Construction was encumbered by unusually wet fall and winter seasons. Consequently, a value engineering item for utilizing in-situ fill material could not be accomplished. Approximately six feet of imported stone materials were necessary to elevate the building above the surrounding grade to keep construction progressing timely. Foundations were pushed back until early November. National Discharge Pollutant Discharge System erosion and sediment control measures were hampered by the weather. Storm discharge from the site was rerouted into a new retention/percolation pond hampered by saturated soils. Surrounding egress to the facility required improvements to PADOT roadways, including relocation of gas and water lines.
Butz implemented a phased method of enclosing and completing areas of the building enabling air-conditioning and dehumidification systems to dry the building out. The project was completed on schedule including the planned beneficial occupancy to permit DeSales to progress with developing their IT technology infrastructure and academic fit-up.
Grant requirements to obtain $7M of funding required extra efforts from the Owner, CM and subcontractors. Funding releases were obtained timely due to those efforts.
The project required a high level of fit and finish, including the use of lots of millwork and wood work, terrazzo and ceramic tile finishes.
The sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems provided comfort control and energy savings, via a ducted VAV system utilizing rooftop energy recovery air handlers, DX cooling and a high-efficiency boiler. BAS, lighting controls and daylight harvesting were also incorporated.
Mechanical, plumbing, sprinkler and electrical coordination were accomplished by the mechanical contractor via CAD.
LEED construction guidelines including commissioning requirements were met. LEED Silver Certification is pending.
State of the art technology was incorporated for information technology, audio visual systems and medical training purposes. All key medical training areas including the Anatomy area are monitored remotely via high resolution cameras.
Web based submittal exchange software was utilized to expeditiously move the submittal and coordination process along. While BIM was not used, the mechanical contractor utilized 3D structural steel modeling software to develop the coordination documents and prevent and resolve conflicts with ducts, piping, sprinkler and electrical systems.
Gambet is a complex, state-of-the-art, facility that was designed to be a very effective and efficient structure in terms of space utilization and energy/natural resource consumption. We anticipate that LEED Silver certification will be achieved.
The Project was constructed on time and on budget and is built to a high standard of quality. It was a pleasure working with the professionals of the Butz company over the past 2 1/2 years on this Project. The Butz team was very effective in collaborating with the University in order to achieve superior results in a most cost effective and efficient manner while keeping the Project on schedule.
This Project, including technology and furniture components, required thirty-six bid packages. The quality of construction and attention to detail is immediately apparent upon entering the facility, and is a testament to the high quality of construction management and skills involved with the Project.
Robert J. Snyder, CPA
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE
DeSales University