Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital Interiors Build-Out
Houston              
Best Project & Excellence in Safety Award of Merit

Owner: Memorial Hermann Health System
Lead Design Firm: Philo Wilke Partnership
General Contractor: Austin Commercial
MEP Engineer: Wylie Consultants
Electrical: Walker Engineering
Finishes: Southeast Drywall
Plumbing: Humphrey Co.
Fire Suppression: FLSA
Mechanical: Brandt Cos. LLC

This $61.76-million project built out the interior of a 326,000-sq-ft, dark-shell hospital facility. The new space accommodates 80 patient beds, eight operating rooms, a birthing unit, an MRI/CT imaging department, emergency department, food services, central processing and support spaces. The designs provide for additional shell space and growth zones that will allow the bed count to expand to 435.

The mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were not included with the shell build-out, so the team installed all major MEP equipment without provisions for transferring the bulky equipment into the building. All mechanical equipment, including associated ductwork and piping, had to be uninstalled and transported through double doors or a louver opening. Cranes were required on multiple occasions for the equipment transport. The limited access demanded teamwork and planning to accomplish the work on a fast-track schedule.

The team implemented a zero-tolerance policy that resulted in the immediate discharge of anyone found to be working unsafely. Weekly sitewide safety meetings and training, along with a daily pretask planning process, among other strategies, helped the team achieve 598,100 man-hours with zero recordables and zero lost-time injuries.

Although the schedule was aggressive, the project was completed in 12 months from the start of overhead work to the health-department inspection.

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