San Diego University completes high-tech, green academic complex

March 7, 2014
California-based builder, C.W. Driver, did the work on the $73 million job, which consisted of a 100,000-square-foot renovation and a 30,000-square-foot expansion of the existing complex built in 1957.

San Diego University recently completed construction of an upgraded classroom and lecture facility, the Storm and Nasatir Halls complex, which features a range of technological and sustainable building advances.

California-based builder, C.W. Driver, did the work on the $73 million job, which consisted of a 100,000-square-foot renovation and a 30,000-square-foot expansion of the existing complex built in 1957, according to a press release.

“A project of this scope has capitalized on C.W. Driver’s higher education construction expertise to create a state-of-the-art facility,” Hank Withaar, project executive at C.W. Driver said. 

The new complex features upgraded technologies for eight academic departments, faculty offices, and academic and research laboratories. “The renovations to the older buildings also allow the campus to employ technologies and resources that will stand the test of time,” Withaar said.

The complex was designed by LPA Inc. and registered as LEED Gold.  In order to achieve this status, the builders implemented construction site recycling and waste management, utilization of recycled materials, enhanced commissioning, and water-efficient plumbing and landscaping. The building’s energy efficiency was also enhanced with new lighting and ceiling systems were constructed with energy-efficient glazing systems.  University officials expect that these sustainable upgrades will save the school millions of dollars in deferred and ongoing maintenance.

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