Brown University has finished a two-phase infrastructure upgrade for its largest research facility on campus.
The upgrade to Barus & Holley Hall/Prince Laboratory Building included a new fire alarm system, modernized elevators and an updated heating and air-conditioning system. The capacity of the electrical and HVAC systems was increased to accommodate the demands of modern-day science and experimentation.
The building’s infrastructure had not been renovated since 1965.
The seven-story, 220,000-square-foot building, which is the home of the university’s engineering and physics department, includes 117 laboratories, 150 offices, 15 classrooms, 29 laboratory classrooms and three lecture halls.
The construction manager, Boston-based BOND, worked closely with the university and a design team that included Imai Keller Architects and WSP Group Engineers.
The Ivy League university used the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method for the project, a first for Brown, BOND and the design team members, according to a press release from BOND. This collaborative approach helped “optimize project results, minimize waste and maximize efficiencies,” according to the release.
A phasing plan and related sequencing/cutover protocols were developed, allowing more than 100 scientists to remain in place and continue their work.
Construction started in late December 2012 and took 240 days to complete.
