17.7-million project renovated and expanded New London Hall, the oldest building on the Connecticut College campus, creating a new graduate-level science facility with collaborative space for teaching and research. The project included gut renovation of the four-story, 26,000-sq-ft structure and construction of a 10,000-sq-ft, four-story addition.
Design and construction were completed in 26 months, which had been compressed from an original 44-month schedule. The project team credits this achievement to the ability of the construction staff and subcontractors to work collaboratively. A Formal Partnering Program meeting committed the owner, architect, constructor, trade contractors and vendors to a pro-active, problem-solving culture, according to the submitter's entry form.
During partnering meetings, contractors recognized a "champion of the week," and all team members were given team shirts. The team used a secure-access project website for information sharing, including submittals, RFIs and other documents. Working together, the team overcame substantial complications.
The structure harnesses heating and cooling power from 45 geothermal wells, providing 100% of the building's needs. New London Hall was originally planned for LEED-Silver certification, but the team was able to achieve Gold certification.
Connecticut College, New London Hall Life Science Building, New London, Conn.
Key Players
Owner Connecticut College
Construction Manager-At-Risk KBE Building Corp.
Lead Designer Payette
